He wheels around to face me, hands shoved into the pockets of his trousers. In the streetlight, with the neons playing off his mask, he really does look quite striking. Intimidating.
I doubt anyone would fuck with me when he’s around.
“Now you want me to stay?” He cocks his head to the side.
I roll my eyes with a groan. “You really are a pain in the ass, you know that?” He scoffs. “If you stay, you can babysit me like you wanted, and I don’t have to worry about creeps hitting on me.”
His gaze bounces between me and the building. “What’s the catch? You’ve been trying to run me off all evening. Why’d you change your mind?”
I shrug. “No catch.”
Okay, maybe a teeny catch. One that involves him holding drinks all night.
“I’ve just fucking given up.” I throw my hands up, exasperated. “There’s no point arguing with you; you’re stubborn as a mule.”
His eyes narrow. “You give me whiplash.”
“And you give me a fucking migraine.” I gesture toward the gap in front of us; the line is moving quicker now. “Are you coming or not?”
After another beat of indecision, he sighs. “Fine. But only because I’m already here.”
“Wonderful,” I say, trying half-heartedly to convince myself that I won’t regret this in a little bit.
We’re getting close to the door now, only a few people left ahead of us. When we get to the door, the person working the ticket booth looks between us. “That’ll be forty dollars.”
I turn to look at Tobias, waiting expectantly. “Well?”
He stares at me. “You expect me to pay?”
“If you’re going to be a pain in my ass, you can be a useful one.”
He glares as he drags his wallet out and hands over his card. It’s returned with two wristbands, then he tucks his wallet back into his pocket.
“Thank you.” I flash him a grin then walk straight past the bouncers. He follows, getting patted down before being let inside, but I’m barely paying attention to him. The bass is thrumming so loudly in here it makes my bones rattle.
The show hasn’t technically started yet, but the placeis packed. I should have expected that from the line outside. Bodies are crammed against one another all around the massive space and wrapped around the second story banister overlooking the illuminated dance floor. A DJ booth is situated on a stage at the head of the dance floor, but it’s currently unoccupied.
My eyes zero in on the bar, and I make a beeline for the only empty stool. If I’m going to enjoy myself at all with Tobias’ protective bodyguard-wanna-be ass following me around tonight, I’m going to need liquor. Plenty of it.
I should have fucking pregamed.
“What’ll it be, hon?” the beautiful blonde behind the bar asks, flashing me a brilliant smile. She’s thin and willowy, with tattoos decorating most of her exposed skin.
“A Tequila Sunrise,” I say, not sure why it’s the first thing that comes to mind. Maybe because the last time I got trashed I was drinking Cosmopolitans, and I’m subconsciously avoiding vodka.
“Should I start a tab?” she asks as she reaches for a glass.
I nod enthusiastically. She and I are going to become well acquainted tonight.
When she plops the drink down in front of me, I reach for my bag to take out my card for the tab, but something shifts uncomfortably close to my face. I look up to see Tobias handing over his card once again.
I narrow my eyes on him. “What the hell are you doing?”
“What?” He shakes his head. “Can’t hear you over the music.”
“Absolutely not. I said you could watch my drinks, not pay for them.” There’s no way I’m going to be in debt to this fucking prick. He’ll probably lord it over me later.
“Too late, sweetheart.” He leans closer, his mask brushing the shell of my ear. “Just like you, I do whatever the fuck I want.”
