Nope. Lea held my gaze as she forked a green bean and took a bite, her eyes holding a playfulness within them.
I let the issue go for now and decided to make small talk with Lea as we ate.
Jenny came out a couple more times to ensure that we didn’t need anything else and I watched as her and Lea exchanged secretive smiles and knowing looks. After the third time, I threw my napkin on the table and let out a frustrated sigh.
Lea, my voice was low and less than calm.
What ? Lea smiled as she took a long sip of her water.
What the hell is going on between the two of you ?
Lea sat her drink down and looked over me slowly, her eyes filled with amusement.
Well, you see. It goes something like this. She took a bite of shrimp and I couldn’t help but notice how she ran her tongue over her lips, capturing the drop of sauce that sat at the corner of her mouth.
I could feel my eyes darken with want and need. I wanted Lea and I needed her. If I wasn’t still so unsure of whether or not Lea was beginning to accept me, I would make my move tonight.
Lea snapped her finger in front of my face, Carter. Hello, Earth to Carter.
I reached up and grabbed Lea’s wrist. She raised her brow and smirked as I let her hand go.
As I was saying, Jenny and I had a nice little chat in the ladies room. Apparently, I am the Lea that Mr. Stephens as fallen head over heals for.
I snapped my eyes to Lea’s, The Lea ?
Lea chuckled at my shaking head and nodded, Yep. The Lea.
Darrell walked up and leaned down into my ear. He pulled away and I nodded as Titus walked into the room. Lea followed my gaze and let out a low whistle.
Damn. I cut my narrowed eyes to Lea. What ? She returned my glare. A girl can appreciate the male physique just as well as a man can a woman’s.
She had a point, but I didn’t like the way her eyes lingered too long on Titus one bit. I heard a few of the closer women of the house snicker in approval of Lea’s reasoning and shot them a warning, effectively silencing them.
Titus made his way to our table and I stood, clasping the fighter’s hand. Please sit.
Titus’ eyes landed on Lea. I didn’t miss the lustful appreciation he had for her. Ms ?
Lea.
Ah, so you are the one everyone is talking about. Titus flashed his golden boy smile. Word is you’re giving Boss a run for his money.
Lea returned Titus’ smile, That’s what they keep telling me.
I clenched my fist and drew a deep breath. Lea, why don’t you and Eva go down to the dance floor.
Lea’s playful expression morphed into one of disbelief. Um. Okay.
I could tell that she was hesitant, that she was questioning why I would allow her to go into a crowd where there was an opportunity for her to slip away. I could see the thoughts running through her mind and I knew that she knew that I was testing her. I nodded toward Eva.
I watched as Lea and Eva walked away for the second time tonight, Lea looking over her shoulder as they exited the dining room. Once they were out the door, I turned to Titus, my voice deadly calm. It would be in your best interest to stay the hell away from her.
Titus put his hands in the air, Sorry Boss. I didn’t mean anything by it.
So why are you here then ? I was weary as to why he would be six hours from the arena he was scheduled to appear at in less time than that.
Titus relaxed back in the chair. Seth cancelled my fight tonight and shut the arena down.
I had been watching as Lea and Eva walked out onto the dance floor below us and started dancing to the unheard beat. I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up as Titus spoke the words. Seth never cancelled a fight without a damn good reason. And he had never shut the arena down before. That had me worried.
Why ?
One of Miguel’s men was put on the roster. When Seth realized it, he shut the club down and sent me here until he could figure out how it happened.
Son of a bitch, I hissed. Which one ?
Having one of Miguel’s men put onto the roster meant that whoever the mole was, was out for blood. And they would have to have almost as much say in the organization as I did.
Axel.
Shit. Where are you staying ?
Seth set me up at the Hilton.
I nodded and pulled out my phone. Seth answered on the second ring. Boss.
What the hell is going on Seth ?
I take it Titus made it ?
Yes. Why didn’t you call me ?
I could hear the frustration in Seth’s voice, Because I don’t know how he got on the roster Boss.
What cover did you use for closing the arena ?
I told everyone that the fire marshal paid us a surprise visit. That we have some violations that need to be corrected before a follow up inspection is made and we can reopen. I had one of the guys make up a notice and post it on the door to make it look legit.
Good. Call me when you find out anything.
Will do Boss.
I slid the phone closed and stood, How long are you going to be in town ?
A couple days.
Come stay at the house ; there is plenty of room. In the mean time, get something to eat and relax.
Thanks Boss.
Lynx and Miller stood and followed me out of the dining room. I found myself deep in thought as we made our way to the dance floor, asking the question that I already knew the answer to.
One night, just one night of not having to worry about anything. Is that too much to ask for ?
I forced myself to shove the thought aside as I greeted our associates and members and made my way to the general area where I had last seen Eva and Lea. I needed her close to me. I needed to know that she was safe.
There Boss. I followed Lynx’s outstretched hand as he pointed to Eva and Lea. The two girls were in the middle of a small crowd, Paul and Samuel close by and watching over the group.
Insomniac was an eclectic club, each night a different genre of music was played to satisfy the different taste of all our associates and patrons. Tonight was rave night and I started to relax at the sight of Lea jumping with her hands in the air as she tossed her head back and forth. I could see the pure excitement radiating off of her as she opened her eyes and met mine. The look of unadulterated bliss caused me to question exactly how long it had been since she had allowed herself to enjoy a night out.
As Nero’s Satisfy started to play, Lea made her way toward me. I held my breath as she stopped in front of me, her cheeks glowing and her skin shining with a thin layer of sweat.
Dance with me ?
She held her hand out and I placed my hand in hers as I silently followed Lea to the dance floor. I knew that all eyes would eventually be on the two of us, especially our guards’. They would make sure that no one got within a few feet of us.
The song held a slower, more sensual beat than what was previously playing, and I reached out and turned Lea to me, running my hands through her hair and over her cheek. She nuzzled her face in my hand and placed her palms on my chest, looking me in the eyes as we moved slowly to the beat.
After a few minutes, Lea turned her back to me and I placed my hands on her hips, griping her softly yet firmly, moving my body with hers as she swayed and rolled her hips back and forth. She leaned her head back into my chest and I buried my face into her shoulder and neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent.