Page 21 of Scandalous Contract

I let the music take over and rolled my hips, swaying in time with Ronnie as he hyped me up, throwing his hands in the air like we were back in college and the night was ours to own.

“Go, best friend. Go, best friend. Go, best friend,” Ronnie chanted as we danced.

I laughed. I couldn’t recall the last time I’d laughed so hard. Well, without India being present. It was hot as hell in the club. But that didn’t stop me from moving. Sweat beaded my skin. A couple of guys approached me to dance.

But as soon as we started dancing, one of their friends approached and dragged them away. In fact, both times, it was the same friend who came and took them away. A big, tall white guy with a bald head.

They must’ve come together or something. I didn’t let that distract me from my fun. I could dance alone and still feel like I was that bitch. Plus, my nemesis was kicking it. The tequila had me feeling right.

I was so glad I checked on India before I left because I had a feeling I was going to be wasted when I made it back to the house. One of my favorite jogging songs came on. The rapper was instructing us to make our ass clap.

I was about to do just that when I felt it, a prickle against my flesh. It was a slow, creeping sensation at the back of my neck, like heat spreading over my skin. Somebody was watching me.

I glanced over my shoulder, searching the crowd. My gaze moved to the lounge area. And there he was. Julian Cattaneo. Seated on one of the black settees. Our eyes connected, and the world seemed to stand still for a brief second.

The music faded into a dull hum in the background. The sound of my heart beating pounded in my ears. It was really him. He was really here. His gaze held me captive. And it seemed my presence held him frozen in place also.

When he finally moved, it was as if he was moving in slow motion. He leaned forward, one elbow on his knee, drink in his hand. His gaze remained on me. And he wasn’t just looking at me. He was drinking me in, devouring me with his wicked eyes.

His gaze slid over me like a physical touch, slow and intense, taking in every inch of my body. I already knew what he saw. My back was to him, and it was bare. And this ass of mine was sitting just right in this dress.

His tongue darted out, dragging across his bottom lip before he took a sip from his glass, never once breaking eye contact. The way he was staring at me made my breath hitch. My thighs pressed together without permission. Ronnie immediately noticed who held my attention.

“Girl,” he whispered in my ear, leaning close. “If that man looks at you any harder, you're gonna get pregnant.”

I laughed, but it was weak. Forced. Because Julian was still watching me. And like a fool, I didn’t look away. If anything, I danced a little slower. Rolled my hips a little deeper. Like I wanted him to keep watching.

What was wrong with me? Maybe it was the alcohol.Damn you, tequila.Maybe it was the fact that I’d spent the evening touching myself and moaning his name in the shower. Or maybe I’d finally lost my damn mind.

But I didn’t stop dancing. And he didn’t stop watching me. The song ordered me to shake my ass again, and I obeyed. Leaning forward just a little and shaking it, feeling it jiggle as it moved from side to side.

Julian set his drink down slowly and stood up. He started forward, stalking across the room with his eyes locked on me. Wait! He was coming to me.

“Oh, shit,” I muttered, facing forward. My gaze rose to Ronnie’s. “I need to go to the bathroom.”

“Liar,” he stated, smiling mischievously.

I started to walk away but Ronnie grabbed my hand, refusing to let me leave.

“What are you doing?” I hissed.

“Being your best friend who loves you dearly.” He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. “Remember my prediction? You’re getting laid tonight. And that guy approaching you now is already eye fucking you. Get’em, tiger.”

Before I could roll my eyes or tell him to shut up, I felt a presence behind me. I didn’t have to turn around to know it was Julian. The look on Ronnie’s face confirmed it. With a wink, Ronnie released my hand and danced off, abandoning me like the traitor he was.

I tried to follow Ronnie but went completely still when Julian placed his hand on my waist, preventing me from moving away from him. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I watched Ronnie’s retreating form disappear into the crowd.

The heat of Julian’s body behind me made my mouth water. The feel of his hand on my waist had my pulse racing. I had to get away from him. I started forward again. His other hand dropped to my waist, and he pulled me flush up against him until my back was pressed against his front.Oh. My. Gosh. I could feel his cock against my ass. And heaven help me, it was hard. And big.

“Don’t run from it,” he whispered in my ear.

A rush of arousal flamed over me at his words. I felt his lips against my shoulder – the gentlest kiss, but it had my pussy thumping in time to the beat of the music.

“Dance with me,” he whispered.

Julian started moving behind me, keeping perfect time with the music. And against my better judgment, I moved with him, letting his hands guide my body left and right. I told myself this was harmless. Just dancing. Nothing more.

If he wanted to sway, I could sway. If he wanted to grind, I could grind. I wasn’t new to this. Back in the day, the dance floor was my happy place. The DJ switched things up, the tempo slowing down into a song that was made for lovers.