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"You can hold your alcohol," he suddenly said after her fifth glass.
She was sitting more comfortably now, leaning back into the seat with her legs crossed and a glass in hand. "You sound disappointed."
He shrugged as he twirled the glass in his hand. "The drinks weren’t mixed, yet…" he paused to drink from his glass while locking eyes with her over the rim.
"If I didn't know better, I would say you plan to get me drunk."
She knew it was. She had seen how he watched her after each glass. He might not have done anything inappropriate—however, she couldn't swear on this—but he would have certainly asked her invasive questions, and he did try.
"No," he said, shaking his head as he pulled the glass from his lips. "I am just impressed. Besides, I don't need to get you drunk."
Rosa narrowed her eyes at his insinuation. His confidence snagged at her. This was what made her determined to end whatever this was as quickly as she could.
The longer she meddled with him, the more detrimental it would be for her. It was better for her to step away while she was unscathed.
The club was nearing the closing hour and it was more than halfway empty, yet Nolan didn't look ready to leave just yet. He had made sure she spent every minute right next to him.
If he wasn't downright devilish, she might have entertained the idea of barely doing anything except holding a conversation the entirety of the night.
She would be the first to admit that this was one of her easiest nights ever, but she also knew it wasn't without consequences.
"When will you leave?" She asked after placing her empty glass on the table.
"Are you chasing me?" He asked smugly.
"No," she replied in the next breath. "It's almost closing time. Any minute now, the DJ will stop playing music. The club is already empty."
"What time do you usually leave?"
She darted her eyes in his direction. Suspicion filled her gaze. "I don't see how that's relevant. I work here."
"Hmm. I know. However, it's the early hours of the morning. I'd like you to get home safely."
"I get home just fine. There is no need for your concern."
"Are you still hostile with me? After we just spent the night together?"
She rolled her eyes at his insinuation and his smile widened. If she slacked even for a moment, he would find some way to swivel himself around her life and her routine.
She doubted she would be able to condone this another day. The weekend wasn't completely over yet, but the club opened on Sundays. She might be able to take a break the days after, but Monday and Tuesday weren't enough to recover from dealing with the Alpha for three days straight.
"You should go," she said instead. She needed a moment to recover before she had to deal with him later today. Something told her he would be here. "Your crew can barely stay awake."
The omegas were huddled together as they slept. They were tired from all the dancing and drinking. The men were still awake, but more than a few of them had a sleepy look on their faces.
"I don't want to leave you," he whined.
"I'd prefer that, actually," she said with a blank expression.
"You're mean," he said with a sigh. "But very well. I won't take much of your time any longer."
"That's rich, considering all I did tonight was keep you entertained."
He had already taken all her time. She might not be exhausted physically, but she was exhausted mentally. Conversation with the Mafia King was a chore as she had to keep her defenses up at all times.
"I was very entertained," he smirked. "Your waist isn't the only thing that can hold my attention, apparently."
His backhanded compliment offset her, and this was something he did more often than not. "I wish I could say the same. If we are done here, I'd like to leave."
"You don't need my permission to leave," he replied with an amused smile.
She scoffed. "Is that a yes then?"
His eyes moved from her face downwards. She was no longer sitting in a relaxed manner. Instead, she was back to the way she had seated when she first came into his section.
Stiff, sitting close to the edge so she could easily escape if there was a need to.
They had spent most of the night talking. When the omegas and his men stood up to dance, she didn't. He didn't want her to do anything she didn't want, so he sat alongside her.
However, the hours they had spent conversing meant nothing to her and now that it was over, she wanted to leave.
"It is," he reluctantly said.
As soon as the word left his lips, Rosa stood to her feet and immediately headed towards the stairs.
"Won't I even get a goodbye?"
"Goodbye," she called but didn't look back.
"Alpha," Luca said and stepped forward after she disappeared down the stairs.
"Yes, Luca," he replied as he gestured for another cigar.
"Would you like me to do something about her?" He said stiffly.
Nolan froze and turned towards the man. "You've worked with me long enough, Luca. You should understand my tastes."
Luca visibly flinched but he didn't back down. "She shouldn't speak to you in that manner. There are more than enough women who want the opportunity you're offering her. She seems to forget you're the Mafia King."
"Oh, she doesn't forget," he said with a smirk. "Despite her snark, she is quite cautious."
If he wasn't who he was, she wouldn't listen to Franco; he knew that. She would kick him in the balls and spit on his face.
"Clearly, not cautious enough!"
"You should know better, Luca. Don't let me have to tell you again."
His eyes twitched but he bowed. "Are we leaving then?"
"No," he said, then smiled. "Not yet. Firstly, take care of the bills, then we will wait."