Speaking of Lydia, she seems distracted flirting with a man right outside the restroom. She gives me a thumbs up encouraging my conversation with the stranger. But when my head grows cloudy, my stomach flips with uncertainty.
“To answer your question, she’s only a friend. But I do have someone on standby if I need him,” I threaten with a half smirk. Obviously, there’s no man on standby but if I did need somebody, I know who I’d call. Butfuck,I don’t even have his number. Why haven’t I asked for his number? Probably because Hush would rather not entertain the insane possibility.
The stranger shows off an amused look. “Well. I can assure you; I’m not that type of man.” He holds up his hand waving it causally in the air. “I own this club.”
I put in a strong effort to hide my surprise because I was not expecting that. “Am I supposed to be impressed?” We lock eyes as I stare over the rim of my glass.Wait.I’m flirting, but instead of excitement, a knot forms in my chest.
Am I giving him too much? Is it permission to fuck around?
He lets out a laugh. One that could be heard throughout the room if it wasn’t for the loud music drowning out its surroundings. “I didn’t catch your name.”
“That’s because I didn’t give it.”
A flash of heat ignites in his eyes. “I see. You are trouble,” he purrs confidently.
It’s been a while since I’ve flirted with a guy, currently not in the market of trusting one.
A man in a sharp black suit appears beside the stranger who has yet to take his eyes off me. The new guy whispers into the club owner’s ear and his confident grin turns into a grimace.
With a sigh, and an annoyed tone the owner turns back to me. “As much as I’m enjoying your company, I must attend to a matter. Maybe we’ll meet again.”
I shrug like meeting him was no big deal. “Maybe.”
He eyes me up and down before planting a kiss on my cheek then disappearing into the crowd. Only when he’s gone does the air find its way back into my lungs.
Polishing off my drink, I stagger toward Lydia who’s still flirting with the same guy. I let her know I’m using the bathroom, having to cling onto the wall for support. My balance is suddenly shaky and I’m thinking anxiety has the upper hand.
Just as I’m about to enter, a hand clamps around my arm and pulls me lightly around the corner and out of sight. I let out a scream, but with the music drowning everything out, it’s impossible to hear.
I thrash, kick, punch, whatever I need to do, but the person has already backed away, giving me space. And a pair of familiar dark eyes stare back at me. My entire body relaxes. Though some may consider him alarming, I consider his presence a tranquility of existence.
Hush’s arms stay steady at his side, and I let my head rest on the wall behind me, not having the strength seemingly to hold myself up.
“What are you doing here?” His body strains with agitation, but his voice is still placid.
“Trying to have a good time. And you? You don’t strike me as a club goer.”
“You and your friend need to leave. Now.”
Someone rounds the corner, and Hush surrounds me with his largeness, blocking anything and anyone from me.
I soak in the feeling of him caring so much and when he tilts his head down a mere inch from my lips, I suck in a thick breath.
“And why would I do that?” I painfully whisper, tilting my head up and toying with idea of his mouth on mine.
There’s a genuine sound to my voice. No sassy comeback tone, just pure curiosity.
He swallows. “Because it’s not safe here.” His eyes dart to my lips then quickly up again.
“Is anywhere safe?” A bitter chuckle slips from my throat. “This place is no different.” I’m desperate to get away, to splash icy water on my burning face because my entire body is on fire, and my breaths are short and troubled.
I straighten, and our bodies touch, my hand landing on his chest. It was meant to push him away, but I keep it there feeling the hardness underneath my palm.
The muscles in his jaw are hard pressed and jerky.
But I drop my hand and move past him, then enter the restroom thankful for the breathing room. Thank God it smells like an air freshener in here.
Though I’m in a heated frenzy, there’s no forgetting about his coldness this morning and I’m still a little angry about it.
