AllFreeNovel
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“I’m not really in to insects or reptiles,” he tells me. “So I’ll have to politely decline your offer.”
“Shame,” I say with false disappointment. “I hear crickets are packed with protein.”
“I’ll just eat better,” he declares, laying his hand over his heart. “I promise.”
“Beware, lion,” I tease. “Your processed foods have insects in them.”
Ezra scowls at me. “That’s gross.”
“That’s facts.”
“I know, but I don’t want to think about it.”
“You should know what you’re eating,” I playfully inform him, casting a glance over his shoulder. “My partner in crime should be here by now. If I were the lion, I wouldn’t drink the rest of my whiskey.”
He rolls his head to peer at the two women beside him before nodding at me. “How did you—”
“You notice a lot when you pay attention.”
I wander away from him, out of the bar and into the throng of ravers. As I weave through the crowd, I watch everyone with thinly veiled disgust until I’m across the once immaculate reception room of the massive law firm.
It’s funny how the lower class takes over when the upper echelon falls. Winston and Ashford used to be a thriving business… Then Estrada happened.
I spy Tico’s mess of jet black curls as he completely loses himself to the pop-techno mash-up that’s blaring through the speakers he’s dancing in front of. And I hope none of Estrada’s guys have followed him in here, because I want to make this transfer and get the fuck out with zero hiccups.
He spins in his glittering assless cowboy chaps and matching fanny pack, only a shimmering silver thong covering his dick as he gyrates his hips. But the moment he sees me, he’s all smiles, like we’re the best friends in the building. I play into it, squealing and rushing toward him for a hug I absolutely do not want.
“Babe,” Tico gushes, screaming in my ear. “You look amazing.”
“Same,” I shout back.
“Why aren’t you having fun yet?”
I twist my head so he can hear me. “I was waiting for you, but you got started without me.”
“Here!” He bounces on his toes as he digs in his fanny pack. “I have a few left.”
Tico passes me a tiny purple baggie, none too discreetly. I rub my thumb across the surface casually, feeling six items inside, shaped like ecstasy tablets. But I don’t check them here. I simply tuck them against my hip-bone, knowing that’s the tightest part of this outfit.
“I’ll see you later,” I yell, nodding in the opposite direction. “I’m going to—”
“Find someone to dance with?” he interrupts, wiggling like the music just won’t release its hold on him. “And then take home?”
“Sure, babe.” I shake my head. “Call me when you’re not hungover.”
Tico kisses my cheek before climbing onto a massive speaker to give the party the show they didn’t know they deserved. He’s way better at blending in with the ravers than I am, but then again, he looks like he’s not acting about having the night of his life. The guy has gone through hell. He’s earned his free time.
I beeline for the bathrooms, following the emergency exit signs, hoping to sneak out the back door without setting off any alarms. Not that I think they still work… Or that the party-goers will stop. They likely wouldn’t hear the sirens, and the sprinklers would only heighten their experience.
As I step into the hallway, a hand wraps around my forearm, dragging me into the women’s bathroom. I reach for my knife, but I’m pressed against the wall as someone skims their nose across my shoulder to my neck.
I hold my breath, waiting for the right moment to strike.
“What are you doing here?” he growls.
“I had a meeting,” I answer, relief soothing me as I register his voice. “What are you doing here?”
“Delivery,” Riley states. “Why are you naked?”
