“Don’t go,” he murmurs, his voice husky with desire and a hint of pleading.
“We have to,” I whisper, gently prying his fingers away. “We’ll get caught, and I can’t imagine the producers letting this slide before the one-on-one dates.”
His eyes, dark and intense, search mine for a moment before he sighs and reluctantly lets go. I stand up, adjusting my dress and running a hand through my hair, trying to compose myself. The dim light of the club and the thumping music beyond the glass and blinds seem almost surreal after what we’ve just shared.
Elliott stands as well, his gaze never leaving me, a mixture of frustration and longing etched on his face. I give him a small, reassuring smile, reaching out to squeeze his hand briefly.
“Later,” I promise.
“Not just later,” he says softly. “I want you to be there at the end. I’m serious about this, about you.”
My heart skips a beat, uncertainty flooding in. I nod, but my mind’s racing. Can I really trust this? Trust him? We straighten ourselves as best as we can and make our way back to the rest of the group. Part of me hoping our flushed faces and disheveled appearances don’t give us away. While the louder part wants everyone to know.
As we rejoin the others, I can’t help but glance at the cameras, wondering what they’ve captured and how this will all play out on screen. Just as we blend back into the group, I catch Rafe’s eyes narrowing in suspicion. He steps closer, his gaze flicking between Elliott and me, then he leans in, his voice low but insistent.
“Hey, can I talk to you for a second?” he asks, not really giving me a choice as he guides me to a quieter corner. His fingers wrapped around my upper arm.
“What’s up?” I try to sound casual as he releases me, but my pulse is racing again.
Rafe studies me for a moment, his expression unreadable. “I saw you leave, and he followed you,” he says finally. “And now you smell like him…”
I feel my cheeks heat up, and I look away, struggling to find the right words. “I just needed some air,” I start, but his skeptical look tells me he isn’t buying it.
He lets out a low growl that makes my stomach tumble. “Come on,” he presses. He leans forward and inhales deeply. “I can smellhimon you.”
I take a deep breath, deciding there’s no point in lying. “Yeah, something happened. But it’s between us, okay? Please don’t make a big deal out of it.” I lower my voice to a whisper, “It was nothing.”
Rafe’s expression tightens slightly. In any other situation, I’d say it was jealousy. But I know Rafe and he wouldn’t be jealous. “Nothing. Don’t forget what show you’re on, Lilah. It can’t be nothing, especially with Eli. He will give his all.”
I hug myself. Swallowing, I nod. He’s right, I know he is. This show has made me start to hope for things that can never be. I can’t have Elliott if the whole pack isn’t on board, and Rafe made himself clear already, I’m just a shield. He might look the other way when I sneak off with his pack mate or kiss me senseless in the bathroom, but that’s the end of it. That’s all it can be.
But what if I’m wrong? What if he does want more?
As I walk back to join the group, Elliott catches my eye, and I give him a reassuring smile. But inside, I can’t shake the feeling that things are about to get even more complicated.
CHAPTER 31
Lilah
The club'senergy is electric, the music a pulsating beat that vibrates through my entire body. The lights flash in sync with the rhythm, casting a kaleidoscope of colors over the crowded dance floor. I’m trying to keep my mind off what just happened with Elliott, trying to blend back into the group and act normal.
Act normal. I snort, not that anyone can hear it over the music.
But now we’re on the main dance floor, and the atmosphere’s intoxicating. I spot Rafe moving through the crowd toward me, his eyes locked on mine with that mischievous glint I know too well.
“Hey,” he shouts over the music, a grin spreading across his face. “Remember the first time at Wisteria?”
I groan and shake my head, attempting to look away from him, the memory flashing vividly in my mind. The puking all over him is a core memory. A terrible core memory, but still not something I can pretend didn’t happen. “Yeah, how could I forget? I’m surprised you’re still willing to come near me after that.”
He laughs, shaking his head. He leans close and whispers against the shell of my ear, “I figured I’d give you another chance. Plus, you look stunning in blue.”
I blush, grateful for his easy going nature, even if it’s an act. “Thanks. I promise not to ruin your shoes this time.”
“I’ll hold you to that. There is one other thing I’ve thought about since that night, come on.”
Rafe takes my hand, leading me through the throng of dancers to a ladder leading up to one of the dancing cages suspended above the floor. He climbs up first, reaching down to help me up. As I step into the cage, the music seems to get louder, the lights brighter. The small, enclosed space feels intimate despite the crowd below.
He starts dancing, his movements fluid and confident, and I can’t help but follow his lead. The way he moves is mesmerizing, and I find myself drawn closer to him. Our bodies move in sync, the chemistry between us undeniable. Every brush of his skin against mine sends shivers down my spine.
