Chapter 4
The lounge was bathed in dim, pulsing lights as Ariana downed her third whiskey.
The alcohol burned her throat but did nothing to extinguish the smoldering resentment in her chest.
In the center of the dance floor, she moved to the beat in her stilettos. Through the swirling crowd, she caught glimpses of Dominic standing near the VIP booth.
Though nominally her bodyguard, he hadn’t strayed from Mia’s side all evening.
Mia whispered something in his ear, her lips nearly brushing his earlobe. The man who remained ice–cold in Ariana’s presence actually blushed.
Ariana laughed bitterly, turning away only to find herself surrounded by a group of privileged playboys.
“Care for a drink, Miss Reeves?”
“Add me on Instagram?”
“I’ve been dying to meet you. Your reputation doesn’t do you justice.”
Cornered and unable to move, her refusals only attracted more attention. Someone’s hand brazenly slid around her waist.
“Dominic!” she finally called out in frustration.
Only then did he seem to notice her predicament, frowning as he pushed through the crowd. The defined muscles of his arms were visible beneath his black suit, and a single glance from him sent the trust fund boys retreating.
“I almost thought that you are Mia’s bodyguard.” Ariana laughed coldly, wiping spilled liquor from her collarbone.
Dominic lowered his eyes. “I apologize. I didn’t see.”
“Didn’t see?” She suddenly moved closer, her red lips almost grazing his jaw. “Or didn’t want to see?”
Her proximity made his Adam’s apple bob, and he stepped back. “You’ve had too much to drink, Miss Reeves.”
“Don’t worry, once I’m married off, you can protect your precious Mia to your heart’s content-”
Ahhhh!!
Ariana’s words were drowned out by sudden screams erupting from the stage area.
Staff members wheeled out a metal cage containing two massive Tibetan mastiffs pacing aggressively inside.
“Tonight’s special event!” the announcer shouted excitedly. “Shadow versus Blaze–place your bets now!”
Ariana frowned.
Chapter 4
Midnight Lounge was notorious for these bloody spectacles and betting pools, but she’d always found them
Meanwhile, Ariana stood closest to the mastiff, close enough to see saliva hanging from its massive fangs.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: 99 Bloody Lashes And A Bullet To His Hear