He runs his tongue over his bottom lip, playing with his lip ring absentmindedly. “If that’s your wish.”
“You won’t tell Jagger or my brother where I am?”
“I won’t know where you are, will I? This is your free pass to take off and live the life you dream of, if that’s what you wish for. See, I’m kind of like a genie of sorts.”
I shake my head, swallowing hard, looking at his lips for a second longer than I probably should. I wonder what it would be like to kiss someone with a piercing. Would it get in the way? I also wonder whatelse he has pierced, then I quickly derail that thought when I realize I’m imagining his cock. What on earth is wrong with me? “You just want one kiss in return?” I ask instead, a sudden thumping filling my chest.
“What’s your wish, little darlin'? Do you want this big, bad genie to set you free?”
“Yes,” I whisper, the word almost getting stuck in my throat, just from the intense way he’s looking at me. No one has ever desired me before, not like this. My whole body is suddenly lit up, and I’m not sure if it’s because he’s about to kiss me or because I’m about to get my freedom.
His hand laces into my hair, and he tugs me closer to him, his touch firm but not harsh. He inhales, breathing me in, then lets out a groan of pleasure.
I stare up at him, lost, blinking rapidly from under my dark lashes. He’s so intense.
“Your hair is so damn pretty,” he says, surprising me as he wraps it around his fist. “It’s the color of the raven’s feathers. So black it’s almost blue.”
“Is it?” I say because I can’t get my brain to come up with anything else. I’m mesmerized with everything Cruz. The way he’s holding me so damn close, the way his fist is tugging at the strands of my hair, the way his eyes flare with heat, and most of all, the way he licks his bottom lip like he’s already tasting me.
Then his lips are on mine, his body pressing me into the wall behind savagely, and it’s as if time stands still. The noise of the passengers all around us dulls as his smell invades my senses. If I thought this was going to be some simple peck, I was mistaken. He kisses like a demon, and to my surprise, I find myself wanting more, opening my mouth just a little so he can invade it with his tongue. He tastes me like he wasstarving, and he needed to feed on me to bring himself back to life. I feel it too. Alive for the first time in years. Floating on a high I have never felt before.
When he eventually pulls back, I’m left breathless and panting, my body thrumming all over in a way I have never felt before. That was the most amazing kiss I have ever experienced, and I hate to admit it, but I want more. I gaze up at him, not sure what to do next. He’s beautifully harsh; it’s the only way to describe his features. I’m trembling all over and weak at the knees. Part of me thought feeling like this was a myth, but it’s very real—real and scary.
“You’re free,” he murmurs, but the way he looks at me is as if that’s the last thing he wants.
My duffel bag must have dropped when he started kissing me, so I pick it up, bewildered as I hug it closer to my chest, a physical barrier between us, with no idea what to do next. I have no money and no way of getting back into town to The Raven’s Nest, but I will work it out. “Thank you,” I whisper when he keeps staring at me. He might be a little crazy, but there is more to him, so much more, or he wouldn’t be letting me go. Here I was thinking he couldn’t read my social cues, but he’s more sympathetic than his heartless brother.
He hands me my phone and passport. “Don’t let me find you back in Ravens Hollow, little darlin'. You have your freedom; you can go anywhere.” He offers a half smile.
I won’t make any promises I can’t keep, so I don’t reply. There is no way I can do what he’s asking of me. I need to find Sloane, and she’s in Ravens Hollow. If I don’t, I have no hope of surviving out here in the wild. Instead, I gaze up at him, so much more I want to say, like don’t leave me all alone. But I don’t. Alone is the only way to stay safe.
He runs the back of his hand down my cheek, his thumb dusting over my bottom lip as though he’s trying to memorize every detail.Then without another word, his warmth is gone, and he turns away from me, striding back through the airport without looking back.
I’m left with my heart hammering and a nervous flutter going through me. Oh, dear God, what was that? I shove my phone in my back pocket and drop my duffle to the floor below so I can put away my passport, but as I do, five one-hundred-dollar bills fall out. What the hell? I collect them up quickly and tuck them into my wallet. Did Cruz stash these in my passport for me? He’s not the asshole I thought he was at all. Or maybe I really am just his good deed for the year, something to make up for all the dodgy stuff he and his brother are up to. He would have no idea what this kind of money means to me. It’s a bus fare and food while I get back on my feet at my new job. Well, hopefully my new job. That is if I can convince Sloane to hire me.
With a deep breath filled with fresh hope, I throw my bag over my shoulder and move back toward the front of the airport where I caught the bus yesterday, checking that Jagger’s car is gone before I stride outside. Thankfully, it is.
For some reason the air smells fresher out here now, like cut grass or the first day of spring, even though I’m surrounded by car fumes. I lean into the bus stop, slipping my earphones on, waiting for the next bus for Ravens Hollow to arrive. “Walking on Sunshine” hits my ears, its upbeat melody bringing me back to life.
Take two.
This time, I’m not leaving town until I have a job.
Chapter 4
Hungry Eyes
It’smiddaywhenIpush open the heavy double doors to The Raven’s Nest. I shove my earphones off so I can take it all in. It’s a classy-looking club, very Sloane. With its black glossy surfaces, metallic trims, and luxe chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Behind the bar, two girls in black shift dresses smile at me, and I move through the room toward them, hoping they can help me. A knot forms in my stomach, twisting more as I take each step closer. Coming to an exclusive gentlemen’s club for a job might be the biggest mistake of my life, but I have to give it a go. I honestly don’t have anyother options.
A pretty brunette with a clipboard in her hands leans over the counter, her bright eyes assessing me sharply. “Can I help you?” she asks, her tone friendly even if it’s a little standoffish.
I wring my hands, wiping the sweat off on the skirt of my floral dress, trying not to come off as nervous as I feel. But I think right now that’s probably impossible. It’s as if someone just turned the temperature up. “Is Sloane around today?” I ask, keeping my voice calm even though I’m anything but.
Her perfectly shaped brow rises as she looks me over with curiosity. “Are you here for the interviews?”
“Yes,” I squeak, forcing a smile onto my lips. I’m not here for the interviews, but if that is my in to seeing Sloane, then what’s the harm in a little white lie.
“How exciting! Welcome to The Raven’s Nest. I’m Myriah.” Her painted lips turn up with a bit more warmth. “This way.” She motions with her finger for me to follow along behind her. We go right through the main bar, past black leather booth seats and tables, to a door in the back. She holds up a key card and scans us through to another room. “This is our VIP room, only card holders can visit, anyone else has to stay in the front bar. It protects our dancers.”
