Priest slid back into my mind at the mention of the word, brother. He still hadn't come back down.
"I like that idea," Moth said to Tristan and then turned back around quickly. "Delaney, what do you think?"
"About what?" I hadn't been listening.
"Before your modeling session, you should be nude."
"Me?"
"Yes, what do you say, Delaney? Lay in front of us bare, so we can admire your true beauty, and much like the pages we write, offer critique."
Critique? On my naked body? The room collectively stopped breathing as Tristan launched his newest idea. Moth's attention turned back to me. He put his hand on my knee and began sliding it up my thigh.
"Maybe not, Tristan. I don't think she's ever let anyone see her so vulnerable. I mean, she's not even published yet. She doesn't know what it's like." The double meaning in his words caused my core to pulse. "I'd love to be your first, Delaney."
My heart stuttered. I wanted that too. For years, I held off, watching my friends all go through with it, thinking eventually I'd find the perfect guy. But the longer I held off, the more I realized how silly keeping my virginity was. Losing it to Moth would be a great story to tell.
He pulled his hand back. He smiled and patted my knee like a child.
"Go up, unpack, and start thinking about where you wantyour first time to be. And I'll meet you there so we can do it in private.” Heat flooded my face as his words settled around the room. He cleared his throat and chuckled, enjoying my utter discomfort. "Writing critiques, that is."
Rule 10 - Delaney
Learn how to lie.
“I’ve got to hit the head. I’ll be back. Don’t go too far, Delaney Duvall.” Moth took his hand off my thigh and slid off his stool, heading out of the room. The moment he was gone, Annie and Juniper pounced on me.
“You are way too desperate,” Annie scolded.
“It is a bit cringy to watch,” Juniper admitted.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, come on,” Annie whined. “The whole innocent little bird thing? Come on, you don’t need to lay it on so thick to get into his pants.”
I blushed. “You think?”
The two shared a look, and Juniper's eyes turned sympathetic.
“Oh sweetie, come, sit with us.” She took my drink, and I followed them to their booth in the corner.
“Is this how you always are? Your move?” Annie asked pointedly.
I shook my head. “My move?”
She flicked her hands toward the bar, where Moth had just returned. He looked around for me and when he saw me,he frowned, but waved and then turned to Tristan beside him.
“You know, to get attention, your flirting style. It works, but I don’t think you need to lay it on so thick.” Annie shrugged.
My stomach twisted. “I’ve never really flirted with anyone seriously. Was it bad?”
The two burst into laughter, making me feel even more embarrassed. I looked down at my pink drink, feeling utterly silly.
“Moth had his eyes on you the moment you got out of the van,” Juniper said after she stopped laughing. “I bet if you ask for his room key right now, he’d give it to you.”
“Although I’m not entirely sure why you’d want his key when you’ve got that ridiculously hot piece in your room already.” Annie snickered.
“Who? Priest?” I laughed. “He’s not—” I paused, shook my head, and looked back to Moth. “Priest isn’t interested in me.”
