I couldn't take my eyes off of her. No matter how hard I tried my eyes just stayed on her.

As soon as she entered the club, it was as if I could sense her. I don't know what it is, but it's like there is hold on me.

She took a shot of what seem like tequila and scrunched her face from the taste. A cute scrunch.

Lime and salt could have help.

The moment she took the dance floor I couldn't help the excitement that bubbled in me from the sight of her.

The way her body move. The way her hips sway. It was entrancing.

The black dress shaped every curve perfectly. Any time a guy came close to her I felt a bubble of anger. Was it truly anger?

Her eyes scanned the club like she was looking for something.

Then they met mine. Seems like a got caught.

A devious smile landed on her lips. Her eyes never leaving my own as she swayed her hips to music as if it was only meant for me.

I couldn't help it. She had me hooked.

This is probably the wrong thing to do. I know I should keep her far away. Away from all of this.

But just for a moment. One moment, I'll let myself throw caution to the wind.

***

"Did I hear you correctly?" I asked in disbelief. Every drop of alcohol evaporated from my body.

"Yes." Jace said steadily. "Dominic DeLuca is the owner of this club." His eyes moved from my own to above my head. I followed his eyes behind me to see the last person I ever wanted to see.

Dominic was seated at a roped off section of the club. A glass of what looked like whiskey in his hand. His posture was relaxed as he was speaking to the person next to him. Thankfully his attention was fully captured.

"Leah! I heard my name being shouted.

Kayla appeared in front of me, blocking Dominic from my line of vision. She handed me a drink.

"Sorry it took me so long! Someone kept me." She said with a smile on her face while referring to the bartender.

She looked over my shoulder. "Jace? What are you doing here?" She asked excitedly and glanced over to me.

I looked at him with a look that basically asked him what now.

The last thing I wanted was to ever have Kayla entangled in this. To put her in any kind of danger.

"Kayla, we have to go." I told her.

"What? No I don't wanna." She whined.

It was going to be nearly impossible to get her out of here without telling her what's going on.

"Kayl-" I started but Jace interrupted.

"Kayla." He called her name and her eyes brightened. She was always a sucker for a hot guy. "How about we go get a drink?" He said giving her an award winning smile.

I nearly toppled over. What!?

Jace gave me a look that read 'trust me'.

"Oh my god, yes! See Leah, be like Jace and don't be a party pooper." She scolded.

I glared at him. Weren't we just trying to leave a minute ago?

Jace led the way to the bar.

The hot bartender approached him and gave him one of those hand things guys do. "Hey bro, all good?" He asked with slight concern in his voice.

"River, I have to go. Do you mind taking care of my friends?" Jace asked.

Without hesitation River answered. "You got it man."

Jace gave him a nod and turned to walk away from the bar completely, but I stopped him right in his tracks.

"Where are you going?" I asked him with worry.

"River will make sure that you get out of her safely and without a trace." He said with a clenched jaw.

"Jace." I said.

"Leah, I have to go. If I stay here any longer eyes will start to wonder."

I nodded in understanding. "Just." I sighed. "Just be safe."

He squeezed my hand and gave me a signature smirk. "Aren't I always?"

He walked away a moment later and my heart sank to my stomach.

"If you know Jace, then that means you are Leah." River spoke.

I furrowed my eyebrows. "How do you know that?"

"Your name may have came up a few times." River smiled. "Come on, we need to get moving." He said gesturing to what I assume is the exit.

I grabbed Kayla's arm to help guide her. She was far from sober at this point.

River led us through a door that was labeled 'Employees Only."

Walking down the hallway, I asked River. "How do you know Jace?"

River looked at me. "DeLuca." He said. "Fortunately, for me I only work in the club. Jace on the other hand, well I'm sure you know."

I nodded.

"I've known Jace for a few years. I worked at a few clubs and he would be there from time to time with DeLuca of course. I can't be fooled, everyone on the club scene knows who he is and what he is involved in." River continued.

"Then why are you working here if you know who he is?" I asked him curiously.

"Jace is like a little brother to me and you protect your siblings." River answered.

He opened the door that led outside. It looked like the back of the club.

Stepping out, we were hit with cool air. Both refreshing and relieving.

"Leah." River called. "You're good for Jace, you know. You saved him in more than one way."

Me?

I did what?

River chuckled at my confused face. "Get home safe. Hopefully I'll see you all outside this place."

I smiled. "Thanks River."

With one last smile, he headed back inside.

"Leah." I heard Kayla groan. "Why is the ground moving? I think I'm going to be sick."

Oh no.

That's my cue.

Time to go.

I tossed her arm over my shoulder to keep her from falling on the ground. Because god only knows I won't be able to pick her up.

I probably would have to drag her all the way to the car and that would not be a pretty sight.

One last look at the notorious club, we headed toward our car.

But my mind stayed on Jace.

***