“No, you don’t,” Sin said. “Put him in a car, D.”
The guy took a few steps and stumbled. Big D took him by the arm and escorted him out.
Sin turned his full attention on Evangeline. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
“I’ll take that whiskey, after all,” he said to Jessica. He pulled out the stool beside Evangeline. “May I?”
She couldn’t stop the smile and a wave of excitement passed through him.Damn, she’s something special. “Since it’s your club, I’m guessing you can sit wherever you want.”
Jessica snickered while pouring his Macallan, then got busy closing out the register. The lights brightened again and most of the guests headed out, taking their chatter with them. But that didn’t stop Sin from keeping his voice low, making sure their conversation remained intimate.
“I didn’t tell you how beautiful you look tonight,” he said after sipping the whiskey. “You look stunning.”
As her pupils bled black, she said, “Thanks.”
Pausing to sip their drinks, their gazes never broke. He hadn’t forgotten the details of her face. How light appeared to shine from her eyes, even in the dark. Or the dusting of light brown freckles on her nose. Or how she had four piercings that trailed up each earlobe, but he’d never once seen her wear earrings. He loved that she’d let her hair grow long enough to be able to pin it up. But all he wanted to do was unclip her hair and run his fingers through the soft dark waves.
Maybe it was the wedding. Could have been the lack of sleep, or that he had to terminate an employee. Might have been the members who didn’t know how to treat a lady. Or it might have been the death threat he’d received by text. Regardless of the reason, he wanted her to know the truth.
“I’ve missed you,” he murmured.
She peered into his eyes. “I haven’t played in a long time,” she murmured. “Since you, actually.”
“Well, when you’ve had the best…”
Her brief smile sent a blast of heat through him.She’s so beautiful.
“I’m still pissed at you, Sin.”
“I’ll make it up to you.”
“You can’t fix this.”
“If I knew what the problem was, I could give it a shot.”
“I’ve never talked about my work with you.” She drained her glass and set it down. “And I’m not about to start now.” She pulled a credit card from her wallet. “Hey, Jess, what do I owe you?”
“It’s on the house,” Sin said.
Jessica exited from behind the bar. “Everyone cleared out, so I’m gonna leave you two to catch up. Good seeing you, Evangeline. Let’s get together after the holidays,” she said before taking off.
“Thanks for the drink.” Evangeline slid off the cushioned seat. “I’m outa here.”
“Did you drive?” Sin asked.
She shook her head. “I’ll call for a ride.”
“I’ll take you home.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I’m not inviting myself in, if that’s what you’re afraid of.”
She walked right up to him and peered into his eyes. “No, that’s not what I’m afraid of.”
“My driver’s out front.” He picked up her coat and covered her shoulders. “Free ride and you don’t even have to make small talk with the driver.”
