Page 15 of The Immortal's One
As if summoned by my thoughts, my eyes are drawn to the edge of the dance floor where Des trails after Kayla. His expression is unreadable, but when his gaze lands on me, I could’ve sworn there’s a flicker of something—maybe worry?—in his eyes.
A pretty redhead brushes past him. My stomach tightens as her fingers graze his bicep, and she flashes him a sultry smile.
Des pauses. My heart hammers painfully. Then, he reaches out, gently removes the beautiful woman’s hand from his arm, and steps away.
I exhale a heavy sigh, a strange mix of relief washing over me.
Wait… why do I care?
“Darcie!” Kayla’s voice cuts through my thoughts, dragging me away from the woman who couldn’t catch Des’s interest. “What happened? Josh and I went back to the table, and you were gone!”
“I just went to the bathroom.” I attempt to brush off her concern. “Then I fell and hit my head. That’s all.”
“That’sall?” Kayla’s voice rises in disbelief. “Des made it sound like you busted your head open!”
He did?
I sneak a peek at the unsettling man.
Des stands just behind Kayla, his posture stiff, arms crossed tightly over his chest. His gaze flicks over me—quick, sharp—then darts away. But not before I catch the subtle twitch at the corner of his mouth.
“It’s dark in here,” he says. “I thought I saw blood.”
Kayla gasps and grabs my hand.
I roll my eyes. “There’s no blood. You probably saw spilled strawberry margaritas or Bloody Marys… or whatever other red or pink alcoholic drinks exist in the world.”
This time, he doesn’t turn away in time to hide the way his lips curve upward. “Perhaps. Regardless, you could certainly have a concussion.”
“Oh my gosh!” Kayla squeezes my hand. “Was it that bad? Are you dizzy? Do you have blurry vision?”
She scans my body from head to toe as if she could somehow spot a concussion just by looking.
“Kayla, I’m fine. Really. But I’d rather get away from all this noise.” I wave my free hand toward the chaotic pulse of the club around us. “Do you think we can leave early?”
“Of course.” Kayla bobs her head, dropping my hand and pulling out her phone. “I’ll text Josh to meet us by the car. He’s closing his tab right now.”
God, I love her.
Kayla really looked forward to going out tonight. I would try to endure the chaotic environment for a little longer, but I can’t stay here feeling like this. Especially not aroundthem.
While Kayla types out her message to Josh, I swallow the uneasiness crawling up my throat and turn to Thane. “Thanks for your help back there.”
He holds my gaze and dips his head once. “Of course. I hope you feel better soon.”
I search his expression for any sign he knows I overheard his conversation with his brother. But there’s nothing. Thane looks as approachable as ever.
I can't shake the feeling that it’s all just an act. But I force a smile, then slide off the chair. My legs wobble when I put weight on them, and before I can catch myself, Thane’s hand shoots out to steady me.
I resist the urge to draw away from his touch. “Thanks.”
Once again, Des didn’t even flinch when my legs almost gave way. His stance is unchanged—still distant, almost guarded—but his gaze lingers. I have no doubt he would’ve let me fall on my face.
“You’re welcome.” Thane’s voice breaks through my thoughts. “Get home safe.”
“Will do.” I loop my arm through Kayla’s and force my legs to keep a slow pace as we walk away from the strange men.
We’re almost to the exit when Kayla’s phone buzzes in her hand.
