Page 29

“I tried, but it turns out you have to have more than someone’s moans to identify them.”

Josie blushes so much that I can see it, even in the red lighting.

She glances behind me again and gives a begrudging smile. “Looks like we’re being summoned.”

I look over my shoulder. Her sister is mouthing something at her, and everyone from the group is staring at us. I don’t want to join them. They might sabotage any rapport I’ve built with Josie. I formulate a plan in my mind.

“Let’s dance.” It’s not a question, but a command. If I give her a choice, she will definitely say no.

“With you?”

“Or you can go ahead and join the others to listen to whatever trivial bullshit they have to say.” I offer her my hand, begging the Universe to make her take it.

“You don’t strike me as the type to dance.”

“I’m full of surprises.”

I offer her my hand again, and she looks at it for a moment before a wicked smile spreads across her face and she takes it. I brush my thumb over her knuckles and they’re rough, scabbed over. The side of her hand is dotted with more rough flesh. I didn’t see her actually hit the guy from earlier, which means she was in some sort of fight recently. Violent, indeed.

I grip her hand, not letting it slip away, and lead her through the crowd onto the dance floor. Where our skin touches there is electricity that hums and crackles. When I came out tonight, I didn’t expect to run into the girl who inadvertently ruined me for the rest. Maybe the Fates aren't so cruel after all.

I glance at the group. They are all gaping at me, open mouthed, with the exception of Bella. Hermes and Minos are nodding their heads with approval. Vivian’s hand is gripping David’s forearm as he says something in her ear.

Once we’re out into the thrum of the patrons the air is thick with sex. Sweaty moving bodies leave us no breathing room. It takes the rest of my willpower not to be aroused by our closeness. Before I can consider what I’m doing, my hands slide over her hips hesitantly, waiting for permission. She presses her back into my torso, molding to me.

It’s a tango with my feelings, trying not to let my impulsive behavior take over and fuck her right here. Something tells me if I pull my usual shit, it will make her leave, and I need more time to prove to myself that there is nothing special about her. Every nerve ending in my body is on fire, begging to snatch her up. She grinds against me, and I can’t help but to get hard. There is no way she doesn’t feel it, but she doesn’t stop.

Her hand slides down my arm and her fingers intertwine with mine where I grip her hip. My intrigue shifts into lust. I’m starving for her attention. A wave crashes through me, darkness and demons surging up through my throat, trying to take control. Her free hand circles around my neck bringing my ear to her beautiful mouth.

“Are they still watching?”

I suck in a breath, but it’s a mistake. I can smell her. It’s like walking through a pear orchard on a crisp autumn day. “I’m not sure they’re going to look away.”

Her fingers tighten over mine. She glances over at the group who are watching us with the same intensity of one watching the delivery of a death sentence, and laughs. It’s better than sex. “Then let’s give them something to look at.”

Her fingers pry one of my hands from her hip and she slowly slides it up her abdomen as we dance. She doesn’t stop at her ribs or her breast, but wraps it around her neck. My fingers squeeze instinctively, and I can feel her heartbeat fluttering wildly. The memory of my hand around her neck in the alley flashes through my mind.

My grip moves from her neck to her chin, forcing her to look at me. I watch her mouth, and I hover over it like a predator waiting to attack. She closes the distance between us, and we collide. It’s like the gates to Tartarus open and swallow me up. The taste of dark cherries explodes on my tongue with a hint of whiskey.

When we come up for air, everything moves in slow motion. The music quiets. The crowd around us fades away. She flips to face me, trailing her fingers down my muscles appreciatively. Confusion flashes in her eyes and I grab her wrist, yanking her hand away. She composes herself and kisses me again. I’m dying to have more. Her skin glistens with sweat, and it beads on the back of my neck.

“What about now, fuck boy?” Her sultry voice sends more blood to my dick. I risk a glance and David waves us over eagerly.

“If I say no, are you going to ditch me?” I grin.

“I don’t suppose I can.”

“They’re demanding our presence,” I murmur into her ear. Josie nods and disentangles from me. The loss of touch throws me off balance and leaves me empty.

We make our way back to the table. If there wasn’t a DJ there would be complete and total silence blanketing the club. Josie steps onto the low table, leans over, and snatches her sister’s drink, tossing it back.

“I’m Josie,” she loudly introduces herself. I could be misreading Vivian, but there is a twinkle of Hope in her eyes as she looks up at her insane sister.

Minos and Hermes both look at me, stunned by the display. She’s bold, I’ll give her that.

David hands her his drink. “I see you’ve acquainted yourself with Aedonaeus.”

“Who? Him?” She jabs her thumb back toward me. “I suppose I have.”