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“Have you ever wondered why you bother sometimes? Putting in all the effort when there’s no reward.” She looks at me with quizzical green eyes.
“Well, I never do anything if there’s no reward,” I say.
“That must be nice.” She smiles, and a waitress brings over shots of tequila.
“Keep the drinks coming. I don’t like waiting,” I say to the waitress. She’s new, I don’t know her name. She nods eagerly, though, and hurries away.
“What about you? You clearly run the club. Do you have other clubs or businesses, Kervyn?”
I don’t want to answer that question, so I divert the topic. “Hold on, we’re not done with you.”
She smiles. “Oh, sorry, are we still discussing rewards?” she asks, tucking her red hair behind her ear.
It’s almost endearing. I’d want to protect her if she were mine. I slip an arm around the back of her shoulders and move closer. “Exactly. Which is why I’m talking to you.”
“What reward do you get for speaking to little old me?” she asks, looking up at me and sipping her drink.
“You,” I breathe the word before Luka clears his throat to get my attention.
I sigh and turn to my brother. “What is it?”
“Her friend Asher wants to catch a cab home.” He inclines his head to Penny. “I’ve offered to drive them.”
The friends look at each other, and I look at Penny, stroking her hair. “Stay with me. Let’s get to know each other better, and if you want, I’ll have a driver drop you off later at your friend's house.”
Penny smiles, and I can see a burning excitement in her eyes. “Give me a moment to reassure her. I’ll be right back.”
She gets up and goes over to her friend, and they talk excitedly, though too quietly for me to make out what they’re saying. She doesn’t seem to know who I am, which is surprising. Most people who come here know what I’m about and who I am. Perhaps if she knew the truth, she’d run a mile. I might keep her-she’s fun.
Or maybe I’ll pull a Luka and let her go once I’ve had my fill.
They come back over, and she sits down next to me again, picking up her drink.
Her friend, Asher, I think her name was, smiles at Luka. “It’s just us.”
“I like that,” he says, nodding to me. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m not coming back.”
“Noted,” I say without looking at him. Now, my eyes are gazing into Penny’s.
“I hope you know the value of your reward,” she says, grinning.
“I always get a good return on my investments.” I chuckle as our drinks are refreshed. “But let’s finish these drinks and go back to my place. You’ll love it.”
She looks hesitant, and I chuckle. “I am many things, Penny, but I am a man of my word. You won’t be harmed while you’re with me.” She glances at the club door, and resolution flashes over her face.
“I think that’s a good idea.” She nods, downing her drink.
I chuckle, down my whiskey, and stand. I wave my guard off. “Get the car. We’re going back to the apartment downtown.”
I offer her my arm, and she loops hers through it, resting her perfectly manicured hand on it. We walk toward the exit. She’s pretty tall in her boots, and I’m almost tempted to rest my lips against her head and smell her hair. I’m sure I’ve already caught a hint of cinnamon and autumn.
We walk outside, and I glance around. It’s a reflex. My life is not one that is safe. I have many enemies and they’re a threat all the time. Though they’d be ballsy to try something here. I glance at the rooftop when Penny isn’t looking and see my guards pacing back and forth.
I look down at Penny and smile. “You don’t have to worry. I don’t live far from the club. You can also leave anytime you want to.”
She smiles. “I’m not scared.”
She definitely doesn’t know who I am, and I don’t think I want to tell her. I haven’t enjoyed an evening this much in quite some time.
