Flip nods. “They’ve seen us together, now they’ll work themselves into a frenzy about it, and when they calm down, I can give an official interview.” He kisses my cheek. “In the meantime, I’ll do my best to be worth the headache.”
I squeeze his thigh. “The media have no idea how incredible you are.”
It’s a short ride to the club. I’m excited to expend some of this anxious energy on the dance floor. The limo drops us off at the VIP entrance, and Flip keeps a protective hand on my lower back as he guides me inside, stopping briefly to show ID.
The bass vibrates through my soles and works its way up my spine as we walk down a black hall. Flip keeps a hand on my waist as we climb the stairs to the roped-off area with table service. We head to our table, where champagne chills in buckets, and Flip helps me out of my coat, his eyes darkening as he takes in my dress.
His lip curls and he pulls me closer. “You know, it’ll be tough to make this relationship work if I’m behind bars.”
I grin and tug on his tie. “You like my dress, then?”
“Claws out tonight, eh, kitten.”
I kiss his chin.
Rix passes me a glass of champagne and grabs my free hand. “Let’s dance!”
Flip shoots her a dirty look. “We just got here.”
“Find us when you miss us!” Dred kisses Connor on the cheek and spins out of his hold.
Hemi pats Dallas on the chest. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
We take the stairs down to the dance floor, weaving through bodies until we find a spot we like. I glance up and find Flip leaned against the railing a floor above, watching intently.
Rix follows my gaze. “My brother is intense about hockey and apparently you.”
“And KD and Tang,” Dred adds.
“Good & Plenty are up there, too.”
The girls laugh, and Hemi gives me a side hug. “Let the media do what they do and we’ll wait until they’ve calmed down. Everything will be fine, though.”
I nod, and for now I decide to believe her. I push it all aside and get lost in the music, letting the beat flow through me. I love the energy on the dance floor, the hot press of bodies, the freedom of movement.
“Why are they only coming up to me?” I ask after I brush off guy number three.
An arm slips around my waist and warm breath fans across my cheek. I’m about to throw an elbow until Flip’s deep voice rumbles in my ear. “Because you’re the only one not wearing an engagement or wedding ring.”
“Even that doesn’t always stop them,” Dred says as Connor moves in behind her and presses his lips to her bare shoulder. He follows with teeth, and her lips curve up in a slow, sensual smile. Those two are their own vibe. Tristan and Dallas join us, too.
I spot Quinn and Kellan where Flip was previously standing. I’m not sure when they got here, but they’re both being chatted up by women. Kellan seems interested, but Quinn keeps checking his phone.
Flip moves to stand in front of me, blocking out everyone but him.
He pulls me closer, and I link my fingers behind his neck, letting him set the rhythm.
“Having fun tormenting me?”
“You have some strong feelings about this dress.”
“I have strong feelings about everything when it comes to you.” He tips his head. “It’s making me lightly homicidal every time a guy tries to shoot his shot with you.” His fingers flex on my hip, sliding lower. “If your goal was to get my attention, you succeeded.” He skims the hem of my dress, warm fingers on bare skin.
“Good. Yours is the only attention I care about.” I finger the hair at the nape of his neck.
He drops his head, lips ghosting the column of my throat. “I love watching you on the dance floor.” He bites the edge of my jaw. “The way you get lost in the music.” He kisses my cheek. “All these eyes on you, and you’re too busy enjoying yourself to notice.” His knee finds its way between my thighs. “So fucking sexy without even trying.”
I press up against him, my core aching as I swivel my hips. I want to get closer, lose myself in feeling good and chase away all the worries and fears that keep pricking at me.
