Page 25 of Devious Corruption

When I glance in his direction, I’m ready to bite off his head. She can have a glass if she wants, but when I see the soft look he’s giving her, I pause. He runs his thumb along her jaw and kisses her cheek.

“I need to speak to Alexander. Don’tleave the floor.”

“I’ll be fine,” she says, kissing him when he leans into her.

“Lev is in the back talking with the manager, he’ll be out soon,” Ivan says to me, throwing me a wink while I’m chugging my champagne.

“Why would I care where he is?” I ask, but Ivan’s already headed to the back corner of the room where two other larger-than-life men are huddled together.

Vee laughs. “He’s teasing you.”

“That man teases?” My eyes go wide. “I’m not sure pushing you to give him a chance was such a good idea.”

She links her arm through mine again and hugs me to her. “It definitely was the best advice.”

“Oh, good, you’re here!” Nicolette pops up from a crowd.

She’s gorgeous as always with her midnight black hair pinned back from her face with diamond-encrusted pins. With her ruby red lips and winter-pale features, she gives off a Snow-White vibe. Though, the silver sequenced dress draped over her slender body doesn’t have a single innocent element to it.

“Of course. I said I would be.” I hug her, careful not to spill a drop of my champagne. “I can’t believe you’re leaving tomorrow.”

She sighs. “I know. But it’s only for a year, and I’ll be back after the New year for a few weeks. I get a two-week break.”

“This is such a big opportunity,” I smile, genuinely happy for her. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks.” She cranes her neck to look behind her, then steps closer to us. “Tell me if you see Lev coming, he’s all pissy because I didn’t get the staff list to him before tonight.”

“Aren’t they his staff?” Vee asks.

“His?” I question.

“This is his restaurant,” Nicolette explains. “But when I told him I wanted to have tonight here, I was supposed to get him a list of the staff members so he could clear them again. I don’t know, he’s insane with all his security measures.” She rolls her eyes.

“And you wanted him to pick me up tonight?”

She gives me a once over and smiles. “Yes, he definitely needs to see you.”

“I don’t like the look in your eye.” I’m already groaning. I’ve been here five minutes, and already I’m looking for the exit.

“What look?” Nicolette plays innocent.

“You had the same look when you suggested the drinking game at the bar.” Vee laughs. “And here he comes.”

Nicolette glances over her shoulder then yips. “I’m going to make my rounds before I deal with him. Don’t leave until we get to really talk, okay?”

She hugs us each then disappears into the crowd.

“We’re not going to see her the rest of the night, are we?” I nudge Vee with my elbow.

“Nope.” She laughs. “That’s okay, we’ll have good food and get to hang out.”

“I can’t stay too late. I have to open the store in the morning.” I snatch an appetizer from a roaming platter. It’s some sort of lobster concoction in a puff pastry, and it’s absolutely delicious.

I snag another one before the server walks off.

Vee looks off to the corner where Ivan is glaring at one of the men he’s talking with in the corner.

“Who are all those guys with Ivan?” I ask before she takes off.