I glance down at my red dress that looks painted on and smirk, flipping my sleek ponytail over my shoulder.
“You think so?” It’s been a long time since I went to the club—years, in fact—and the dress is probably overkill, but I don’t care. After all, we’re only in Denver for a weekend. Might as well make it memorable.
“Umm, duh. You look fantastic.” She grins wide before laying back down. “Tear up the dance floor for me, okay?”
“Can do,” I assure her. “I’ll try to be quiet when I get back.”
“Don’t worry about it. Just be safe.”
The air is a little chilly but not too bad as I head across the parking lot toward the convention center. I brought a small over the shoulder bag to hold my phone, money, and a few other things, but there was no comfortable way to bring a jacket. I know once I get to the club I’ll be sweating my ass off, so I can tough out the crisp air for the few minutes I’ll be outside.
“Just a few minutes,” I mutter to myself, picking up the pace.
“Hey! Hey, where are you going?” A familiar, deep voice calls from somewhere nearby, shaking me out of my thoughts. I whip around to see Tobias standing a few feet away, his eyes locked on me through the holes in his sleek black mask.
Annoyance ripples through me and I roll my eyes.What the hell does he want?
He’s still wearing his navy performance suit, perfectly tailored to hug his muscular form. I blink, watching him slowly make his way over.
Where the hell did he come from anyway?
I swear he wasn’t there a few seconds ago…
“Out.” Not that it’s any of his business.
“Alone?” He sounds surprised as he stops a few feet away.
“Yes.” I narrow my eyes on him, not sure why it matters. “Is that not allowed?”
He doesn’t move, but I can see the wheels turning behind his eyes. “To like a movie or something?”
I laugh. It’s almost cute that the theater is his first thought. “Not even close. An EDM artist is playing at a nightclub nearby.”
“A nightclub,” he repeats, like he’s never heard the word before. “What the fuck is EDM?”
“You know… like techno?” I scoff. “Dance music?”
His head cants to the side. “You can’t go to a nightclub by yourself. What if something happens? What if you get in trouble?”
“What’s it to you?” I ask, turning to walk away.
I’ve already spent too much time talking to him; I need to get a move on if I’m going to make it to the club at a decent time. It’s late as hell. Besides, these shoes are already pinching my feet. If I want to get any real non-hobble dancing in, I need to go.
To my surprise—and horror—Tobias’ footsteps follow behind me.
“Are you walking there?” he asks.
“No. If you must know, I called for an Uber,” I answer without looking back. “They should be here in a few minutes.”
Silence follows, and I think he’s given up his pursuit.
Then I hear his voice again.
“Why don’t I ride with you?” he grits out, like I’m the one getting on his nerves.
I laugh again. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m a big girl; I can handle myself.”
Holding my breath, I hope he turns and walks away, but again, he doesn’t. He stays on my heels.
