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With command in his voice, he spoke. “Refunds, anyone?”

“No!”

“We just want to get into VIP!”

“This some bullshit, mayne,” someone else fussed.

Jacob smirked and looked at Mike. “Check their passes and let them in.” His gaze scoured the area. “Where’s Carla?”

“Who?”

Jacob turned a menacing eye to Mike.

“Oh, oh—I lost her during this commotion.”

Jacob cursed.

“I’m sorry, boss.”

“You had one job. Why didn’t you call Jerome and Troy over to help you if you needed it?”

“I didn’t need them.”

Jacob glowered at Mike, then strolled to the railing, glancing over the sea of people that danced and moved throughout the club below. His gaze landed on her, standing in front of the stage, dancing and pointing toward the group, making sure they had her attention.

A second passed when a guy in a black fedora sidled up behind Carla, tying her in his grasp. Jacob watched them closely, noticing Carla didn’t shake from his arms.

Jealousy hit him in the pit of his gut, and he cleared his throat and turned away from them, leading Mr. Davis and his crew to the third floor.

* * *

“Boy!”Carla let out a breath, taking her eye over her ex, Lennox Jenkins. “I thought you were someone else.” She shimmied out of his embrace. “What are you doing here?”

“Who did you think I was?”

“Not you. Now answer my question.”

“I’m here the same as everyone else, to not bring in the New Year alone.” An easy smile slipped across his face, “I have to admit I’m happy to see you here.”

“Where’s your wife?”

His smile faded. “Come on now, you know I’m no longer married.”

Carla snickered. She knew that, but she couldn’t help but bring up his marriage. Especially with the way he left her because he wanted to stay single, only to turn up married a year later.

“How long are you going to make me pay for this? I’ve apologized. Should I do it again?”

“No. Please don’t.”

He grabbed her arms and pulled her close. “Carla Jones, I’m sorry for leaving the way I did. It was me being young and foolish. Will you forgive me?”

Carla pretended to think long and hard. “No.”

“Carla.”

“I’m just kidding.” She laughed. “I’m not trippin’ on it anymore. I just like to give you a hard time.”

Lennox smirked. “At least you’re honest.”