SIXTEEN.

ACE.

As he swallows, I slap his cheek twice in succession then rise to my full height toying with the cuff links on the sleeves of my shirt.

“Mr Ripley, your special order is ready.”

I cast my gaze to the doorway to find Ana standing there with an ice pack in her hand, and I raised my brows at her, silently questioning her where the rest of the order was.

“It’s waiting on a table by the dance floor.”

I nod my head then turn to look at Birdene. She is still sitting on the counter looking at me with wide, questionable eyes.

My gaze shifts from her eyes to her neck, which is stained with a crimson handprint.

Lowering my eyes to my hand that’s now sticky with my blood, “Little Bird, I need you to follow Ana,” I say as I reach her, turning the faucet on and washing my hands. “She will help you get through what is about to happen next.” I continue as I turn the faucet off and dry my hands with a cotton towel that’s sitting in the corner of the counter in a neat pile.

“Ohhh… okay,”