76. Q Club.

"Leave the whole bottle," Alaric said, tapping the counter.

He had finally come to the club. He had given in to Richard's request—and even arrived before Richard did.

The bartender arched a brow. "The whole bottle, Mr. Allens?"

"Yes. Thank you, Adam."

Adam reluctantly placed the bottle down and walked away. Alaric poured scotch into his glass of ice, filling it to the brim.

He downed it in one gulp. The drink burned his throat, providing a temporary distraction from his pain.

He filled another glass full and gulped it down.

He shouldn't be drinking—he knew that—but he didn't care. He was in pain, and drinking seemed to be the only thing that could numb him.

Nicolette had hurt him.

Fuck!

He wanted to scream, to cry out his pain. He couldn't believe it. He couldn't believe she had lied to him—lied about going to see Suzie, only to end up with Lucian.

Did she think he wouldn't see the news?