His attention swings back to us, frowning when he notices neither of us have taken our shot.“What are you waiting for?Giddy up ladies!Knock those suckers back!”
Bri tilts her head to me with a shrug, a wide smile lifting her cheeks as she snags the shot off the counter, taps it against mine before tipping it to her mouth to gulp it down.
I immediately follow suit, not wanting to catch one moment of shit from her for even a second of hesitation, my eyes watering as the tequila burns a trail of heat from my throat to my stomach.I snatch a lime off the counter and suck hard hoping to quell the fire, but it honestly doesn’t help much.
“That’s what I’m talking about!”Dean hollers as he slaps his palm onto the bar.“Another round, Eddie.”
My eyes pop wide at the prospect of doing back-to-back shots of tequila within the span of five minutes, and I shake my head in protest.
“I’m good.”I direct my attention to Eddie.“I’ll just have a beer.”
“Awe, come on, Lily.”Bri protests as I snatch the offered bottle off the bar and start backing up.“Let your hair down a little and have some fun!”
“Yeah, what she said.”Dean leans over Bri, propping his chin on her shoulder as he slides his arms around her waist.“The fun’s just getting started.”
“I’m good.”I keep backing up, the space between us growing, my eyes darting to the left and right as I try to determine the best escape route, my progress thwarted as I collide into a solid object.I flinch, freezing in place as warm hands land on the exposed skin above the waist of my skirt, fingers gripping my hips lightly.
“Did someone mention fun?”A deep, raspy voice asks from behind, warm breath against my ear a second later as he whispers.“Careful kitten, you might be runningintomore trouble, than away from it.”
I spin around, his hold loosening enough for me to do so, but not letting go, and I find myself staring up into the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.
They’re brown, but not just any brown.They look like the color of whiskey, reminding me of the time I stood on the edge of the Grand Canyon as the sun was setting, the cliffs a staggering display of warm brown hues.
They’re framed by dark, full lashes, blinking lazily as he stares back at me.The corners start to crinkle as a smile lifts his cheeks.He chuckles then, the vibration from his chest startling me into awareness.
I attempt to move away from him, my face heating under his intensity, but his grip tightens, holding me as his prisoner.
“I thought we were about to have some fun.”He’s practically growling, his voice still low as he addresses me.
“What?”I stammer, yanking myself free of his grasp, stumbling a bit as I do.“I-I was just going to find a bathroom.”
“You need some help with that?”Mr.Whiskey Eyes continues to torment me with his raspy voice and attention.
“Luc, leave the girl alone and come join us for a shot.”Dean intervenes, motioning for him with a wave of his arm.
“But she’s so pretty.”He peers down at me, an almost feral smile flashing my way before addressing Dean.“Are you sure I can’t play with her?”
“She’s not a toy, asshole.”Dean admonishes with a shake of his head.“Get your ass over here and do a shot with us.”
“The bathroom’s that way.”He points to the left as he saunters by me, his scent, cedar and smoke and spice trailing in his wake as I continue to gawk at his beauty.
“Lily?”Bri’s voice snaps me out of the trance I’ve fallen into.“You good?”
“Yep.”I give a little wave as I turn to the left.“I’ll find you later.Or text me when you’re ready.”I don’t bother waiting for a reply as I scurry away, my skin still tingling from his touch.What in all things holy was that?Or better yet, who?
Miraculously, I find the bathroom without further help and secure myself inside, turning the lock before I slump against the door.Why in the hell did I let Bri talk me into going to this party?
I thought I was being pretty damn nice by agreeing to go to the concert of a band I didn’t even know, let alone like, for that matter, but to end up at an after party they’re throwing?Complete and utter mistake on my part.
I heave out a breath as I push myself upright, then use the toilet and wash my hands.I glare back at my reflection in the mirror over the sink, knowing I can’t be angry at anyone but myself over the predicament I’m in.
I know from past experiences that if Bri wants something, she’s going to get it.And holy Hell, she had wanted Dean Ross, the lead guitar player of Devil’s Halo, for as long as I could remember.
Not going to lie, the guy was pretty damn nice to look at, but hooking up with someone from a famous rock band-no thank you.God knows what kind of medication she’s going to need after tonight.Hard pass.
A knock on the door startles me back to reality.“One second,” I call out, then unlock the door and stride back out into the unknown.I nod at a guy waiting in the hall.“All yours.”
I wander in the opposite direction of the bathroom, wondering what I’ll find.I’m not entirely surprised to find a couple dry humping on a couch when I pass a living room area, which I promptly keep walking by.
