Page 68 of Theodore

I motioned across the room as she followed my gaze.

“Okay.”

Mara nodded obediently before clasping her hand to her mouth. “Oh, my God.”

I turned to follow her gaze, to see a dark head buried into a white blonde one, his hands on her waist as they kissed passionately.

“What?” I frowned.

Mara blinked at me before staring back at the dance floor.

“I thought I saw someone I knew,” she mumbled as I dragged her to the bar.

I need a drink.

Just over an hour later, we were on the dance floor, singing our lungs out to the lyrics of our favorite song. Sweat dripping down my back, I went to the bar, desperate for water. I turned, realizing Mara hadn’t followed me.

“Fuck,” I muttered, retracing my steps to find she had completely disappeared. I groaned when drunken fingers gripped my hips as I pushed my way through the crowd.

“Dance with me, baby,” drawled a voice so intoxicated I only just made out the words.

I glanced up and saw a balcony that overlooked the dance floor, and I headed up there to see if I could spot Mara. If not, I would head for the cloakroom, as agreed.

Couples laid hidden in crevices designed for club frolics, and I averted my eyes, leaning forward over the balcony. I narrowed my eyes as I searched the sea of clubbers, groaning when I couldn’t see Mara.

This is a nightmare.

My heart thundered in my chest as I remembered her fear of getting murdered.

Oh, God.

I turned to walk away when I spotted Mara in one of the cozy couple areas I’d previously avoided.

She was recognizable from the knee-high boots, and I noticed a hand sliding up her skirt as I gulped.

How had she got up here and copped off with someone at the same time?

At least I know where she is.

Not wanting to look like a pervert, I hung back and pulled my phone out. I turned it on to see a text appear immediately.

THEO:

How’s the night so far?

“Phillips? No way.”

I whirled around to see Jax standing in front of me, with bemusement.

His white shirt was rolled up to the elbows, tucked neatly into navy chinos. His hair was slicked back, and his grey eyes studied me before he looked around curiously.

“So. No pool party?” Jax asked as I swallowed.

Fuck. Busted.

“No. Girls’ night,” I said weakly, my gaze falling on Mara and the mystery man.

Jax turned to follow my eyes before clicking his tongue. “Right. Bit of a shit girls’ night for you, though?”