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A heavy sensation twists in my gut, a mix of jealousy and annoyance. I’m mad at myself for not stopping what happened between us, but damn, the heat we generated could’ve set this whole club ablaze. But what’s up with this watch? Does she already have a man?

“Isabella,” I mutter under my breath. She never mentioned a husband, but then again, we were too busy fucking to talk much. If she’s got a man, that’s going to complicate things—a lot. Not that they’re not already a grade-A clusterfuck.

A sharp knock on the door yanks me from the spiral of my thoughts.

“I’m coming in!” Vicki yells, pushing the door open.

“Hang on!” I slam it shut. “Gimme a second.”

Shit!

I quickly ditch the condom in the nearby trash can and hustle to get my clothes back on. I shove the watch deep into the pocket of my jeans. Can’t have it lying around as evidence of our little escapade.

My heart hammers against my ribs like a caged beast as I open the door. Vicki stands there, those green eyes sharpenedby suspicion, scanning me like she knows every secret I’ve ever kept. Does she know about Isabella and me? No way I’m asking her. Best to keep this interaction short and sweet.

“What’s up?” The words come out more rushed than I intend.

“Isabella.”

I brace myself for the storm that might follow, but she doesn’t say anything else. She just stands there giving me the evil eye. Even though she looks like a typical blonde bimbo, she’s anything but. The girl’s way smarter than she looks, so I’d better watch what I say.

“What about her?” I ask, playing dumb.

“She had to bounce. Wasn’t feeling too hot,” Vicki says, her voice laced with a mix of concern and accusation as she leans against the doorframe, her arms crossed over her chest. The neon light from the hallway casts a glow around her like some kind of interrogator’s halo.

“She left?” I try to keep my face neutral, but I’m sure some annoyance shows. I can’t believe she left without saying anything to me. Now I really wonder how much Vicki knows.

“My girl seemed fine before whatever went down in here with you,” she says, eyes narrowing. She’s too damn observant for her own good.

“Nothing happened,” I lie through my teeth. I want to shove my hands into my pockets, but the weight of Isabella’s watch against my thigh reminds me that it’s still there. Can’t risk drawing attention to it.

“Come on. You expect me to buy that?” Vicki challenges, stepping closer.

“Woman,” I snap, leaning in so we’re eye to eye. “Remember where you are.”

“What the fuck’s that supposed to mean?” She puts her hands on her hips and glares.

“Last time I checked, you were dancing atmyclub, so watch your mouth.”

“Or what?”

“Damn, woman! You’re lucky you’re Tank’s girl.”

“Oh, please.” She smirks, unbothered. “Even without Tank, you’d have hired me. I’m hot, and you know it.”

I can’t help but chuckle, breaking the tension for a split second. “Can’t comment on that. Tank would try to kick my ass, and we can’t be fighting about bitches.”

“I’m his girl, not his bitch.”

“He hasn’t claimed you yet,” I point out. I’m being a prick, but I can’t help it. She’d got me backed into a corner, literally, and I need to get the fuck out of it.

She flinches before shifting gears. “Give me Isabella’s watch and I won’t tell Tank about this.”

Damn. I pause, considering. Handing over the watch might get Vicki off my back, but something gnaws at me to keep it close. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. What watch?”

“An asshole and a liar,” she mutters.

“What the fuck did you just say?” I demand, stepping into her space.