Page 114

“You’re rooted and buried in my soul, Angel. I told you I’d find out everything about you,” I confess, dipping my lips to her neck and placing a gentle kiss. She hums in response, her nails digging into my shoulders. “That night of the storm. You slept soundly to it,” I rumble into her neck.

Silver lines her eyes when I finally meet her heart-shaped face again, a well of emotions quilting her face.

Fuck, what did I do now?

My muscles firm, and my steps start to totter.

She places a delicate hand on my jaw, her eyes reading into every reaction. “Thank you, Xander.”

I’m stupefied.

What is she thanking me for?

She closes in on me, placing her head on my chest as we sway gently, and it feels like it’s just the two of us in this hall, basking in the moment for a few seconds. I guide her by the hand into another twirl, then lift her by the waist and circle us around as her hair shrouds both of us away from the world. I place her back down as the song comes to an end. She grips both of my hands and pulls us apart. While still holding one hand, she spins into me while my arm cradles her, and she presses a firm kiss on my lips.

“Fucker still owes me money. I’ve been chasing him down about it for weeks. If he doesn’t show up in the next few days, I’ll have no choice but to take drastic measures.” The old man laughs, making gun fingers and ‘pew-pew’ noises as everyone chuckles.

Camila tries hard to keep her face schooled whilst listening to the conversations around us. But that hint of a scowl on her face is prominent.

I feel guilty for dragging her here, but I wanted her with me. I wanted to show her that I’m not the big bad wolf beneath all my sins. And I can't let her out of my sight again.

I should’ve anticipated conversations like this would come up. But it seems like this year more people are getting fucked over with their drug supplies, dealers, and agreements. Some even get themselves in deep shit with mafia families.

Jac listens to every conversation intently, most likely taking mental notes. He’s been watching me and Camila like a hawk. If he’s not busy prying into others’ conversations, he’s monitoring us.

Camila sighs beside me.

“We can leave if you want,” I whisper, pulling her waist closer.

She shakes her head, smiling up at me. “No. I want to be here for you. This clearly means a lot to you.”

She has no idea how much.

Her voice takes on a non-pushy, serious tone. “I’m here whenever you’re ready to tell me about it.”

I guess we can both read each other well.

“There he is!” someone shouts behind us. We both spin around to see none other than Frederick approaching us.

If there’s one person I didn’t want to see tonight, it’s him. He owns the neighbouring strip club, for exactly the same reasons as us. Although, this degenerate treats his dancers like objects and definitely underpays them, from what I’ve heard.

“Frederick.” I force a smile. Camila takes him in and takes a step into me.

Frederick’s leery gaze snags on her, licking his lips as he looks her up and down.

Not the time or place to be looking at my Angel like that.

I’m armed, and my blood pressure is quickly rising.

“How can I help you, Fred?” I ask, low and dangerous.

As if Jac can sense the rising tension, he slinks up on to the other side of Camila.

“I just wanted to catch up with my club neighbours,” he starts, eyes still trained on Camila. “But now I think I’m more interested in something else.” He raises his hand towards her but flinches away when he hears my voice.

“Not a step fucking closer,” I growl, stepping in front of her.

“Oh, come on. We both know why she’s here.”