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A blush heats my skin when I realize what’s happening behind those curtains.

Running a hand through my hair I remind myself why I’m here and scan the room.

At first glance I don’t see Damien, not that I expected to, but I do spot a large door which seems to lead to a back office or something else in the corner. Squinting my eyes, I can make out two burly security guards stationed in front of the door which further confirms my suspicions it’s a room of importance.

“Spencer said he found a spot but it’s a few blocks away so he’ll be here when he can.” Tucking her phone away Ava grabs my hand and pulls me toward the bar. “Remember what I said?”She gestures toward the menu, and I let out a breath turning to the bartender.

“Two shots of tequila, please.” The blonde woman is already pouring our drinks before I even finish saying the words.

“Starting strong, are we?” Ava smirks, rubbing her hands together with excitement.

“Weren’t you the one who said I needed to let loose? I’m going to need some liquid courage for that.”

As soon as the shot is placed in front of me I down it and Ava stares at me mouth agape but pride in her eyes. “Hell yes, you go girl.” Following suit, she slams the glass down and starts making her way toward the dancefloor. “Let’s get out there and show them what we’ve got.” She does a little shimmy to demonstrate her point.

“When you put it like that my immediate answer is no,” I retort, but follow after her through the throng of sweaty bodies.

She giggles, grabbing my hand and dragging me to the middle of the crowd.

At first, I stand there like an awkward deer in headlights, looking every which way, trying to figure out what I should be doing. Ava must sense my nervousness because she bobs her head and starts to sway her hips giving me a reassuring nod. I follow her lead and try to lose myself in the music, closing my eyes and forgetting anything related to the world around me besides the song. After a few minutes I feel much better, maybe it’s the tequila coursing through my system, but I start to enjoy myself.

“Come on,” Ava says, mouth near my ear so I can hear her over the music. “Let’s give them a show.”

Giggling and putting our hands on each other's waists, Ava and I sway out of time with the music. I know she’s trying to keep me in the moment, and I try to focus on the rhythm of the song. Just as I’m getting into a groove, the music transitions into anew dubstep track and I jump around with the crowd, throwing my hands in the air. I catch Ava smiling at me when I shimmy against her side, she lets out a loud whoop and claps with the beat. It’s genuinely the most fun I’ve had in a while.

Spencer’s dirty blonde hair appears above the crowd as he makes his way over to us. He’s also brought another round of shots which I promptly throw back and thank him for. I try to tug Ava back to the middle to dance but she waves me off.

“Go on! Find yourself a hottie.” Her brows waggle at me as she grabs Spencer’s hand and leads him toward a table.

“Don’t forget why we’re here!” I shout over the noise, and she throws up a thumbs up in acknowledgment without turning around.

I blow hair out of my face and scooch back into the crowd but it’s harder to get back into it. I probably look like a deranged puppet shuffling around trying to dance by myself while also scouting out the room. Just as I’m about to say screw it and walk off, a corded forearm snakes around my waist and pulls me back against a hard chest.

I squeak in surprise.

“Relax,” a husky voice murmurs in my ear.

It’s like time stops, the sweaty bodies gyrating around us slow down, and I swear my whole body shivers. Goosebumps rise on my arms at the sensuality in his tone and the strength with which his arm holds me against him allows me to feel how defined his abs are. Normally that command would have no effect on me, but something about his voice instantly soothes me.

I can’t see the mystery man holding me past his black boots and dark jeans, but I desperately want to see more. His smoky vanilla and cypress scent envelops me, and I inhale deeply to savor it.

Coming back to myself I take stock of the situation and tense up. A stranger's holding me captive and I’m sniffing him like a weirdo.

I try to pull away, but he holds me tighter and breathes softly against my ear. Stroking my side in a soothing motion he lulls me into a sense of complacency. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think I heard a small whine of displeasure coming from his throat when I tried to break away.

“Dance with me,” he whispers seductively against the shell of my ear, and I melt against his warm body. “I promise I don’t bite.”

An amused chuckle rumbles through him at his own words.

Even though this is so out of character for me there’s something about him that calms my nerves. Ava said to let loose, and I’m determined to prove I can. I have to sell my cover, right? Reaching an arm back around his neck I feel the brush of soft waves of hair. He tightens his grip once again when I make contact and lets out a sigh of relief when he realizes I'm not trying to leave.

I close my eyes as I lean my back against his front, rolling my hips into his. There’s something exhilarating about not knowing what he looks like.

Swaying to the music my mystery man keeps his left arm around my waist and brings his other up to brush my hair to the side. He settles his face next to mine and gives an encouraging noise when I feel adventurous and start to grind back against his body. My heart rate picks up under his touch, and by the feeling of hardness against my ass he’s just as affected by me as I am him.

“Such a good girl,” he croons, and a soft moan escapes me at his words. I grip his arm with my free hand, needing something to hold onto, and allow myself to feel good for the first time in a long time.

CHAPTER 6