Page 44 of Devotion

Maybe this was a bad idea.

Several of Vanya’s friends perk up, giving Mat and I the eye. A quick glare from Vanya has them giggling and rolling their eyes.

“I thought I saw you getting shit-faced over there.”

“You’re just as drunk,” Mat accuses, looking like a pouty toddler. Show some dignity, dude.

“Unlike you, I can handle my liquor.”

“Why are you here?”

“I didn’t realize this was your private club. Maybe I need to unwind after a mission too. Pick up some guys…”

“That’s disgusting.”

“That’s typical. Double standard. You can whore around all you want and I am supposed to stay home and clean up your puke in the morning?”

“You know I don’t mean that?—”

“We like coming here. The bouncers are our guys. It’s safe and I like the music.”

“You’re just here to cramp my style.”

“Matty, give it a rest—” I start, reaching for him, but he shrugs me off. Oof. Sloppy drunk.

“She’s just doing this to piss me off.”

“I am now.”

“Alright,” I sniff, shaking my head. Why am I playing moderator? “I’m getting another drink. You two fist fight or whatever and be done with it.”

“Don’t be such an asshole, Ci—” Mat starts to yell, taking a not-so-playful swing at me. Easily dodging, I sidestep him and he trips, eating his shit onto one of the lounge couches.

“There he is…my little brother.” Waving one hand, Vanya calls for one of the massive black-shirted guys standing nearby. “See him home, please? My driver is outside.”

“You’re always like this! Telling me what to do, trying to play mother to me!” Mat shouts, barely putting up a fight as the huge bouncer guides him out.

“He won’t remember this, will he?”

“Not a chance.” Vanya sighs.

“Has he always been an angry drunk?” To be fair, he had the equivalent of three bottles in as many hours. I’m impressed he’s still standing.

“A brat? Yes. He tries to act like a big man and gets in trouble. I have to bail him out.”

“You could go easier on him. He kicked ass tonight.”

“Being easy on him is why he gets like this! He needs discipline, do you not agree?”

“None of my business.”

“Good answer. Because I would hate to have to send you home too.”

“Oh really?”

“Da. I have other plans for you.”

She’s already tugging on the front of my shirt, pulling me toward her. And any other thought about fuck-all else flies out the window. Her red-hot body is pressed into mine, moving to the music.

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