A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 182

Later, Jeremiah often joked that if it weren't for his relentless efforts, the two of them would never have become friends.

"So that's how it was," Winona said, taking a sip of the fruit punch the bartender handed her. "It's a shame I didn't know you when we were kids."

Elvis simply curled his lips into a faint smile, saying nothing in return.

As the night wore on, the bar grew increasingly crowded and noisy. Winona started to feel both drowsy and overwhelmed by the racket. She tugged at Elvis's sleeve and leaned in to whisper, "I want to go back and get some sleep."

"Alright," Elvis replied immediately. "Let's head out."

They slid off their barstools and were about to weave through the crowd to find Jeremiah on the dance floor when a group of tall, broad-shouldered white men approached them.

Each of the men had tattoos snaking down their arms, and they looked like the kind of people you'd be better off avoiding. The one in front fixed his eyes shamelessly on Winona and let out a low whistle, his English slurred and mocking.

"Hey gorgeous, I like your style. Why don't you come have a drink with us?"

His tone left no doubt about his intentions—he was openly propositioning her, even starting to reach out a hand.

Elvis's expression darkened instantly. He stepped in front of Winona, shielding her.

Even standing toe-to-toe with the men, he didn't appear the least bit intimidated—if anything, his presence was even more commanding and intense.

"Back off," he growled.

A dangerous energy crackled around him.

The group hesitated, momentarily taken aback, but within seconds, they started hurling curses, one of them even rolling up his sleeves, clearly ready for a fight.

All at once, a team of security guards seemed to materialize out of nowhere, moving with astonishing speed to pin the troublemakers to the floor.

Gasps erupted all around them. The music screeched to a halt as everyone in the bar turned to stare in shock.

Before she could say anything, he squeezed her hand, as if already knowing what she wanted to ask.

"We'll talk about it back at the hotel."

"Let's get out of here," Jeremiah said, frowning. "Didn't expect that sort of nonsense tonight. Totally killed the mood."

Even though nothing serious had happened, the fun was gone. He had no interest in going back to the dance floor or flirting with the party crowd.

The three of them left the bar together. Jeremiah said his goodbyes, got into his car, and drove off.

A moment later, Elvis and Winona's car pulled up to the curb. Elvis opened the door for Winona, and as she climbed in, he glanced over at a dark corner near the alley.

A shadow seemed to move there, just out of sight.

Elvis narrowed his eyes, then slid into the car beside her.