How simple it was for them to give up that control. One sip, and they were willing to hand their life over to chance. People never ceased to fascinate and disgust me.

Tingles ran up my spine as pinpricks danced along the side of my face. I’d know the weight of someone’s stare any day. Turning, I caught those same startling blue eyes. Even far away I could feel the intensity, desire and ambition that swirled in them.

The corners of my lips turned up, and I smiled at him. His eyes widened. No doubt he thought I wouldn't even pay attention to him. I wanted to see those gorgeous eyes up close.

Benito had placed me in charge of watching him. I might as well get a better look. I slipped back from the banister and made my way downstairs.

Fixing the glasses on my face, I stepped down on the bottom floor. People moved out of my way even while drunk. I stopped at the bar, and one of the girls hustled over to me.

“Yes, sir?”

I never ordered a drink. To lose any semblance of control outside of my allowed moments was against everything my brother had taught me growing up. His words flashed through me. “You keep it locked up, and I promise I’ll let you have your fun, but only when I say so. If you don’t listen, you’ll never get to do it again.”

I’d only been seven when my mother saw it fit to drop me off on my biological father’s doorstep. Benito took me under his wing and never once went back on his word.

“That gentleman over there, what has he ordered?” I pointed to Tex. He was looking out to the dance floor as he sipped his drink, but I could still feel his eyes on me.

“A gin tonic,” she said, giving me the information instantly.

“Send him another. Place it on my tab.”

She nodded, her bright pink hair falling over her face as strands slipped out of the ponytail. My fingers twitched at my sides. Sweat dripped down the nape of my neck as the urge to fix her wrapped me up in a thick blanket. The air grew thicker with every breath.

Control. I needed to find something to break the cycle of chaos that wasn’t mine. I pressed my thumb against my finger until the pop echoed through my hand. I did it five more times each finger cracked with the right amount of pressure. Each one brought me back down.

“I don’t think I asked for a drink.”

A smooth voice broke out over the pounding music. I’d been so wrapped in my head I’d missed Tex getting up. This was why I hated being at the club. Everything about it was out of order and a constant reminder of how displaced I was.

“Now you have one. Consider it an invitation to come back.” I turned on my heels and headed for the door. I’d have one of my men watch over Tex for the time being. Leaving took priority.