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“Wha—”
I nodded to the bouncer, who parted the pink velvet rope for us. She stumbled to keep up as I led her to Ian’s private room. With a firm hand, I threw open the door and pushed her inside before slamming it shut behind us. Her eyes widened with fear as I thrust her phone back into her hands.
Panic rising in her chest, she clutched the device tightly. I never cared for Britney. No one did. But we tolerated her for Ian’s sake.
“I didn’t come here to start tr?—”
“Shut up!” I snapped. “Why do you have a pic of Dante?!”
Kirsten appeared, pulling back the curtain and freezing at the sight of her. “Seriously?!”
I shot her a sharp glare. “Get Ian and Ice Man.”
She whirled around to leave.
“Kirsten,” I called after her, causing her to pivot back around. “Don’t tell Jenna.”
Rolling her eyes, she snorted in annoyance at Britney before disappearing behind the curtain once more.
Britney opened her mouth to speak, but I held up a hand to silence her. “Wait until he gets in here.”
“Fine.” She folded her arms forcefully, pursing her lips as she surveyed the room with disdain. “Hmph,” she snickered, “so did you ever end up with Jade?”
“Don’t even say her name to me.”
“Oooh,” she cooed, “I’m happy for you.”
“Shut—”
The heavy black door flew open with a loud bang, startling her. In marched Ian, his jaw clamped tight, and his eyes full of rage. He was followed by Tyler, Giovanna, Chance, and Ice Man. He must’ve come on his own because there was no way Kirsten notified him already.
I raised an eyebrow at Britney, who stood nervously near the entrance. Tyler perched himself on the edge of the stage while Chance and Ice Man flanked the doorway. Giovanna stood close to Ian’s side, her arms crossed under her breasts.
“Why’s she in here?” Britney gestured toward Giovanna, her voice trembling slightly.
Ian shoved his hands into his pockets, his body tense. “In case I need someone to beat your ass for me,” he growled, rolling his tongue between his lips. “You know I don’t hit women.”
Giovanna smirked at Britney’s obvious discomfort. I was surprised by Ian’s protective words toward her, knowing that he didn’t fully trust her yet. But I didn’t question it.
“I swear I didn’t come here to cause issues.” Britney pleaded, holding her hands out in front of her. “I mean, look at me! I’m wearing yoga pants and no makeup!”
It was true. Her usual over-the-top appearance had been replaced with a more casual look. Even so, it was hard to forget how self-absorbed she had been when she and Ian were dating. But now, she looked disheveled and frazzled. I glanced over at him to see he was studying her carefully.
“I came to show you this.” She unlocked her phone and handed it to him. She paused before adding with a hint of bitterness, “But judging by Luke’s reaction earlier, I can guess that you already know him.”
Even in the dim lighting above, I could see the fury still etched on Ian’s face. Giovanna leaned over, her eyes narrowing as she looked down at the phone before turning her fierce glare back on Britney.
“How do you know him?” Ian demanded.
“He came into my job with some other guy and offered me money to come here and cause a distraction.” Ice Man got ready to open the door, but she called out, “Wait!” He turned back around, and she continued, “Not until next week. He doesn’t know I’m here tonight.”
“How do we know this isn’t the distraction?” Tyler spat.
“Who are you?” she asked.
“Answer him,” Ian ordered.
“I swear,” she replied, fidgeting under our intense gazes. “I’m supposed to come here next Friday and cause some fight with your wife and pretend to be your jealous ex to distract you while he gets Jade.” She closed her eyes, pressing her fingers against them as if trying to block out the reality of her situation. “And I took the money and said okay but?—”
