Page 30 of Sins of a King
“No, he doesn’t.”
“Huh?”
“He was not looking at you like a little sister. Trust me.”
I blinked. “But it’s Jack. And our ten-year relationship has been nothing but platonic.”
“Doesn’t mean he wants it to be.”
Chapter 9
“I can’t believe I’ve never been here before,” Ash said as she sat down on a barstool. Her gaze roamed the room, taking in everything. “It’s like a set fromBoardwalk Empire.”
“Love that show,” Jake said with a huge grin. He looked at me. “What are you doing here on your night off?”
“Wanted to show my best friend the digs. Jake, Ash. Ash, Jake.”
They shook hands. “So, ladies, what are you having this evening?”
“Two Manhattans, please,” I said to him.
“Coming right up,” Jake said, reaching for a cocktail shaker.
After he set our two cocktails in front of us, I said to Ash, “Let’s go find a table near the stage and watch the performances.” I looked at Jake. “Is Alia dancing tonight?”
“She is.” His smile widened, and a dopey look crossed his face.
“What was that about?” Ash asked as we sat down at a free table.
“Jake and Alia are engaged.”
Ash’s mouth flattened, and she dropped her gaze into her drink. I’d said the E-word, and now she looked uncomfortable.
“Okay. You need to tell me what happened between you and John.”
“I don’t want to ta—”
“Talk about it, I know. But you’re not talking to me and you’re ignoring your brother’s calls.”
“How—”
“Because I ran into him the other day. Which also leads me to believe you’re ignoring your parents’ calls. Just tell me what happened.”
Ash absently touched her bare ring finger. “I cheated on him.”
“Oh,” I said, almost involuntarily, the air leaving my lungs. She looked tortured and tormented before she quickly buried her emotions. I made it my goal to distract her and change the subject.
“Jake makes a good Manhattan, doesn’t he?”
Ash’s smile was small, but it was there. She nodded, obviously grateful for moving past the moment. “Very good.”
The music shifted signaling a performance was about to begin. Shawna pranced onto stage, all curves, wearing red sequins and feathers. When she finished her routine, she blew a kiss to the audience. People cheered and clapped, excitement pulsing through the club.
Ash said, “She’s really good.”
“Yeah. All the dancers are really good.”
Shawna, still in costume, came out into the audience. She worked the crowd, flirting and laughing. But when she saw me, her smile became genuine.
