He stopped in his tracks when the blonde turned around. I’ll be damned. Jack advanced on her, letting out a series of curses under his breath. All color left her face. Good. He wasn’t the only one affected. What the hell was she doing there anyway? He hadn’t needed Chris after all.
Tori turned back around and grabbed her clutch.
He swallowed back a chuckle, gaining confidence as he moved to the table. “Victoria.” Jack smiled. “If I’d known you frequented this place, I would’ve made it a point to come before tonight.”
“Tori,” she corrected.
He stood next to her, his thigh touching hers. “Hello, girls. Long time, no see.” He beamed at the other four pranksters he now remembered.
“You know them?” Ethan asked.
“Yes. We go way back,” Jack replied. “Let’s have a toast for old time’s sake,” he added.
The four women exchanged looks, settling their intent gazes on Tori at last.
“I have to go,” Tori said.
He placed his hand on the small of her back and stroked his thumb on her skin. Leaning forward, Jack whispered at her ear, “Not so fast. You and I have unfinished business.”
Tori gave him a side-glance. “I don’t have anything to discuss with you.” Anxiety filled her deep-green gaze.
He looked down at her. “You’re not getting out of this easy. We have much to discuss. For instance, we can start with all the toys you’ve sent me and how I’d like to put them to use.”
The table occupants fell silent, watching their exchange with interest.
Tori shifted her feet, trying to place some distance between them.
He moved behind her, placing his hands on the table on either side of her. Trapping her in, he closed the space between their bodies, pressing his cock against her ass. Jack glanced at the other women. “By the look on your faces, I’m willing to bet you know what your sweet little friend has been up to lately, don’t you?”
“And what are you going to do Jack?” Tori pushed him away to no avail.
He bent forward and brushed his lips against the curve of her ear. “Let’s just say I’ve considered all the ways how I can use them on you,” he whispered.
“Why don’t you settle this for once and for all?” Vivienne asked.
“Stop.” Tori glanced at Vivienne.
“No. No, let’s hear it,” Ethan said.
Chapter Six
What were her friends doing? When did they switch to the wrong side? “Don’t you dare,” Tori warned. Giving Jack hell by sending him all those toys had been fun because she’d planned on never seeing him again. Today’s toy was the last one on her list. In fact, she’d accepted meeting her friends at this bar because she was ready to move on and celebrate the embarrassment she hoped she’d caused him.
“Oh, this is getting good.” Claire put her hands together.
“Yes, I dare you.” Vivienne narrowed her eyes.
The mischief dancing in her friend’s gaze made Tori want to flee. She should’ve never come tonight. No. She always came here. This was her bar. Her spot. It was him, Jack, who shouldn’t have been here tonight. She’d been coming to this place for years and not once had she seen him. Why now?
Scarlett grabbed her Chocolatini from the table. “Karaoke will start soon.” She wiggled her brow, lifting her glass in a toast.
“No. I won’t make a fool of myself.” Still trapped between his arms and the table, Tori reached for Jack’s hand to free herself from him, but he curled his fingers around hers.
“You won’t be the only fool.” Ariana grinned.
Jack chuckled. His laughter vibrated through her, traveling the length of her body, sending a wave of heat straight to her core.
How could she feel all hot and bothered by someone she hated so much? Well, she didn’t really hate him—though she wanted to after what he’d done to her—but his proximity made her fall short in her resolution. The way her insides tingled reminded her she was a long way away from hating him.
“I take it I’m the other fool,” Jack said.
“Great. Every time you guys miss a note, you take a tequila shot afterward.” Ethan grinned.
“Why afterward?” Claire asked.
“Because it’s one thing to make a fool of yourself while your five senses are working as opposed to when you’re wasted,” he replied.
“I’d rather take the shots now,” Tori said. If she could stall them all with a few drinks, maybe, just maybe, she’d be able to talk her way out. She gestured to a waiter.
“Have you gotten better at singing?” Jack asked. “If I recall correctly, you’re not really good at it.”