Page 106

He took a swig of his liquor. “None.”

Bonita’s eyes brightened, her brows rising. “Well, since you got away from me on New Year’s Eve, why don’t you let me entertain you tonight?”

His gaze dropped over Bonita, taking note of her long shapely legs, and the sequined dress. On New Year’s Eve, she’d been dressed similarly. Either she had a thing for sequins, or she thought he did. Either way, his thoughts plunged.

Maybe, just maybe, being entertained by someone else was what he needed to get his mind off of Carla, for good. And even though it sounded like an idea, still, the loss he felt in his gut, the love that stirred his soul for Carla, attempted to change his mind.

“What did you have in mind?” his deep voice murmured.

“If you get rid of your company, I can show you.”

They stared at each other for a moment more, then he turned towards the room and whistled.

All eyes turned to him, and a few of his brothers took note of Bonita standing next to him.

“Clear the room.”

More congratulations were shouted at him as the room emptied. Jonas approached, apprehension in his gaze, as he gave his brother eye contact.

“Are you certain this is what you want to do?”

Jacob held his attention. “What am I doing?”

“Yeah, what is he doing?” Bonita interrupted.

Jonas glanced down at her. She reminded him of the type to have a video recording once she’d weaseled her way into a place where she didn’t belong. She would sell it to the highest bidder, whether that be a popular blog or the news.

“Can you excuse us for a minute?”

Bonita pursed her lips and touched Jacob’s arm.

“I’ll wait for you over there.” She pointed to the sofa area of the lounge, but she strutted to the DJ area. The VIP was equipped with its own surround sound in the case that the people occupying the space wanted to separate their music from the main club’s tunes.

Glancing back at his brother, Jonas spoke candidly. “If you’re in love with Carla, give her a chance to tell you her side of the story before you make a decision you might regret.”

“Her side of the story?” Jacob smiled, but there was no pleasure behind the grin. “Did you forget that I saw her at who was supposed to be her ex-boyfriend’s side?”

“I didn’t. But do you know why?”

Jacob was speechless for a minute. “You think a woman of sound mind would accompany him for…what, exactly?”

“That’s a question she can answer.”

Jacob sighed.

“Look,” Jonas said, “I understand that this may be all for nothing. However, if you’re in love with her—”

“Do you remember what I went through with Pamela?”

“Of course I do.”

“What about Nadine?”

Jonas nodded. “I remember.”

“So, what is this? Let’s call it what it is. I’m unlucky in love. Or, cursed to live my life alone or without someone who doesn’t love me as much as I love them.”

Jacob locked his jaw, the pain of those words slicing through his heart.