Page 22 of Devious Truth (Vicious Sinners #3)

“And do what?” She frowns.

“I don’t know, convince her to hang with us instead?”

Max rolls her eyes. “She promised not to leave with him. Let her hang on his arm for a little while; she’ll be okay.”

Nicolette sits on a stool at the high table they managed to get, swiping through her phone when we get back to her. Her drink is already half gone, and there’s a full glass of wine waiting for me.

“I wanted water.” I climb onto the stool.

“Yeah, we got that, too.” Nicolette pushes a glass toward me.

“I should warn you; Ivan is on his way.”

“I know.” Nicolette frowns. “My brother texted. He’s with him.”

“Your brother is coming?” Max’s jaw tightens, but I notice the tiny flicker of excitement in her eyes, even behind the thick rimmed glasses.

“He won’t be an ass, I promise.” Nicolette picks up her drink.

“Is he going to leave us alone while we dance and have fun?” Max questions with a strong current of disbelief.

“I’ll try to get him to go away.” Nicolette pats her arm with a sly grin when she says, “but I’m not sure he’s coming for me.”

Max rolls her eyes.

“No, he’s probably coming to pick up one of these gorgeous size fours for the night.” She deadpans. “Sorry. I don’t mean to sound bitchy about size four girls…”

“It’s fine. I get what you mean,” Nicolette says with a soft laugh. “But no. I don’t think he’s coming for them, either.”

“What do you mean?”

“Here you are.” Lev appears behind me, his voice easily heard over the music and cheering crowd.

“We were just talking about you.” Nicolette leans to the side to look up at her big brother.

He slides over, to stand between her and Max. Before I can turn to find Ivan, his hands –large, warm, pulse-pumping hands – rest on my shoulders. Leaning over me, he presses a kiss to my neck, just below my ear.

“Are you having a good night?”

I nod, while clenching my teeth to keep my little whimper of arousal sealed tightly inside. With all the club noise, he wouldn’t hear me, but his ears are close enough that he would probably feel me.

“I am.” I twist slightly in my seat.

“You’re beautiful when you’re having fun.” He reaches over my shoulder and picks up the untouched glass of wine.

“Drink number two?” He brings the rim of the glass to his lips, drawing in a long sip.

“I’m drinking water.” I point proudly to the glass filled with half melted ice. Drops of condensation roll down the glass, puddling on the polished high top.

He winks playfully and puts the glass down.

“What’s all this?” Lev reaches past his sister and starts picking through the little scraps of paper piled in the middle. They must have been tallying their scores while I was outside.

“Phone numbers.” Max finishes the last of her chocolate martini and puts the glass down over several of the piece of torn up napkins, nearly hitting his hand. “And they’re not for you.”

Lev’s eyebrow lifts into a peak, and irritation flares in his eyes as his jaw clenches.

“You’ve been collecting phone numbers all night?” His question is aimed at Max, not his sister.

“Yes. But I didn’t win.” She grabs slides off her stool. “Caroline did. I need another drink.”

As she steps away, she stumbles. Lev snatches her arm, keeping her on her feet.

“I think you’ve had enough drinks.” He keeps holding her and pushes her stool toward her. “You sit here, and I’ll get you some water.”

“I don’t want water.” She scrunches up her face, which only seems to fuel him.

“Water or nothing.” He gently pushes her onto the stool before turning to his sister.

Nicolette watches the scene with a huge grin. “Oh, I’m done drinking. And I came in last place if you’re wondering.” She gestures to the pile of scraps.

“Were you playing this game?” Ivan’s voice hardens with the question.

“No.” I lean a little into him. “I didn’t think you going to prison for mass murder would be a good way to start our relationship.”

The corner of his mouth lifts in an approving smile. His fingertips graze my cheek as he cups my face.

“We’re in a relationship now?”

“Oh. I thought…I don’t know…” He shuts off my overthinking with a quick kiss, followed by another to my cheek as he makes his way to my ear.

“I already told you, you were mine.” He bites my earlobe. “You don’t know how much I love hearing that you’ve accepted it.”

A shiver runs through me.

“I’m taking you home.” He pulls away, looking to Nicolette. “Is there a tab?”

Max giggles. It’s loud and overdone, and she tries to stop herself, but then she finds herself hilarious and starts all over again.

“She’s probably had one too many martinis.” I push my water toward her. “Drink this.”

“No tab.” Nicolette hops off the stool. “Caroline won that round.”

“Where is Caroline?” Ivan stands taller.

“She left.” I stare down at the text that just came through. “Dammit I asked her not to leave with that guy.”

“She’ll be okay. Just tell her to share her location with you,” Nicolette suggests.

“Good idea.” I send her the request, and a moment later the notification that her location has been shared with me pops up on my phone.

Ivan helps me down from the stool.

“You know, I could have sworn I saw Elana tonight.” I look up toward the balcony where I thought I’d seen her.

Ivan follows my gaze, his body tightening as the man I’d seen earlier stops at the railing then disappears again.

“Artem dropped her at a friend’s house for the night.” He assures me. “And she wouldn’t be up there. That’s Tony DeAngelo. He’s Marco’s youngest brother. She wouldn’t be anywhere near him.”

I freeze.

“This is a DeAngelo club?”

“No.” He slides his hand down my arm and links his fingers through mine. “It’s neutral space. Tony doesn’t work for his family.”

“I’ll take these two home.” Lev helps Max back off the stool.

“If you’re going to keep looking at me like you’re mad, I’ll take a cab.” Max snatches her arm from his grip and nearly falls again before he catches her.

“I wasn’t watching her drinks; she might have more than I thought.” Nicolette frowns at the empty martini glass on the table.

“Or one of the assholes you were taking drinks from all night slipped something in it.” Lev chastises Nicolette. “If you’re going to be playing stupid games like this, you’re not going clubbing without one of my men standing at your fucking table.”

Nicolette rolls her eyes. “Let’s just go.”

“Don’t be mean to your sister. She’s so nice.” Max links hands with Nicolette.

Ivan slaps Lev’s shoulder, pulling him close and mutters something in Russian before letting him go. Lev’s frown deepens as he responds.

“What did you say to him?” I ask Ivan when we’re alone.

“Nothing you need to worry about.” The crowd seems to feel his presence, clearing a path for us as we make our way to the exit.

His car pulls up to the curb as soon as we step outside. It’s like the whole world revolves around him. The valet opens the back door for me, and Ivan walks around to the other side. Once my door is shut, we pull away from the club and into traffic.

Ten minutes later, I lean forward to see out the front window. We’ve made too many turns, to be going in the right direction.

“This isn’t the way to my place.”

Ivan pulls me back. “I said we’re going home.”

“Right…and this isn’t the way.”

The car goes quiet. He continues to hold my hand, running his thumb along my knuckles, but there’s a heaviness in the air.

“Ivan? What’s going on?” I finally ask when it’s clear he’s not going to say anything more.

My heart skitters when he turns to me. He wets his lips, straightens his back.

“Who is Declan O’Brien?”