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Okay, then … What’s the point of having a bouncer if he’s not going to throw out a bunch of teenagers?
Once we pass him, we step into a much less crowded room with some tables surrounded by chairs. And in those chairs are people playing poker. A second later, it clicks that I’ve just walked into an illegal gambling den.
The room is quiet except for light chatter and clinking chips. The air is laced with smoke, and a few waiters and waitresses are wandering around, handing out drinks to the players who are a mixture of men and women, some looking more casual while others are dressed in suits or dresses.
I’d probably feel out of place except I’ve been in a place like this before. It’s something that I’m just remembering as a memory presses against my mind.
“Where are we, Daddy?” I ask as I peer around at the people sitting around a table covered in stacks of funny-looking coins.
My dad is looking around, as if searching for something. “This is where I work, Ravenlee. But, technically, you’re not supposed to be with me, so I need you to keep as quiet as possible.”
“Do you see him?” Jaxon asks, tearing me from the memory. He’s looking around, and so is Hunter. I glimpse around, too, but not for Zay’s brother since I have no idea what he looks like … or do I?
My gaze falls on a guy with eyes a similar shade as Zay’s. He resembles him so much, with startling similar facial features. His hair is a bit longer on the top, but shaved short on the sides. He has a set of cards in his hand and is looking down at his chips as he plays with them. Then he suddenly drifts his gaze up and finds the three of us, as if he sensed we’re standing there. Well, he kind of finds me since his gaze seems so center on me. A crinkle forms at his brows as he studies me with puzzled curiosity.
“Is that him?” I ask, glancing at Jax and Hunter.
They look at me then track my gaze.
“Yeah, it is.” Jax gives me a funny look. “How did you know?”
“Because he looks almost exactly like Zay,” I say with a shrug.
He looks almost disappointed, which makes no sense. But, to be real, a lot of what the guys do makes no sense to me. Part of me wonders if that’s because they’re keeping secrets from me. Why would they do that, though? And even if they are, I’m keeping secrets from them, too, so I can’t really be upset with them.
Benton holds up a finger in our direction then returns his attention to the game. He plays a hand and wins but doesn’t make a big deal about it. He simply collects the chips, pockets them in his jacket, then gets up and heads toward us.
Jax still has a hold of my hand, and I feel his fingers twitch in mine, as if he’s worried about something.
“Hey,” Benton greets Hunter as he reaches us. “Sorry, I lost track of time. I was on a winning streak and totally spaced off.”
“Aren’t you always on a winning streak?” Hunter asks amusedly, making me wonder if he cheats or something.
Benton cracks a smile. “What can I say? I’m super lucky.” His attention strays to Jax. Well, to mine and Jax’s interlocked fingers then flicks up to me. He then shifts his gaze to Jax and cocks a brow. “So, who’s the chick? You dating her or something? Because that seems really fucking weird.”
My lips twitch. “This chick can speak for herself. And my name is Ravenlee, not chick.”
Jax presses back a smile, while Hunter chuckles and mutters, “So damn feisty.”
Benton’s attention drifts back to me, amusement dancing in his eyes. “So, Ravenlee, I guess I’ll direct my question to you then, since you seem to be the boss here.” He crosses his arms. “Are you dating Jax?”
Um … Crap, I hadn’t thought about the fact that I’d have to answer him when I went off running my mouth. And, while I know the answer to his question, I feel shifty, as if more than him is waiting for the answer.
“No, we’re just friends,” I reply with a hint of uneasiness in my tone.
And, once again, Jax’s hand stiffens in mine.
Was that not the answer he wanted me to say?
Does he think we’re dating?
We kissed, so maybe that does?
Face palm.
What the hell is wrong with me? Since when did I become such a worrier about guys?
“Hmm … interesting,” Benton says, rubbing his scruffy jawline.
