Page 14 of Loving the Enemy
Chapter 6
Zaira
Tonight we are having dinner with the Vitalis. Michael’s omertà is in two days, and his MC friends just got into town today. He wants us all there to put up a good and happy front, all the while welcoming his friends. Why in the world would he want me there? I have nothing to do with any of this.
Michael claims I do. I hate him. Well, not really, but I hate how he exerts so much control over me. Just two more days and I will be free of him for a while.Just two more days,I chant to myself.
We arrive at the Vitalis and are escorted to the patio area for hors d’oeuvres and drinks. When we get to the doors, I hear music. There is a freaking band here. What the hell? Stepping out onto the patio, I see many people. Some I recognize and some I don’t. They must be members of the MC. I spot Michael on the far side of the pool. He’s got a bourbon in one hand, and the other hand is gently resting on the lower back of a very tall brunette. I can’t see her face because her back is facing me, but she has the longest dark-brown hair that looks like silk. I become jealous immediately.Is that his date? Is Michael really dating?.Has he moved on already? My subconscious reminds me I am angry with him. I’m angry because of the lies and, as I now realize, the fact that he is making me attend this fiasco just to make me jealous.
I’m pissed off and want to go home. I turn toward my brother. “Vince, I am not feeling well. Can I ask the driver to take me home?” I lie to my brother, knowing it is better to let him think I’m sick than tell him I just don’t want to sit here and pretend everything is all right while Michael parades his flavor of the week in front of my face.
“If you really want to go home, Zaira… I mean, if you really aren’t feeling well, then fine. Go home. But remember what Michael said about your trip.”Don’t remind me!I think to myself.
“Even if I am sick?”
“Zaira, come on. It’s me you’re talking to. You were fine a few minutes ago, but I am sure you spotted the woman with Michael. Are you really going to let him scare you off? That’s not the Zaira I know and love.”
He’s right. It’s not. I stick up my chin and say, “Suddenly, I’m feeling much better now.” I turn to face Vince and smile. “If you’ll excuse me.”
“Of course,” he says with an I-know-what-you-are-up-to look. I leave my brother’s side and make a beeline for Michael. Let the games begin.
As I approach, Michael is still with the leggy brunette, but he is also talking with one of the bikers and a very pretty blonde. Getting a closer look, I see the patch on the guy’s vest with “Ice” and “President” embroidered directly underneath.So this must be the Ice Michael has always talked about. Next to Michael, he is probably the most handsome man I have ever seen. The woman next to him is holding onto his arm. I don’t see a ring; she must be his girlfriend.
“Thanks again for sending Vince. If it weren’t for him, I have a scary feeling I’d still be locked up,” the man says to Michael.
“Vince told me what that guy did to your girl. You did the right thing. You should never have to pay for getting justice. Unfortunately, law enforcement doesn’t feel the same way, but we have ways to work around them,” Michael says, and they both laugh.
Michael catches me out of the corner of his eye and says, “Zaira, please join us.”
I walk with a smile. I will not give him the satisfaction of knowing the woman clinging to his arm bothers me.
“Zaira,” he says, gesturing toward the man and his girl. “This is Ice and his old lady, Emma.” He pauses and then turns back toward Ice. “This is Zaira, Vince’s sister.”
“And your wife?” Ice questions.
“Ex-wife,” Michael clarifies smugly. He winks at me. “Ain’t that right, sweetheart?”
“Absolutely,” I reply, showing him that whatever he’s trying to do isn’t working.
“And who is this?” I ask, looking toward the woman next to him.
“Laurel, this is Zaira. Zaira, Laurel.”
We nod at each other, and immediately I don’t like her. I mean really, does anyone expect me to? But instead of showing my dislike, I smile sweetly at Laurel.
The tension is so thick, I would need a chainsaw to cut through it. Emma chimes in, taking my hand, and says, “It’s very nice to meet you, Zaira.” She’s sweet, and I think I could really like her.
“I’ve heard a lot about you and Ice from Michael, so it is nice to finally meet you both,” I reply.
“Your brother is a lifesaver,” Ice says.
I smile at the mention of Vince and his skills as a lawyer. “He’s the best.” My brother may be on my shit list right now, but he is still my brother and a damn good lawyer. I can’t help but be proud of him.
Michael leans toward Laurel and whispers something in her ear. She giggles.Asshole!I continue to smile and say, “So, Ice, I assume all these hot guys in leather cuts belong to you?”
“Yes ma’am.” He gives me a devilish grin. “Would you like to meet them?”
“Oh yes, I would.” I look directly at Michael, and as much as he’s trying to hide it, his glare is giving everything away.
