Page 32 of Broken

"What's the name?"

I had to really think because my memory was failing me. "Night something or the other..."

"Bitch...Nightshade?"

"Ahhh, yeah, that's it." I shrugged.

"Nova, that's one of the city's hotspots...girl who do you know that got you in there?"

"The owner, I guess," I replied and then listened to Astrid flip out on the other end.

"Oh my God! The owner....wow. This needs to be the spot for our girl's night, which I'm now really planning." Astrid started rambling off her plan.

Finally, I had to interrupt her. "Hey, I'm here...call you soon. I think I can convince him to let us party here."

"Finnneee! Have fun for both of us," she called.

"I will...call you soon."

I ended the call just as the driver opened the door. Stepping out, heels first, I was surprised to be greeted by Liam's cousin, Valentin. He was just as sexy as his cousin and probably just as dangerous too.

"Nova, nice to see you again." He smiled and reached for my hand, which he kissed the back of.

"Hi." I smiled.

"Don't smile to hard," Valentin said. "My cousin will get jealous. He's like that, over things he considers his."

I gave a loud laugh as Valentin guided me past the security at the front door and into the club. "Someone should remind your cousin I'm not his."

"I don't think he cares." Valentin smiled back finally.

The music was thumping inside of the club. It was also crowded as hell, but when people noticed Valentin they hurried to get out of his way. He led me up some small steps and to the roped off VIP section. I sat down, but Val continued to stand. It was a little quieter where we were, and champagne was sitting on ice.

"Want a glass?" he asked.

"Yes, please."

I looked past him while he poured and watched all the bodies on the floor. It'd been a long time since I'd been out. It felt like it was past my bedtime or something crazy like that. Which was funny because when night fell, I was instantly in my element. Thieves worked best at night, or at least that was what I thought.

Valentin handed me a glass and poured himself one.

"So, where's your asshole of a cousin?" I asked.

He let out a laugh. "God, he's going to regret inserting himself into your life, isn't he?"

I gave a shrug. "Probably."

"He's around...probably watching both of us right now...he's like that. He likes to plan things..."

"So, he can strike without anyone knowing." I eyed Valentin.

He nodded his head, his green eyes twinkling. "He's been that way for a long time. So, whatever you think you're planning...he probably has already guessed it."

"So, what exactly are y’all into?"

My curiosity was peeking. I'd heard their names whispered on the streets, but I stayed clear of gangsters, or at least I tried to. They were to be feared. To be avoided at all cost, or you might lose your life.

"My cousin and I own this nightclub for starters...we have restaurants and car dealerships," he mumbled and suddenly there was a commotion.