Trey laughed and Charlie was thankful the guy showed enough restraint not to comment on his poor choice of words. They settled back into the chair and Trey chuckled at the comedy as Charlie contemplated what he’d told him. He and Ari had stumbled into a pretty effed up world here in L.A. — possibly even more effed up than the one they’d left behind. Was this their life from now on? Dark pasts and secrets hidden behind confident smiles and magic? Should he grab Ari and get her to walk away with him while he could? Thoughts of the training session that day flashed through his mind and he flexed his hand, glancing down at where he’d focused the defensive magic that came easy to him now. When it coursed through him he felt more alive than he’d ever felt. He felt pleasure and strength vibrate through his whole being and he felt immortal, powerful, invincible. He felt thirsty, greedy, hungry for more. Imagine what he could do once he knew how to channel magic through the talismans. Imagine how he could hunt the piece of crap that had killed Mikey and flay its skin from its body.
“…Ari needs someone like him. Someone who’ll put her first. Someone who’ll love her… enough.”
Charlie growled inwardly. He could be that someone. As soon as he had his revenge he could be that someone for Ari and somehow he’d get her out of the danger she was in. Somehow.
After.
They drove in separate cars. Ari and Jai in the Mercedes and Jennifer and Chris with Brian and his security detail. As soon as they got to the club Ari and Jai were to stick to Jenn (as she preferred to be called) and Chris with utter vigilance and composure. They were to melt into the crowds as if they were nothing more than their friends, giving Jenn and Chris at least the pretense of freedom.
“You ready?” Jai suddenly asked Ari as they pulled up to the club. Crowds of people lined up outside, paparazzi snapping flashing pictures of anyone who was the least bit famous.
Squashing down the little hands of anxiety flapping around in her stomach and squeezing her windpipe for good measure, Ari nodded mutely and waited for Jai to get out and open her door. As he did he reached down for her hand to help her out and gave her the tiniest of reassuring smiles. Relaxing, Ari grinned back at him and they handed their keys off to the valet. The SUV was waiting for them, holding up the valet, so Ari and Jai strode over and waited for Jenn and Chris to jump out. Ari eyed Jenn’s silver top and low cut jeans with envy, feeling vulnerable in her little dress. Should have gone with jeans.
Jenn grinned at her widely as if she’d read her mind. “You look lovely.”
Charmed by her and her English accent, Ari grinned back. “Thank you. You too.”
Surprising Ari by linking arms with her, Jenn led the way with Chris on her other side and Jai watching their backs. The huge beefcake of a doorman smiled and pressed the ear piece he was wearing. “Ms. Hadley has arrived.”
The red velvet rope was lifted and they walked in, camera flashes and people shouting Jennifer’s name momentarily disorientating Ari.
What about the photographers? My picture? That shouldn’t get out right? Dalí will know where I am. Why hadn’t she thought of that?
Clearly Jai had. His assuring voice echoed in reply in her head, Don’t worry. I’m deleting them as we speak.
Ari shot a look at him over her shoulder and felt the extra buzz of energy around him as he used his magic. He frowned at her and Ari winced inwardly. Jai had been right… she shouldn’t have come; she’d just given him extra work. It suddenly occurred to her that making her come was maybe just Luca’s way of adding to Jai’s responsibility. He didn’t want his son to fail, did he? No, she didn’t think so. Ari reckoned it was more about pushing Jai to his limits. Confused and annoyed at herself for accepting the assignment, Ari was glad when they finally made it in to the dim light of the club. They were instantly greeted by a tall, slick looking woman in a business suit. Ari noted Jai’s hawk-like gaze as they washed over the woman.
“Ms. Hadley,” she had to shout a little over the music. “We have a private area roped off for you and your guests. I’ll have a waiter take your order.”
Wow, Ari quirked an eyebrow as they threaded through the crowds, noting familiar faces of the rich and famous. Jennifer must have paid a fortune to get a V.I.P. section in a V.I.P club. Trying not to enjoy the throbbing pulse of Rihanna pounding around the club with its high vaulted ceilings and fake stain glass windows, Ari watched everyone around them surreptitiously as they moved through the crowds. They were led up a couple of steps to a plush, curved seating area where heavy damask curtains hung down the back of the couch. A beautiful rot-iron railing cut them off from the dance floor but still allowed them to watch everything that was going on. Politely allowing Jenn and Chris into the area first, Ari held back with Jai and almost jumped at the touch of his hand on her lower back as he pressed her gently forward.
Once seated, a waiter appeared before them. “What can I get you?”
“I’ll have Glenlivet and ginger ale.” Jennifer smiled up at him and Ari wondered what the hell that was.
“Same here,” Chris added.
Jai leaned back, appearing relaxed and unconcerned to the casual observer as his arm draped over the back of Ari’s seat. “Water for us.”
If the waiter thought that was weird he didn’t say anything. He hurried away and Jennifer immediately turned to Ari and Jai, snuggling back into Chris’ side with a warm look in her blue eyes. “So, how did you two get into the security business? You look so young.”
“Family business,” Jai replied, his tone clipped and business-like. Ari couldn’t help but frown at him.
“Oh.” Jenn’s eyebrows puckered together in confusion. “You two are siblings?”
“No.” Ari shook her head, appalled at the idea.
Jai gave her a look before turning back to Jenn with patient but cool politeness. “Our fathers are friends and colleagues,” he lied.
“How long have you been security officers?”
“A while.”
“Do you like it?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Ari had to stop herself from rolling her eyes as Jenn asked a few more questions before eventually giving up. She’d finally realized she wasn’t going to get much of a conversation out of Jai. With a shrug Jenn turned back to Chris and the two of them began talking quietly to one another.