The Devil's Eyes: The Devil's Eyes, #1

By Jennifer Loren

Wrong side of the tracks—that's where Kayla's life has been. Her only saving grace was her sister, Braylin. When Braylin dies, Kayla goes on a mission to avenge her death.


Nick is the mysterious stranger with the alluring devil's eyes. He is attractive, powerful, and dangerous. If not for her obsession for revenge, Kayla would never dare go near him. To lure Nick into her trap, she has to become what he needs while trying to fight against her growing desires. On a destructive path, Kayla enters a secret world of underground crime.

The Devil's Eyes is a Dark, Intense, Romance novel. Mafia Romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Loren
• Release date: Jul 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393923091

Jennifer Loren

Jennifer Loren graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Fine Arts Degree, specializing in Architecture and Design. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her German shepherd, Nick. In addition to the vastly popular, top mafia romance and bestselling series, The Devil’s Eyes, Ms. Loren has successfully published bestselling romantic suspense novel Finding Ava and its sequel Reckless and the bestselling short story, The Hand That Holds Mine. Her mafia series, The Laws of Kings, and its sequel Dethroning the King along with standalone novel Undercover – Secrets & Lies have also been released with great reviews. Her writing genre is considered dark, romantic suspense, and mafia romance. Her books tend to have a lot of humor, which is why she is currently branching out into comedic books and children's books. Her first children's book, the award-winning The Awkward Puppy has been highly rated and loved by children and adults.  @JenniferLorenDE https://www.jenniferloren.com https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLoren.Author http://www.youtube.com/user/LorenJennifer Books By Jennifer Loren The Finding Ava Series Finding Ava Reckless The Long Road The Devil’s Eyes Series The Devil’s Eyes The Devil’s Revenge The Devil’s Son The Devil’s Masquerade: The Poison The Devil’s Masquerade: The Remedy The New Devil in Charge The Devil Forgotten Fate Escape The Laws of Kings Series The Laws of Kings Dethroning the King Undercover Undercover: Secrets & Lies Short Story The Hand That Holds Mine

Book preview

Prologue

Kayla

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The last time I saw him, I didn’t breathe again until he had completely dressed himself.

From the crack in my sister’s door, I watched him get out of her bed and inhale as if he had accomplished his mission for the day.

I had seen many of my sister’s boyfriends before—athletes, academic all-Americans, and prom kings—but none were ever like him. Attractive as they might have been, none came close to comparing to him. I could recognize him from any angle with his lean and tall stature, deep black hair, and a walk that had an air of authority, like no one could possibly have anything to say that would be of any importance to him.

Biting my mouth closed, I struggled to keep from blinking as I stared at him, taking in his entire body with a single long breath. I knew his physique would be incredible, but the blackened tattoo blazing up his right side reminded me that despite his designer clothes, his background was all but respectable.

His eyes though. Oh, his eyes.

As he got dressed, he adjusted himself comfortably, glancing at my sister’s naked body draped across her bed. She was still gasping for more from him until she finally fainted from exhaustion.

Without a single word, without a gentle kiss on the lips, and without even a wave good-bye, he walked out the door, making eye contact with me for only a second. It was at that moment that he lured me in. He captivated me, and for the first time, I understood his power.

Nicholas Jayzon commanded attention when he walked into a room. If you were ever damned enough to make eye contact with him, you would know what it was like to be lured in by the devil’s eyes.

Chapter 1

Kayla

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Today is the anniversary. After picking up some flowers, I catch the noon train to the Bleaker Street bus stop and ride it all the way to the cemetery. I walk solemnly to the modest grave marker and crouch down to lay her favorite flowers next to her name.

Hi, Bray. I know it’s been a while, but I’ve had a lot going on lately. A lot of work to do, you might say, but it has finally paid off. I have worked really hard and learned everything I could about him and how to get his attention.

Those are beautiful flowers, dear.

Stunned, I turn around to see an unassuming older woman walking toward me.

Oh, I’m sorry I startled you. My manners aren’t the best sometimes.

Standing, I brush myself off with a gracious smile. It’s perfectly alright. I guess I wasn’t paying attention.

The old woman grips my arm and struggles to read my sister’s name. Braylin Patrick. Someone special to you?

My sister, I say with a shaky breath.

Oh, she was so young, the woman says with a tragic expression.

Yes, too young.

Excuse me for being nosy, but how did she die? I have always wondered what happened to her. My husband is right over there, so I pass her grave all the time.

It’s a long story, I tell her, hoping to end our conversation.

Well, I don’t have anywhere to be. My son isn’t due to pick me up for a while now. So, if you don’t mind, I would love to hear about her. My name is Dorothy, she responds with a friendly face.

Kayla. Nice to meet you. I give her my hand with a weary smile.

You were close to your sister, weren’t you? Dorothy asks.

I simply nod.

The woman seems to sense my hesitation. It might help you to talk about her. I know I always feel better, remembering my dear Charles.

I fake a smile. I don’t want you to think she’d always been like the way she was at the end because she wasn’t.

So, start where you feel comfortable, Dorothy pushes with a little more persistence.

Taking a deep breath, I look down as the breeze blows the dirt across her name. "Braylin wasn’t just my sister. She looked after me once she was old enough to get her own place. She was optimistic, responsible, and motherly. She didn’t let me work, so I could concentrate on school. Taking classes during the school year and in the summers allowed me to finish high school in less than three years.

I loved living with her even though I worried about her all the time. When she would come home from work late at night, I’d always try to pretend I had been asleep for hours only because she would worry if I waited up for her—except for Fridays. On Fridays, Bray would buy me a used book with what money was leftover after paying the bills. I couldn’t wait to read each book. I would rush to see her at the restaurant where she worked, so I could start reading right away. When she would get home, we’d lie next to each other, and I’d read it again to her.

She sounds like a wonderful sister, Dorothy says with a smile.

Bray was beautiful. She had every man she met eating out of her hands. I smile at the woman before recalling the reason why Braylin is actually here in this cemetery. "Except for one. He had her spinning for him.

"When we escaped my mother’s house, Bray promised to take care of me. ‘Take care of us,’ she said. And then, she came home on top of the world one day. She had met the perfect man, and he was going to take us away from the run-down shack where we were living, buy us a new car, and even help pay my way through college.

I was already sneaking into college and taking classes on my own. The prospect of being a student became all I could think about, and Bray knew it, so she tried even harder to please him. I should have known better. I shouldn’t have been so excited, and I shouldn’t have encouraged the relationship. No man is that wonderful.

Bending down, I reset the flowers against the marker and brush the dirt away from her name. "The first time I met him, not even a meeting really, he came over to see Bray, and he didn’t notice me at all. I was so nervous around him. I would hide whenever he came over. I don’t know why, but I was jealous of her. I had never thought anything about her other boyfriends, but Nick...Nick was amazing. He bought her beautiful things and treated her like a queen.

"I began dreaming about him, and then I started pretending he was my boyfriend. Her relationship with Nick all seemed perfect for a time, and then suddenly, he stopped coming around. I never knew why, but I assumed it was because of me. Of course he wants her to himself, not having to share her with her annoying little sister that is hanging around all the time.

"Then, Bray wouldn’t come home for days, and I was afraid she was staying with him because he didn’t like me. When she would come home, she was lost, devoid of any life. She began forgetting to pay the bills. She would carelessly throw money at me and tell me to deal with the household responsibilities. ‘I don’t have time,’ she said.

"She’d be gone all night, and when or if she’d come home, she’d sleep all day—if she slept at all. Most of the time, she would cry. I had asked her repeatedly it was because of Nick, and she would say, ‘No...no, Nick’s perfect.’

"I tried to ignore the signs, hoping that she would pull herself back up. Instead, she was doing whatever she could to please him. It didn’t take me long to realize what she had become, what he had turned her into.

She did whatever he needed, like drugs or even prostitution , she did it until he’d finally agreed to meet with her to discuss getting back together. She was overjoyed to see him again. She bought a new dress and spent all day getting ready. I smile as I remember her spinning happily in front of her mirror.

Taking a deep breath, I continue. But he had dismissed her like she was nothing. She came home, devastated, and nothing I said or did brought her out of it. After sitting up with her for many long hours, I finally fell asleep. By the time I woke up, I found her... Tensing my lips, I fight back my tears. She had hung herself from the showerhead. Sighing, I wipe away the tears from my cheek and refocus on my mission.

As I crouch down, holding my face, the old woman takes my head in her hands. Oh dear, that is terrible. She pats my head, searching for the right words to say. How did you get by after that? she asks.

I didn’t expect her to ask any more questions. Is that not enough to know about a total stranger? Nosy old woman.

Standing, I clear the lump in my throat. I was still underage, so they sent me back to my mother and her new husband. He was the worst of them all. One night, he hid all my books from me. He promised to give them back to me, depending on the deeds I would do for him. Each deed was worth so many books. Give him a blow job, and I would get one. Let him screw me, and I’d get two. If I entertained his friends, I could get three back. I told him to go— I look over at the old woman’s horrified expression. Well, I said no.

The woman snickers at my attempt to clean up my language for her. Good for you. I’m sure you earned some respect from him then, she says with an encouraging smile.

Not exactly. He took all my books outside and started to burn them. I was in a rage, and I went at him to save my books. I tried kicking him and hitting him to get him to stop. I don’t know what I was thinking. He was so much bigger than me. He had me down on the ground in an instant as he told me the dirty things he was going to do to me. I screamed and I kicked and I screamed some more.

He didn’t—

No. Actually, a crazy thing happened. A man came out of nowhere and started yelling at him. While my stepfather was distracted, I ran and hid. The next thing I remember is hearing him scream. The stranger, whomever he was, stabbed my stepfather to death. It was probably some crazy drug addict looking for money. There were plenty of them around. I hid for a couple of days. When I returned, my mother was drunk and passed out, and my books were gone. So, I gathered what I could and ran away for good.

Well, at least you were able to get away from him. I’m sure your sister would be proud of you.

I hope so, I say.

Well, dear, I have to go. My son is here, and he gets impatient quickly. Cradling my face, she looks up at me fondly. He’s single by the way, she says, pointing to the squirrelly bald man sitting behind the wheel of a giant old Lincoln. Looking back up at me with her eyebrows raised, she seems hopeful.

After what I told her, she still wants me to date her son? He must be a perfectly wonderful catch. Well, I don’t know. If he wants to visit me at work sometime, I’ll talk to him and see if we have anything in common. I start tonight at Pigalle Place. Pigalle, a gentlemen’s club, is well-known in this city, even among the elders who wouldn’t dare step foot in such a place, no matter how upscale it is.

Without another breath passing between us, she’s gone, waving good-bye as she double-steps toward her son’s car. I watch her leave with a slight smile. I guess I’m not right for her son after all.

I turn back toward Braylin’s grave and take in a deep breath. Don’t worry, Bray. I know what I’m doing, and I’m prepared for him. Unlike the others, I know what to expect. I know how to gain his interest and beat him at his own game. I have nothing to lose now, and he has everything for me to take.

Chapter 2

Kayla

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Nick walked out of our lives, making us feel privileged that he had even bothered to make the trip across town for us. I’m not even sure he knew or cared to know Bray’s last name.

There was no reason for him to remember me. I was awkward and shy the last time I saw him. We never spoke, and he only looked at me the one time.

I’m not that shy, awkward girl anymore. I have changed a lot since then. Now, I’m a woman who is standing outside of his club, working up the courage to go in and perform well enough to gain his attention.

Stripping has never been my intent, but it’s money, and it’s more than I could possibly make working at the same diner my mother worked at until her pained legs gave way.

Oh hell, why am I even thinking about her at this moment? She was no saint and certainly no mother to Braylin and me. The men she brought home weren’t any better. She was a terrible alcoholic, and the men she brought home were a mix of out of work losers, pedophiles and alcoholics too. I think she drank, so she wouldn’t have to deal with what was going on around her.

It was Braylin who got us out of there. Bray’s father, who had a gambling problem, was kind enough to give us a little money to get us started. We didn’t dare bother to ask him for much more. And of course, my father was useless to us, considering I didn’t even know who he was.

Walking into the brightly lit room, I gaze over at the stage where I performed last week to get this job.

Great ass and certainly great tits, the judges said as they admired my every move.

I know I have the body. They didn’t have to tell me that. I also didn’t care when they mentioned that I looked innocent enough to drive the men crazy, but I did blush when they called me pretty.

Really pretty, they said again.

No one has ever said that to me. People have commented on my body, my long brown hair, and my bright green eyes before, but I have never been called pretty.

Kayla, come with me, and I’ll show you your locker and your area. It’s your responsibility to keep it clean and make sure you lock up all your valuables. I don’t police the girls in this club, Kyler, the manager, tells me as he walks me through the club to the back. You did bring a lock with you, didn’t you?

I did, and I picked up some new costumes and makeup from the supplier you suggested.

Although, it wasn’t much of a suggestion. This is no ordinary gentlemen’s club. The women have to be perfectly shaped goddesses in expensive clothing, and unattainable, no one is allowed to hook-up with any customer. By the end of each show, each woman leaves the stage still wearing a well-designed G-string bikini, not that it leaves much to the imagination.

I have been coming here and hiding in the dark for weeks so I could learn what I need to do get a job here. The somewhat respectable line of the barely there bikini and the amount of money that could be earned is enough to draw in some of the most beautiful dancers. The place is so pristine and upscale that even high society women come here to watch the shows. Some come for the atmosphere filled with rich men, and others are hoping for the opportunity to meet Nick. No matter their reason, I couldn’t show up for my interview looking like I had crawled out of an alley, I had to save and buy myself the perfect once in a lifetime makeover.

Nick has a reputation that every woman in the city is aware of, all they have to do is read the papers. His philanthropy is a constant topic for reporters, but all their goodwill articles are usually published to steer people away from the articles about him being questioned by police for one criminal activity or another. Although none of that probably matters to the women that come here, all they care about is his status as the ultimate lover. He has come a long way since dating my sister. He is no longer the bagman for Harvey Rice, a criminal that built his life on drugs, prostitutes and stealing the unobtainable cars and merchandise to resale to others. In fact, he took over most of what Harvey used to control. Now, Nick nearly owns the city, yet he’s only a few years older than me.

Kyler opens the door in front of me and points to an area with a makeup table and a small closet. Well, here you are. It’s not a bad spot, but make sure you keep your things on your side of the closet because you’re sharing it with Meagan. She’s not too good about sharing, and I’m not too good with listening to her complain. So, please stay away from her.

Kyler’s stern look gives me pause, but it’s not enough to scare me.

So, you’re the new girl!

I turn toward the lanky dark figure, coming at me full of attitude and bluster.

I’m Exie, and despite what you might hear, I’m the best dancer here. No one else compares, so don’t even think you can come in here and take my time slots.

I smirk slightly. Well, if you’re that good, then you shouldn’t have to worry about it, should you?

Exie’s bright smile forms smoothly across her face. I like you, so here’s a piece of advice from me to you. Most of these bitches are backstabbers, but as long as you understand that pretty much whatever you’re told is a lie, you’ll be fine.

From the moment Exie eyes me up and down, I know we’re going to be good friends.

Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind, I say.

No problem. Now, I hope your little white ass can dance because if you can’t, you won’t make it here. They’re constantly bringing in new girls to keep the club fresh. Your outfits and routines also need to be original, and ever changing. . Otherwise, you’ll be replaced quickly, Exie says, admiring all my makeup. Can I borrow this? I’ll give it back.

I snatch the tube of lipstick out of her hand as she tries to disappear with it. I don’t think so! Get your own.

Exie winks, putting her hands on her hips. You might last after all.

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The night goes as I would have expected. I was a little nervous my first time up, but by my third show, I learned to focus outside my surroundings, putting myself in a tranquil place that eased my nerves. Although this wasn’t my first time on stage, this place was a little more intimidating when filled with its affluent clientele.

During my downtime, I watch from a dark corner at the back side of the stage as each dancer performs, waiting and wondering if he will ever show. Toward the end of the night, Meagan arrives, walking in like she owns the place. She walks up to me looking me up and down, she spaces herself around me as if I have a disease she doesn’t want to catch. Her superior attitude is understandable. The gorgeous blonde dresses to kill, and a single piece of her jewelry would pay my rent for a year. Despite her apparent loathing of me, I’m impressed with the drop-dead gorgeous woman and her expensive style .

Not far behind her, Nick swaggers in with his entourage of men, all dressed in tailor-made designer suits. As always, he commands attention from the moment he enters.

My knees shake and my heart races just from the sight of him. I have prepared for this moment numerous times in my head, but standing near him again is almost enough to send me running out the door in fear of failure.

Hot as hell, isn’t he? Exie questions from over my shoulder.

Yeah, I guess he is.

You guess? Are you blind? Girl, he is so fine that it’s scary. I nearly had an orgasm the other day when he asked me for a cup of tea. Don’t stare too hard though. Meagan will scratch your eyes out if she catches you staring at her man, Exie says with a high-eyebrow warning.

He’s seeing Meagan? Who is he? I ask knowing the answer but wanting to verify that we are discussing the same man. She must be talking of someone else, not Nick Jayzon, the man that is considered to have more women available to him than anyone can count, he cannot possibly have a girlfriend?

That’s Nicholas Jayzon, the man that owns this club. He’s the sole reason that Meagan thinks her shit don’t stink and why the bitch is getting the prime-time slots. Not only is Nick sexy as hell, but he also takes care of his women, which isn’t only Meagan, no matter what she might say. Although, she does seem to be the main one, or at least, she’s the one he flaunts in front of his associates over there. The worst part is the scrawny white girl can’t dance for shit. If it weren’t for her big tits and blonde hair, no one would look twice at her. Exie sighs and walks away with an air of disgust and jealousy.

Laughing as Exie walks away from me doing a mock impression of Meagan’s dancing, I find a good spot in front of the stage but close enough to see Nick while I eagerly wait for Meagan to enter the stage. Meagan walks out with nothing more than an expensive outfit and a smile to support her poor moves on the stage. Just as Exie said she would, Meagan had a weak performance but the men in the audience don’t seem to care as long as she smiles at them.

It doesn’t matter to me though because I mostly watch Nick—how he moves, how he watches her, how he responds to every twist and turn that she makes. When she finishes, he gets up to leave, catching sight of me.

Holding my ground, I take his intimidating stare head-on. Nick pauses briefly before a slight smile tugs at the corners of his lips. He turns away from me, and after a second glance over his shoulder, I know he’s interested.

Chapter 3

Kayla

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After my first week at the club, Exie invites me to breakfast and then shopping for some new costumes since I only have a couple that are worth showing at the club.

So, how was your first week? Exie asks, barely bothering to look my way between her admirations for the passing men.

Do you come here because you actually like the food? I ask.

Well, I do like their sausage, she says, smiling with a wink and then taking a bite of her food. Seriously, how are you doing?

Fine.

Her expression seems to question my response.

I’m fine. Really. Why are you looking at me that way?

I don’t know, but something about you doesn’t fit.

I laugh. What about me doesn’t fit?

I’m not sure yet, but all the girls—well, except for Meagan—come in, do their job, and are just as eager to leave as they are to get in and make that money. You hover and stick around like you never want to leave.

I don’t know what you’re talking about. Leaning back in my chair, I pretend to check out the passing runner.

Do you have a place to stay? Why do you shower at the club? And why do you stick around long after your shift is over?

I, uh...I’m between places right now, I say, dismissing her concentrated stare.

She leans in closer to me as she continues her interrogation. Where did you stay last night?

Motel. It’s not bad. It’s clean, quiet, and easy to get to.

Exie’s head cocks into a caring position as she rolls her eyes.

What? I ask.

Don’t think this is an invitation because I like you, but I could use the help on rent, and I do have an extra room...if you’re interested.

Can I borrow your shoes, too? I chuckle as her expression instantly changes to disgust.

Don’t push it! And there are some rules you have to follow—no men, no drugs, and no alcohol in my house. My little boy is only five, and I don’t want him around that if I can help it.

That won’t be a problem.

Oh, and he’s not good with boundaries, so make sure you lock the bathroom door. He’s caught me a few times, but I’m his mother. Seeing your white ass might scar him for life.

I grin. Got it.

Any kids of your own? she asks with sincere curiosity.

No, I like kids, but I’m not sure about me being a mother...so it’s best that I don’t have any, I reply.

Details, please, she presses, leaning toward me again with growing interest.

My sister was the motherly one. I’ve always been the selfish one, and I’m much too selfish to warrant having children.

Well, at least you’re honest about it. I can’t say Jerran was part of my plan, but I wouldn’t give him up for the world. Stripping is only a means to an end. As soon as I finish my degree, I’m packing up Jerran and moving far enough away from here to start over.

You’re going to school? I ask, scooting to the edge of my seat.

Wow, girl! That got you perked up. Do you want to enroll? If so, I know this great counselor who can help you with grants and—

No. School...that’s not for me, I say, easing back in my seat with a disinterested wandering eye.

Really? Hmmm, that’s what I thought, too. I hated high school. I mean, why bother suffering any further? But college is different. You might like it. I actually thought you were in school when I met you. You talk differently than everyone else, like you’re more sophisticated or something. That’s why I thought you took the job—to help pay for classes or something like that.

No, but I do read a lot. I love to read. I could read for days and never stop. I used to be such a bookworm. When my nose was stuck in a book, I would barely look up to notice much of anything.

So, why not go to school? Exie asks me, suddenly concentrating on my reaction.

Because that dream died a long time ago, and... I pause, knowing no comfortable way to avoid this story so I change the topic. I think I’d like to see my new place now.

Okay, but I’m not done talking to you about this, Exie retorts, picking up her bag to leave.

Wonderful. I’m so excited to be moving in then, I say as I walk back to Exie’s car.

Oh my! Did you see him? Exie stops abruptly and turns to watch a man who is smiling at her. Ooh yeah, he’s fine.

You’re not going to stop and talk to him, are you?

Why ruin what we have by getting to know him? she asks with a wink.

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The club is especially insane on Saturday nights. The clientele doubles since this is the night women come in.

At the end of my shift, I get comfortable in a dark corner and watch the groups of women all chatting with one another like they don’t have a worry in the world. I imagine their lives outside this place to be dull and routine.

The ones with their bachelorette party gear and high-pitched squawking are the ones that like to purposely standout over all the men and all the other women that like to come here. The ones with their BMW key chains and Jimmy Choo shoes, they’re settling into their preparations to marry Mr. Perfect, live in their perfect house with their perfect kids, and ignore life’s daily challenges by pampering themselves with pricey treats and useless tea dates. They like to be noticed and envied, that is their only purpose.

To say I dislike them would be wrong. Maybe I’m jealous of them, but I have a hard time believing that they’re any happier than anyone else.

Tonight’s future bride dons a huge plastic penis around her neck, hanging absurdly in front of her precious summer dress. Why this is supposed to be funny, I’ll never know. It’s more like displaying your true desire openly between your tits.

When Nick walks in, I know I couldn’t be more right. Daddy’s sweet little girl’s eyes widen as soon as she spots him walking across the room. As always, he has a group with him. This time, he brought out business associates to impress as we girls are told ahead of time so we make sure to perform extra special too, and of course, his usual suspects—Luke and Dwayne—are accompanying him.

Luke Norton bounces in like he always does—with energy that no one person could ever contain. Dwayne Dobbins couldn’t be more opposite. He’s enormous, and he never smiles, no matter how much Luke tries to get him to. But they both follow Nick—as they have since I have known of them.

When Nick comes in and sits down, he doesn’t even bother to look toward the table of debutantes. The squawking Country Club Barbies become louder in their futile attempt to get as much attention as possible. Although the men sitting with Nick take notice, Nick doesn’t. They don’t interest him a bit. Time and again, the women make spectacles of themselves, but they only succeed in gaining the attention of the college boys sitting next to them.

Chuckling to myself quietly, I hide myself in the darkness, enjoying the show. I assume they’ll eventually give up. I don’t understand the point of their persistence to gain his attention. Do you have to have every man’s attention? Apparently, they do.

Whispering among themselves, one lucky woman finally stands up and straightens herself to perfection before walking away. The bride scoots her chair slightly away from the table, primping until she receives nods from her cheerleaders. The lone brave woman walks up to Nick’s side.

Obviously annoyed, he sits back casually and looks her up and down before directly meeting her eyes. He doesn’t say a word. He simply watches her as she begins to fidget and tremble. I myself look her up and down with a roll of my eyes, while hiding behind Nick’s back.

Um...hi! she squeals. I don’t mean to bother you, but my friend over there is getting married next Saturday, and we’re playing a kind of scavenger hunt game for her bachelorette party. She pauses as if she expects him to finally speak. Well, anyway, she has to get certain items on her list in order to get all her points, and one of those items is to get a kiss from a handsome stranger...on the cheek, of course. She giggles pleasantly.

Nick almost breaks a full smile when the men around him laugh aloud. I don’t kiss on the cheek, he says smoothly, giving her the opportunity to end it there.

Instead of taking the hint, she drags the bride over to him. Please? Just once? she asks, laying her head on the bride’s shoulder.

From the corner of his eyes, Nick looks the bride over. You’re getting married?

Blushing, she nods.

Why? he follows up in a