“That’s life. So, are you enjoying being free of the Stronghold?”
“I am finding my new life quite enjoyable.”
The first strains of what she knew was going to be a fast song, she held her hand up, and it paused. Wiggling her dress up so that it covered as much as a mini skirt was helpful. Now she could move.
Xeti was laughing, and when she nodded to the DJ, he took her into his arms, and they were off. It was fun.
He was an excellent partner. He always supported her and kept in contact, aside from when she was moving behind him and sliding down his body. That was fun as well.
When the song was over, she was sweating but smiling. She nodded thanks and carefully made a break for it, back to her safe little corner.
The bartender grinned. “Same again?”
“Yes, please.”
She was waiting when a brunette alpha came up with a grin. “Miss, will you dance with me?”
She sighed and looked at the bartender. “Hold that thought.”
He laughed, and she headed out again. She spun, stepped, kicked, and twirled, and he laughed with her. It was a nice change from trying to recreate favourites from baking shows.
When they finished their dance, he asked her for a second, and then another alpha grabbed her for the next, and her evening spun away. Finally, she declined a dance and staggered back to the bar. She looked at the bartender. “Hide me.”
He laughed and made her a new cocktail.
The drink arrived with a bottle of water. “On the house.”
“What? No.”
“Yes. Everyone is having a better time for having you here. Plus, management authorized it.”
“Why?”
“I think Xeti wants to dance with you again.”
“Now? Because I really need the drink and the water.” She cracked open the bottle and tipped it back, feeling a drop of water cruising down her neck. She didn’t care.
“I think he can wait five minutes,” the bartender muttered.
She slammed the litre bottle down and gasped. “Oh, that was good.”
There was laughter, and she finally got her drink. She sipped slowly. “At least my friends are having fun.”
She could see Tiffy dancing with a determined-looking beta. The others were either sitting at tables or chatting with some of the other girls. Noncompetitive ballroom dance was generally fun and friendly.
Rache finished her drink, and her head spun pleasantly. She asked, “Can I get another bottle of water?”
“Of course. Not much of a drinker?”
“I need to be loose for certain things. I don’t need to be inebriated.”
“Sensible.”
He got her another bottle, and she cracked it open and drank it the same way she did the first. When she was done, he grinned. “You know that you just set a dozen of the guys in here off.”
“That’s their problem. If they can’t control themselves, they should work at it until they can.”
He blinked. “Well, that’s true. Right, boss?”
