Page 51 of Tarnished Tyrant (Zhukova Bratva 1)

“Well, that was your first mistake.”

“What?” she frowns.

“Shouting that they were breaking the law. They could lose their liquor license or worse if the authorities found out they weren’t carding girls.”

“Of course you’re taking their side. Bad guys stick together.”

I roll my eyes. “Do you want my help or not?”

She presses her pink lips together in a frustrated pout and nods. “Yes.”

“Okay. Then take off your clothes.”

Belle’s eyes fly open. “What? Are you—What? No! I’m not sleeping with you for your help! For fuck’s sake, you’re disgusting. Repulsive. You’re—”

I stop listening. While Belle continues her rant against me, I spin around and open the cabinet behind me. On the bottom shelf is a shallow, rectangular box wrapped in a black satin bow. I pull it out and drop it on my desk with a soft thump.

Belle jerks back. “What is that?”

“Open it and find out.”

Her eyes are still narrowed in suspicion at me, but she opens the lid like she expects a snake to pop out at her.

When she sees what’s inside, she sucks in a surprised breath.

“Where did you get this dress?”

“Something I had lying around.”

It’s not a lie. It’s just not the entire truth.

I pull the forest green material out and drape it over my arm. “Put it on.”

She takes it from my hands like it’s priceless, which is actually not too far off. “Why?”

“Because reason number two why the bouncer wouldn’t let you in is your clothes.”

“What’s wrong with my clothes?” She twists each of her legs in turn like she’s inspecting her wool pants for rips or stains.

“You’re covered from your ankle to your neck.” I reach over and pull the collar of her shirt apart slightly. It’s enough to reveal the tiniest hint of cleavage. “Show a little skin and you’d have gotten in easily.”

She jerks away from me and frowns. “I’m not sure if I’m offended or flattered.”

“The little I know of you so far, it’s both,” I say. “Now, change and we’ll go get your sister.”

“Turn around.”

I scoff. “Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve seen you, in case you forgot.Allof you. I don’t think there’s much mystery between us.”

“It’s not about mystery. It’s about decency,” she snaps. “Which you have none of.”

“Correct.”

Belle stares at me for a long second, but when I cross my arms and resume my staring, she squares her shoulders. “Fine.”

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