It happens for us.
The KJ calls his name, and he slips out of the booth, shooting me a look that’s full of dark promise as we cross the room.
I can’t wait.
The song I pick is… Well, I think it’s perfect for him, and I scramble back to our booth to watch the show.
When he sees the title on the screen, his eyes narrow in on only me. “You’re mine, Honeybee.”
“Did he just say—” Chief slaps his knee and howls in laughter. “You two are too easy. Match made in heaven, I tell ya.”
I blow Valen a kiss as the first chords of Taylor Swift’s “Wood” play through the speaker.
Valen sings it. Badly. So badly the KJ puts in earplugs. He didn’t even do that when I was up there, so I feel a tad bit bad.
But he commits to the song and hits every word while searing me with his gaze and still managing to scan the exits at evenly timed intervals.
I’m crying from laughter by the second verse, thankful that Chief is recording the entire thing every time Valen gestures to his crotch with…exuberance.
The ladies in attendance are very, very appreciative of his performative dance.
When Valen returns to our table, I have yet to catch my breath.
“That was—” I choke between giggle fits. “That was the best thing I’ve ever seen.”
He leans down into the booth and presses his lips to that sensitive skin below my ear. I think my heart explodes right then and there. But then he speaks. “Payback will be my…pleasure, sweetheart.”
Oh Lordy, do I love a dirty promise.
“Worth it,” I gasp.
My insides tremble when the scruff of his jaw works against mine. Is he—did he just…smell me?
He puts an inch of space between us, his eyes glinting with stories I don’t know the ending to.
“Round two?” Chief suggests.
“Absolutely not,” Valen says.
“Duet?” I offer. I can’t believe I’m the one pushing for more.
The fear of this night with him ending is greater than the need to conquer all others, and that’s what drives me tonight. It’s this tiny glimpse into what our life could have been if only…if only life were fair.
Maybe that’s why I go in with my whole heart where Valen’s concerned.
“You’re serious?” There’s confusion in his tone, but pride in his eyes.
My teeth sink into my bottom lip, and I nod. “Please?”
He sighs. It’s long-suffering and dramatic, and when he squeezes my hand under the table, I know it’s completely forshow. “Fine,” he says with a devastatingly handsome smile. “But this time, I choose the song.”
Five minutes later, we’re on stage together, and I still have no idea what song we’re singing.
“What did you do? Bribe the guy?” I ask.
Valen towers over me. “What’s the point of having billions of dollars if you can’t buy your way onto the stage once in a while?”
B-billions. “Did you just say bill?—”
