CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Ryan made a grand entrance in the club. "Am I interrupting?" His voice was deadpan as his eyes settled on Claire.

"Ry-Ryan?" Claire gasped and stood up at the same time, startled. Her eyes squinted in bemusement.

Was this real or some alcohol playing her tricks? She couldn't help but wonder. But seeing that arrogant look, mingled with something like anger on the face of the man standing before her eyes, Claire grasped immediately that it was indeed Ryan.

But what the fuck was he doing here? She gulped, her eyes bored deeply into his. He was devouring her alive, despite the displeasure in his perilous gaze. His eyes were openly scrutinizing her tight dress, the curves, the cleavage, and his lips twisted in a confusing fashion.

"Hi, Panther," he greeted Nathan.

"Oh, hi." Nathan was just as surprised as Claire.

"Mind if I steal your colleague for a minute?" Ryan asked, ignoring Claire's astounded look.

"Um, sure." Nathan huffed a soft laugher, his voice a bit shaky.

"Thanks," Ryan said c