Page 86 of Their Wicked Ways
He blew out a breath and looked at Wes.
I slid my gaze to him, bracing for the lecture I was sure was coming. All of this was my fault. I shouldn’t have come to the club alone, and I shouldn’t have danced with Blondie.
“Are you sure they didn’t hurt you?” Wes asked. His voice was soft, but his expression was grim.
I shook my head. “It didn’t get that far. They just surprised me. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have just stood there and let them?—”
Ezra pulled me into a hug, wrapping his strong arms around me and holding me close.
Something inside me cracked, and I had to blink back tears.
Why the hell was I about to cry because Ez hugged me? How pathetic was I?
“It’s not your fault.” He rubbed my back, his voice low and soothing.
“But nothing happened,” I protested, even as I clung to him like a baby koala. “I’m being dramatic. So what if a couple of guys wanted to dance with me? That’s what happens at clubs?—”
“You’re not being dramatic.” Ez dropped a kiss on the top of my head. “No one has the right to touch you when you say no. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a club or on the street.”
More tears prickled my eyes, but I blinked them back. I refused to cry over something so stupid. Something that wasn’t a big deal.
“I swear to fuck, I have half a mind to go back in there and beat their sorry asses.” Wes flexed his hands like he was trying to let go of his anger. “Did you drive here?”
“No,” I said into Ezra’s chest, still clinging to him.
My fear was quickly turning into embarrassment, and my cheeks burned with shame.
Why did I always have to look like an inexperienced and naive kid around them?
Letting go of Ezra, I stepped back and tried to paste on a neutral expression.
“Thanks for the save.” I ran a hand through my hair, going for casual and breezy but failing miserably since my damn hand was shaking for some stupid reason. “Guess that’s my sign it’s time to head home.”
Ez and Wes exchanged a look I couldn’t read.
“Enjoy your night. I’ll see you on Monday.” Tossing them a quick wave, I turned on my heel.
Ez’s hand on my arm stopped me before I could take a step.
“Look at me.”
I did, unable to resist his raspy command.
“Why did you come here tonight?” he asked, his gaze so piercing it felt like he could see into my soul and read my every thought.
“Why not?” I hated how petulant I sounded. Why did I always turn into a brat around them? “I had the night off and wanted some fun.”
Ez nodded slowly. “And?”
“And I figured it would be a good place to find a dick to play with.” I crossed my arms. Partly to ward off the chill of the breeze moving over my bare arms, but mostly because I still felt off-kilter and vulnerable.
“You came here to hook up with someone?” Wes asked, his voice a strange monotone.
“Why not?” I asked defiantly. “That’s why you’re here.”
They exchanged another look.
“Anyway, thanks again for the save. Hopefully you can get back in without having to pay the cover again.” Unable to meet their eyes, I dropped my gaze to the pavement. “Enjoy the rest of your night.”