A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(17)

“Thank you Nick,” Alex’s jaw tensed as his eyes darkened. “But actually we’re happy to mingle with the regular folk. It keeps our egos in check.” Alex bristled with just a little more sarcasm than required.

“Of course, please yourself.” Neither Nick’s smile nor confidence faltered. It was almost alarming how nonplused he was. Like an alpha dog packing a massive set of balls, he disregarded Alex and Dan before he gently cupped my elbow. His words, level and sure, were directed only to me. “Lexi, a word.”

“Me?”

What did he want with me? Granted I had been suitably unimpressed by his earlier posturing display so perhaps he was curious as to why I hadn’t dropped to my knees and worshiped him? He was sexy, this was undeniable, and I certainly could appreciate what this man did for a suit, but for me there was only one man whose attention I wanted; and that was the man who was currently trying to extrapolate what my connection was to Nick.

“Yes, Lexi. You.” Nick’s eyes darkened as he gestured impatiently to the hallway.

Alex’s body straightened in alertness. I wasn’t sure if it was Nick’s hand on me (albeit the slight contact of his palm to my elbow barely counted as on me) or his insistence on speaking to me that was causing Alex to get territorial, but I could almost see the tension radiate off his body.

“Lexi and I were actually having a conversation.” Alex not so subtly moved in closer.

“Alex, I can speak for myself thank you.” While I appreciated his protectiveness (is that even a word?) I was done being treated as fragile and I sure as hell could handle Nick or anyone else myself.

“Well it seems that conversation has come to an end.” Nick’s smile tightened, “I’ll be brief Lexi, this way.”

I could have told Nick to go f*ck himself (let’s face it, it was my go-to in my bag of tricks) but I was strangely curious as to what he wanted. Our earlier exchange had intrigued me but more than that, he did. There was something about him that nagged at me. It was like a faint memory that you strained to recall but couldn’t quite place. His insistence to speak with me confirmed there was more to know. The why of the conversation was puzzling me more than the what, but I couldn’t do it now, not when I had Alex back where I wanted him.

“Some other time maybe, Nick.” I pulled back my arm and straightened my stance. “I’m not really in the mood for a chat.”

Alex was not pleased, in fact he was the antithesis of pleased but he was also smart enough not to pull any macho bullshit either. I was not that girl and despite his need to keep me safe, he knew me well enough to let me handle it. Of course Alex was only willing to make so many concessions as he gestured discreetly to DarNell.

“Protection?” Nick watched as DarNell made his way toward us. His question was devoid of concern or annoyance. Simply put it was just a question.

“Just a friend,” I lied not willing to show my hand without a full understanding of why he cared. Did I need protection? Alex stiffened beside me, staying silent but making it clear he wasn’t backing down.

“You don’t need it. Not here and not from me.” Nick answered my silent thoughts. Huh? I though Alex was the only one who pulled the mind reader shit? I was going to have to seriously work on my poker face.

“I’m not concerned.” And I wasn’t, for whatever reason, something about him felt familiar.

“Good. Here is my card. You need to call me.” Nick fished out a business card from his inner jacket pocket and handed it to me. “Please enjoy your evening.”

Enjoying your evening? I couldn’t believe he thought he had the ability to dictate whether I would have a good time or not. Who did he think he was?

“What the f*ck was that about?” Alex seethed as he looked around the room. His face tensed as he watched Nick disappear into the crowd. “Who is he?”

“Nick Cass. Club owner. Asshole.” I played with the thick embossed card in my hand.

“He’s the owner Alex, I’m pretty sure he is harmless. I’ve looked into him and he comes up pretty clean. Nothing outstanding,” Taylah explained as she tried to reassure Alex that there was no more to the story. I’m not sure she was entirely convinced but Taylah was tenacious so her investigation would have been more substantial than most.

“Nothing outstanding except for the hard on he’s packing for Lexi.” Dan unhelpfully volunteered.

“Dan not every man thinks with their dick.” Alex was already going down the I wanna kick his ass road so I didn’t appreciate Dan’s insight. Besides we still didn’t know what Nick’s motives were and he had made no indication they were sexual.

“Dan’s right. I don’t like his interest in you. D - you know anyone who can sniff around?” Alex seemed to ignore Taylah’s earlier reassurance. I guess in that way we were a lot alike. It’s hard to trust second or third hand information. It loses its reliability and I was fairly sure the only reliable information was going to come from the man himself.

“Alex, have you been drinking? You just agreed with Dan. Nick Cass can be interested all he wants. It doesn’t mean anything.”

“Lexi, a man like that does not simply walk away. He has an agenda and I have no f*cking idea what it is but I intend to find out. I want you to stay away from him.” Despite the words Alex was using, this was more than a simple request. His voice left no doubt that this was a directive.