Page 73 of Devious Truth

Nicolette sits on a stool at the high table they managed to get, swiping through her phone when we get back to her. Her drink is already half gone, and there’s a full glass of wine waiting for me.

“I wanted water.” I climb onto the stool.

“Yeah, we got that, too.” Nicolette pushes a glass toward me.

“I should warn you; Ivan is on his way.”

“I know.” Nicolette frowns. “My brother texted. He’s with him.”

“Your brother is coming?” Max’s jaw tightens, but I notice the tiny flicker of excitement in her eyes, even behind the thick rimmed glasses.

“He won’t be an ass, I promise.” Nicolette picks up her drink.

“Is he going to leave us alone while we dance and have fun?” Max questions with a strong current of disbelief.

“I’ll try to get him to go away.” Nicolette pats her arm with a sly grin when she says, “but I’m not sure he’s coming for me.”

Max rolls her eyes.

“No, he’s probably coming to pick up one of these gorgeous size fours for the night.” She deadpans. “Sorry. I don’t mean to sound bitchy about size four girls…”

“It’s fine. I get what you mean,” Nicolette says with a soft laugh. “But no. I don’t think he’s coming for them, either.”

“What do you mean?”

“Here you are.” Lev appears behind me, his voice easily heard over the music and cheering crowd.

“We were just talking about you.” Nicolette leans to the side to look up at her big brother.

He slides over, to stand between her and Max. Before I can turn to find Ivan, his hands –large, warm, pulse-pumping hands – rest on my shoulders. Leaning over me, he presses a kiss to my neck, just below my ear.

“Are you having a good night?”

I nod, while clenching my teeth to keep my little whimper of arousal sealed tightly inside. With all the club noise, he wouldn’t hear me, but his ears are close enough that he would probably feel me.

“I am.” I twist slightly in my seat.

“You’re beautiful when you’re having fun.” He reaches over my shoulder and picks up the untouched glass of wine.

“Drink number two?” He brings the rim of the glass to his lips, drawing in a long sip.

“I’m drinking water.” I point proudly to the glass filled with half melted ice. Drops of condensation roll down the glass, puddling on the polished high top.

He winks playfully and puts the glass down.

“What’s all this?” Lev reaches past his sister and starts picking through the little scraps of paper piled in the middle. They must have been tallying their scores while I was outside.

“Phone numbers.” Max finishes the last of her chocolate martini and puts the glass down over several of the piece of torn up napkins, nearly hitting his hand. “And they’re not for you.”

Lev’s eyebrow lifts into a peak, and irritation flares in his eyes as his jaw clenches.

“You’ve been collecting phone numbers all night?” His question is aimed at Max, not his sister.

“Yes. But I didn’t win.” She grabs slides off her stool. “Caroline did. I need another drink.”

As she steps away, she stumbles. Lev snatches her arm, keeping her on her feet.

“I think you’ve had enough drinks.” He keeps holding her and pushes her stool toward her. “You sit here, and I’ll get you some water.”

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