Page 40 of Black Wave

I should tell Liv.

“It was Jameson, then,” I say quickly, not wanting to hide it from Liv any longer. I see the look on her face as she tries to place that name from her memory when it hits, and her eyes widen in surprise.

“I ran into him at a sports bar before calling you. Our favorite sports bar, and, Liv? He wasn’t alone.”

She stares at me and realizes who he wasn’t alone with.

Without further questions, I point to the dance floor. Liv points to the roped-off area leading to a floor above us.

“That’s the VIP section. I am not sure I have access to that area or if it is just to enter by skipping the entrance line. I was allowed entry into the club with this card, but I have no idea if my name is on‘that’ list.” I tuck the card away and we stare at thedarkened VIP area as Liv hits my shoulder, then points behind her.

“Come on. I don’t plan on getting off the dance floor anyway,” Liv says.

“I agree.” I lead her to the dance floor, where the sound systems blare EDM, pop, and other mesmerizing dance music. As we start to dance, I shout by her ear, “I don’t plan on getting off the dance floor either anytime soon.”

CHAPTER 22

Eduardo

Ihave watched Emma’s every movement since she entered my club, The Viceroy. Philip told me that she was outside. He delivered the roses and, obviously, the access card for the club. I am glad she didn’t waste any time coming to me tonight. I didn’t want to have to send for her. I see her walking around with a tall girl. Then return to the bar to take some shots. Tequila.

“Interesting choice,” I mumble to myself.

That’s not all that is interesting. I see Jameson, my frat brother, fixated at the end of the bar with his gaze set on Emma. He motions to the bartender to get the girls another shot and hands him a card to set up a tab. He is with a few guys, and they go to the VIP room. I’ll visit him and see how he knows my little thief.

Jameson is standing with another guy, and they stare at the dance floor, pointing to someone. I zoom in on what has them transfixed and sit up, my spine rigid at the fact that they are pointing to Emma and her friend.

They go to the dance floor, and I see the guy Jameson was with, dancing alongside the tall brunette. He is standing behind her with his body gyrating with hers in sync to the music. When the song ends, she turns around appearing shocked to seehim staring intently at her. Her face goes through a series of emotions until it softens and he leans in to kiss her. I see Emma's face up close on my surveillance monitors, and, much to my displeasure, I see Jameson looking at her.

“Oh, fuck no.” I get up and call Philip to bring them up to the VIP area where I will meet them.

I am on my way to intercept her when one of my security people stops me in the back hall.

“Boss, I think there is something I should tell you about.” He looks over at the bouncer with him.

“Yes, what is it.'' My patience wears thin because, while I want to know about the operation of my club, I am only thinking about what Jameson is doing with my girlfriend.

“We caught one of the bartenders stealing money.” He shifts uncomfortably on his feet.

“How much?” I spit out. I look at both of them, trying to get them to hurry up and give me an answer.

“Not much, Boss, just a couple of hundred bucks, but it’s the principle, right?”

I nod in agreement. “Get the money out of him, and if he doesn’t have it, take it from him in flesh.” I start to walk away, and they stare at me. I usually prefer a more hands-on approach when things like this arise, but now I can’t be bothered to deal with a thieving employee when I have to get to my own little thief. Except she didn’t steal money; she stole something far more valuable.

“Oh, yeah, and before you fire him, in case that wasn’t obvious, bring him to my ‘hospitality room’ so I can see him personally.” I open the door hard, banging it off the wall as I walk out of the office with a purpose—to find her.

I finally go up to the VIP section, where that tall girl accompanying Emma tonight sits on Jameson’s friend's lap. Jameson is very close to My Emma. I see a brunette, sidled upnext to Jameson, get up angrily as he refuses to acknowledge her. Emma seems amused, but I’m sure they see it differently. Only I know her genuine emotions. That is, if they haven’t changed. That is something I’ll need to re-familiarize myself with.

Jameson calls the waitstaff over as I approach the table. I have a big smile on my face for Emma.

“Emma,” I say her name seductively so they get the meaning of my intrusion.

“Hey there, Eduardo,” she replies playfully, her eyes alight with humor. “Thanks so much for letting us into the club and setting us up tonight. That was so…” She thinks of the word for a second. “Hospit-able of you.”

I catch the play on words as I only reconnected with her at the hospital earlier today. My lips twitch in amusement. I see the group watching our dialogue and the playful banter between us that I thought we were being sneaky at concealing.

“Liv and I are having such a great time,” she continues.

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