Voices pull my attention to a closed door. Inching closer, I press my ear up to it and listen. There are at least two men in there, and it sounds like they’re bickering. Notfighting, per se. One of them is scolding the other, while the other claps back.
I’m trying to make out what they’re saying when the door flings open, and I tumble right into someone.
“Shit… m-my bad,” I choke, scrambling back.
But it’s too late. There’s a guy with black hair and vibrant blue eyes staring at me with his brows lifted like I’m insane.
His sky irises do a sweep over me and he licks his lip, to which I blink. He’s extremely attractive, but he’s making me nervous with the way he’s sort of eye-fucking me right now.
“Pleasetell me you’re one of the new dancers.” He grins wickedly. “I’ve been saying for months we need a nice slice of twink cake up in here on the platform.”
My mouth is literally just hanging open. I’m sure I’ve never been more dumbfounded, and I need to justleave, but I’mfrozen in place by this brazen dude with the flirtiest eyes of all time, a flush of humility rising to my cheeks at his words.
“Uh, maybe next time,” I grunt, spinning away to the sound of him chuckling.
I barely make it a step before another voice stops me. “Excuse me! Who the hell are you??”
My eyes close.Dammit. So close.
Peeking over my shoulder, I see Dom, the manager, also emerging from the same room, tucking in his shirt and buckling his belt. I peek at the kid, who appears ruffled and flushed himself.
None of my business.
“I’m, um, just looking for my friend. Thank you, I’m fine.” I wave him off, darting up the hall. “Keep up the good work.”
“Not so fast.” Dom rushes up behind me, plucking my shirt between his fingers.
I don’t blame him. I sounded like an idiot.
You’re supposed to be good at thinking on your feet! What was that??
I blameBaby Blue Eyesover there for distracting me.
“You arenota member.” Dom squints at me. “This area is members only. How’d you get in here anyway?”
“I, uh…”
“He is too a member,” the kid jumps to my defense. I gape at him. “I’ve seen him before. He’s new, some kind of tech mogul. Shit, what was your name again?” He’s snapping his fingers like he’s really trying to remember.
That.That’sthe kind of liar I need to be.
“Lucas,” I mumble. “Lucas Hansen, of Lucky Hands. We’re a startup. We make accessories from sustainable—”
“Shut up. I don’t care,” Dom grunts, glaring at me, then my blue-eyed cohort. “Ren, please get back to work.”
The guy—Ren—purses his lips and shrugs, mouthing,Sorry, to me before he scampers away. Leaving me alone withDom the hard-ass.
“You think you’re pretty slick, huh?” He grumbles, shaking his head. “We have a zero-tolerance policy for rule breaking. I’m afraid I’m going to have to ban you.”
No.
No no no, I was so close!
Fuck!
He grabs me by the arm, dragging me along while I stammer, “Please, that won’t be necessary. I’m sure we can work something—”
The distinct sound of a cellphone buzzing catches my ear and Dom pauses. He pulls out his phone, face dropping in an instant.
