Page 14 of Ruin
She smirks and stands in front of him like he’s going to change his mind.
I know I walked in here confident that Ruin and I had no shot together, but right here, in this moment, with this woman on the prowl, I can feel a deep rage burning my skin. Fuck these green, pink, black, whatever bands. Mine might as well be red because if she keeps talking, I’m going to cut a bitch.
I tuck into Ruin’s hand and drag him toward the bar. “He said no.”
Apparently, this is hilarious to her. “Well then, message received, you tiny protector.”
As we reach the bar, I can feel my breath struggling to keep up with my pounding heart. “Ugh, that was so rude. You said no. I mean…” My face is warm. I hope I’m not as red as I feel.
“It was. I do have a question, though. It looks like that’s how we’re solving our problems then, right? I can just drag you away, no questions asked?”
I widen my gaze and nod. “Yeah, I mean… if I say no and some dude isn’t listening. That’s why I brought you here.”
He looks down and grins. “For what it’s worth, she wasn’t my type.”
“Easy pussy? Of course! I know how much you hate that.”
“I’m glad you know me so well.” He smiles the widest smile he has since we walked in. He looks down at me and says, “Apparently, I like my pussy running in the opposite direction. It’s the only thing that turns me on anymore.”
I guess I don’t turn him on then, because given the opportunity, I’d be the easiest pussy he’s ever had.
I laugh under my breath and turn into the bar, taking note of the details in the décor. The space is definitely a bar, but it’s decorated like a library. Bookshelves surround the space and green lamps adorn small tables. The bar is set in the back with a walnut counter and mirrored shelving, like an old saloon.
“What can I do ya for?” the man behind the counter asks. “I’ve got Panty Dropper shots on special tonight. Course I can make you anything else you like, too.”
I glance toward Ruin with a smirk, then back toward the bartender. “I’m sorry. What’s a Panty Dropper shot?”
“Oh.” The man smiles. “Coconut rum, gin, vodka, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and triple sec. Sound good?”
I nod. “Actually, it does.”
Ruin requests a whiskey on the rocks and the slender man mixes our drinks behind the bar.
“So, where should we go first?”
“Umm… I’m thinking we start with—”
“Sorry to interrupt,” a man says from beside us. I’d guess he’s in his mid-thirties. He’s got dark black hair, a shortly cut beard, and he’s wearing a business suit. “I couldn’t help but notice your pink band. Are you planning on going to room C? The show starts in five minutes.”
My brows narrow. “Show?”
He nods. “There’s a deflowering tonight.”
“Deflowering?” I try not to laugh. “That’s a very ‘culty’ way to say someone is fucking a virgin.”
The bartender sets our drinks on the bar, and I reach back for mine. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.
The businessman holds out his hand and I feel Ruin tensing behind me. I drag in a breath and reach out. His hands are soft and a harsh difference from Ruin’s. “I’m Carmen.”
“Pete,” the man says. “They’re looking for more participants tonight, if you’re interested. There’s a sign up on the app.” He flips his phone toward me to show me the screen. “I’m in there and…”
“She heard you,” Ruin growls behind me.
The man nods and walks past the both of us out of the bar. I’m not mad about him leaving. In fact, I’m glad he left. He was kind of creepy.
I turn back toward Ruin. “That dude was weird.”
“Yeah, and you’re not going to the virgin room.”