Chapter 28
Secret lovers - Atlantic Star
The Club
Elena
TONYS’ EYES ARE FILLED WITH CURIOSITY AT ENZO’S REMARKS. Evie is glaring at me with her signature what the fuck look. Unable to hold their gaze, nor answer any of their unspoken questions… I choose simply to lower my own, staring at my interlaced fingers in my lap.
“Fine.” Evie’s response is curt and unsurprisingly blunt.
“Let’s just try to enjoy the rest of the night, shall we?”
Enzo eloquently summoned the waiter who promptly took our orders for the next round before disappearing into the crowd.
Two cosmopolitans and 3 tequila shots later…
I’d had enough. The warm buzz of the alcohol seeps into my bones, running seamlessly through my veins, snaking its delicious heat through every atom of my being.
It wasn’t often that I indulged in the sanctuary of alcohol but I find that tonight, I needed it.
The intoxicating elixir providing me with the courage I will no doubt seek later in the night.
“It’s getting late, would the birthday girl honor me with a dance before we take our leave?”
A gentleman through and through, but sometimes I wonder if Tony’s charming persona is a band aid for hidden hurts. He’s charming, funny, a true gentleman not to mention sexy and yet, he’s single. In the months that I’ve been here, I’ve never once seen him with a lady friend. It’s criminal really.
“I would love to.” I cautiously look towards Enzo as if unconsciously seeking his approval. There’s a slight twitch in his jaw and he shifts subtly in his seat… his gaze never meeting mine.
“Lovely.” At that Tony stands and slides out of the booth from where he is seated and holds his hand out to me, which, I gratefully accept.
We make our way to the dancefloor just as the DJ makes an announcement for all the couples to make their way forward for a once off slow dance.
I look up at Tony in question to see if he’s had a change of heart. My mind is put instantly at ease.
“Lucky me.” He smirks and leads me to the dancefloor as Secret lovers by Atlantic star starts to play.
We both turn to face each other. A small shy smile forming on my face.
Looking into Tony’s eyes, I’m suddenly grateful for those tequila shots I had just moments ago.
Tony gingerly takes my hands and moves them up to wrap around his neck, then drops his own arms to circle around my waist as we start to sway to the music.
It’s just a dance, no big deal. I’ve danced with a few people tonight including Enzo but this, feels… different. It feels too… intimate.
“I don’t bite Elena.” I knit my eyebrows in a frown.
“You look as if you’re scared, I might take a chunk out of you.” He clarifies.
“Oh, I’m sorry. It just feels strange dancing with you, not in a bad way… but… this song. It’s for lovers.”
He lets out a chuckle and I feel the vibration against my chest.
“Yes, it is. But we could never build something real if we don’t set the foundation first. Wouldn’t you agree?”
I let out a laugh at that. Tony is nothing if not bold.
“Yes, I am aware of that saying but, we are just friends.”
“Are we?” He’s looking down at me, that familiar twinkle in his eye. I open my mouth to respond but I’m interrupted by Enzo’s rough voice.
“Are you two done yet? I can’t handle another second with Evelyn glaring at me like she wants to burn a hole through my head.”
Both Tony and I erupt in laughter at that. The awkwardness and unanswered question, all but forgotten.
“I’m glad you find humour in my pain.”
“Don’t be so dramatic brother. Evelyn is harmless.” Enzo scoffs at that and I laugh again.
“You sit with her then.”
“Gladly.” Tony smiles down at me then and places a soft chaste kiss on my forehead.
“Happy birthday Elena.”
I merely nod and smile. It may be the alcohol but my hormones are all over the place.
“Tony!” Enzo calls out as Tony and I leave the dancefloor. He turns and faces Enzo with a perfectly groomed eyebrow raised.
“A moment please.” I wonder what he has to say to Tony but my curiosity is short lived as Enzo motions for me to go to our booth without them.
I take a seat next to Evie and let out a sigh, stretching my legs out in front of me. I’m tired. My body isn’t used to being up and about and so active at this hour. I’m unfit.
“He’s jealous.”
“Huh? Who?”
“Enzo. He has a thing for you and he’s not even trying to hide it.”
“That’s absurd.”
“No! Don’t you dare do that! Something happened between the two of you. The man looked like he wanted to stab his own brother when Tony had his hands on you.”
“I think you’re reading too much into it.”
“Nah uh! I know what I saw and there’s no point denying it. You gave him the cookie and now he wants to hide the jar.”
“Ladies, are you ready?’
“Yes, yes, we are.” I answered quickly as Evie shoots me a stabbing glare; eyes narrowed into slits.
Both men stare at Evie and then at me, clearly wondering what happened to change the mood but neither makes any mention of it.
Enzo holds out his hand to me, which I accept cautiously. His grip is firm and almost possessive.
“Tony will take Evelyn to a hotel for the night.”
I look up at him in shock.
“What! Why? We can both stay at a BNB or a motel. I told you earlier,” but he shakes his head at me.
“No!”
“No?”
“No! Elena. Evelyn will stay at the hotel where she’ll be safe. Tony will make certain of it. You and I have matters that need to be discussed.”
“What matters? Can’t it wait till tomorrow?”
“I’m afraid not, little Siren.”
“Don’t call me that.”
“Then stop auditioning for the role.”
“I have done no such thing.” That came out a bit louder than I had intended. Evie looks concerned and Tony looks amused.
“I don’t like repeating myself Elena. Evelyn will go with Tony tonight. You are coming with me. That’s the end of it. Now say your goodbyes, you can see each other tomorrow and Evelyn can stay at the house thereafter, until she has to go back home.”
“It’s fine Ellie, you two obviously have things to talk about. I’ll be fine with Tony.” I’m staring at my best friend hoping my jaw is not on the ground while silently praying that my eyes don’t pop out of their sockets.
Evie hugs me tight and I manage to hug her back, although with less enthusiasm.
“Happy birthday Ellie.” One last squeeze and they’re gone.
The ride back to the house is one of echoing silence. As soon as the car comes to a halt in the garage, I move to open the door. A firm hand on my thigh stops me in my tracks. I’m almost half way out the door, one foot already on the surface of the garage floor.
“Let me.” That’s all he says before unbuckling his seatbelt, he opens his door and gets out, shutting it firmly behind him before coming around to help me out of my seat. I begrudgingly take his outstretched hand as he helps me up and out of the car.