Deception (Infidelity #3)(47)

AFTER THROWING A suit coat over my shirt and not bothering to change out of my jeans, I made my way down to the bar. The area was large with clusters of tables and plants surrounding a central circular bar glistening with glass columns illuminated in blue light. As I scanned the room, I didn’t see Davis, but many tables were occupied by familiar faces. If Davis had been looking for privacy, this wasn’t the place. Then again, maybe that wasn’t his objective. Maybe it was to have us seen together.

Well, game on.

I wasn’t Oren meeting in a closed office building.

Near a back corner, I found an available table with high-back chairs and settled in. Directly behind me within the far wall of the bar was a giant fish tank holding an array of colorful sea creatures, strangely shaped fish, and bright coral. It was a world within our world, carrying on their lives as if they weren’t placed behind glass for the entertainment of others.

From my vantage point, I could survey the growing crowd, which included a good number of the same faces from today’s hearing. My gaze settled on the profile of a man I’d never met, but his exploits were well renowned. Though young, he didn’t have a problem with standing by his convictions. The junior senator from Oregon could just possibly be the person to help swing the vote our way. Oregon was one state where Demetri wasn’t invested. Maybe it was time? As I stood to introduce myself, a waitress approached.

“Hey honey,” she purred, “can I get you something?” Her eyes scanned from my face to my feet and back to my eyes as her smile grew even wider. Maybe it was because if someone had looked at Charli the way this woman had just looked at me, I’d lose my shit. Instead of feeling flattered, her attention turned my stomach. I’d much rather be back with Charli.

“Grey goose, straight up.”

“Sure thing, honey. I’ll be right back.” She winked. “If I can do anything else, don’t hesitate to ask?”

“Drink’s all I need.”

“Suit yourself, but the night’s young. You can always change your mind.”

Her plastic smile never wavered as she walked away, her hips suggestively swaying from side to side.

“Looks like you could have some company tonight, if you’re so inclined.”

I turned toward the voice of Severus Davis, who now had landed his hand upon my shoulder.

“I’m not so inclined,” I replied.

He nodded toward a woman I knew wasn’t his wife, Maura, nor was she Chelsea. He puffed his chest. “I’m a little tied up myself.” Lifting his brow, he asked, “If you know what I mean?”

I wasn’t sure why he felt the need to share or why he thought I’d be interested. It wasn’t as if I was about to suggest a three-way with the waitress.

Asshole!

The woman who’d been with him walked away and settled at the blue bar. The way her long bare legs were crossed suggestively at the knee caused her skirt to ride higher on her thighs. Her breasts were covered, but the material of the blouse was tight enough to make out the straps of her bra. Her center of gravity was definitely ill-proportioned. If she wasn’t careful, she could topple over into the drink she’d just ordered.

As we both sat and he mumbled something else about his companion, I thought about how hearing the details of Davis’s sex life was not on my list of desirable activities.

“Your wife is welcome to join us,” I suggested.

Severus laughed. “My wife doesn’t travel with me, not if she can avoid it. Catalina does.”

Nodding, I pursed my lips. “That’s convenient.”

He shrugged. “She’s new, but so far I like what I’ve seen.” He leaned closer. “And there isn’t much I haven’t seen.” He looked around. “Where’s that cute little waitress that’s hot for you. Flag her down. I could use a drink.”

“New? You recently became involved?” This wasn’t any of my business, but I wanted to know what the hell happened to our plant. Why wasn’t Chelsea the one with him, learning his secrets?

“Yep.” He inclined his head toward the bar. “Real looker. I’d say more, but I plan to have her around for a while.”

“I would suspect in your line of work it’s difficult to know who you can trust.”

“It can be.”

“Congratulations on finding someone.” I tried to push my questions about Chelsea and Infidelity out of my head. Something had obviously happened and as soon as I got back to the room, I intended to find out what. Changing the subject, I asked, “Now, what progress were you talking about earlier today?”

“I’d say this is an example of knowing who I can trust. Is that someone you?”

The waitress returned with my drink. I swirled the colorless liquor as Davis ordered his own poison and told her to put Catalina’s drinks on his bill.

She turned back my way. “Would you like me to put your vodka on your room, sweetie?”

I grinned. Certainly sweetheart, let me give you that number. “No.” I pulled a hundred-dollar bill from my money clip. “Keep them coming, I’ve got it covered.”

“Sure thing.” Her lips teased a smile as she turned and walked away.

“Shame,” Davis said. “Look at those legs. There’s a lot that could be done—”