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I didn’t know where this boldness came from. He still terrified me more than anyone ever had. Maybe it was because I wasn’t used to someone like him. Someone willing to look after me and keep me safe. I’d never had that before. It could also have been that he was mysterious, and I didn’t know who he was or what he did. The intrigue piqued my curiosity even if that little voice inside my head screamed at me that what I had fallen into was a little too good to be true.
“I’ll give you more.” He squeezed my inner thigh. “More than you could ever imagine.”
Luke joined us and placed his empty glass on the bar.
“Another successful game,” Jude said. “The new players are working out well.”
“I think so.” Luke smiled at me. “You look lovely tonight, Emmie.”
“Thank you.” I took a sip of my drink.
“Caleb is sending an associate to meet with us tonight,” Luke said. “I told him we’d make some time to see what he has to say.”
“When?” Jude asked.
“He should be here soon.” Luke nodded when Conner refilled his drink.
“Would it be okay if I left your side to use the restroom?” I traced my finger along the bar. “I’ll see you back here after your meeting.”
“The bathrooms are through those doors.” He pointed across the room. “Come back here and wait for me.”
“I will.” I slipped off the stool and took my bag.
Before I could walk away, he grabbed my arm and tugged me to him. “I’m going to reward you later for asking my permission.”
“I look forward to it.” I kissed his jaw, rubbing my cheek against his stubble before walking away.
As I headed to the restroom, I could smell the scent of his spicy cologne on my skin. Feeling a little braver than when we first arrived, I managed to make eye contact with a few people as I passed them.
Once I pushed open the large, wooden doors, I let out a breath. Being with Jude could be overwhelming, especially for someone as introverted as I was, but knowing he wanted to make my life easier helped.
“Where have you been hiding?” The man with the snake tattoo stepped out of the corridor by the bathrooms. “I almost didn’t recognize you.” His greedy gaze traveled along my body, making my flesh prickle with alarm. “You clean up well.”
“What are you doing here?” My shaky voice came out barely above a whisper as I backed away from him.
“I’m meeting with your new friend.”
“Jude?”
“Didn’t he tell you?” When he came toward me, I tensed. “I was so disappointed when I heard that he had paid your debt. I was looking forward to settling that score.”
“I’m glad you’re not going to get that chance.”
“Don’t be so sure.” When he smiled, the memory of that day in the alley with him reared its ugly head. “Now that Jude is working with my boss, you never know what he’ll be forced to give up.”
“He would never do that.”
“You’ve known him for a week. What makes you so sure?” He laughed. “Do you have any idea about the people you’ve gotten yourself involved with?”
“Stay away from me.” When I turned to go back into the room, Jude, Luke, Johnny, and two other men came out of the doors. In my haste, I stumbled into Jude.
“Whoa.” He held my arm, looking me over. “What’s the rush?”
“There you are,” the snake said. “Your manager told me I’d find you back here.”
“Are you okay?” Jude asked. “Is he bothering you?”
“Yes, I…he…” I moved closer to Jude. “Why is he here?”
