Page 40 of The Shadows We Keep
“Okay, well, officially introduced then. And as you can see, we’re just on our way out. Maybe text next time.”
His eyebrows raise and I know I’m playing with fire.
Stacey leans against the wall. “Well, I mean, the more the merrier, right?” she says innocently.
This girl is trouble.
She knows a little about what’s happened between us, but we were so busy at work today that I couldn’t share the entire story.
“I’m sure he’s got plans, Stace, plus aren’t we meeting your friend?”
She looks at me and I know trouble’s brewing behind her gaze.
“Yeah, but it won’t be a problem.Hecan get us all in.” She winks at me.
“Get you in where?” Harkin questions.
Ugh, this is what I was hoping to avoid.
If he knows where we’re going, he’ll assume Red is the type of place I like to go to.
“We’re going toThe Red Door,” Stace pipes up before I can say otherwise.
He immediately looks at me, inspecting my reaction, and shakes his head. “It’s fine; I can get you in.”
Now it’s my turn to gape in surprise. “What do you mean, you can get us in?” I ask.
“I’m a member,” he says nonchalantly.
“The fuck you are,” I bite out. The statement spills from my lips involuntarily.
His body moves swiftly, engulfing mine. Stace moves up a couple of steps.
“What was that, little one?”
“You’re not going with us?” I attempt confidence, but it fades as soon as his piercing blues burrow under my skin.
He leans in, his lips skimming lightly against my cheek. “Over my dead body, will you step inside that club without me, sweetness.”
My breath hitches at his dominance, which quickly causes a tightening to spread inside my core. I hate how easily he affects my body. It’s a traitor every time he’s around. My brain fights to stay strong and not give in. But what’s the use? When I know the taste of letting go, he’s given me, is what I crave, deep down. Unfortunately, for us it’s shoved under my innate need for independence and a hatred for being told what to do.
“Fine.” I push away from his proximity. “Let’s go then.”
He nods and we all turn down the hall and head for the street.
* * *
The club is justas I remember, except this time downstairs is empty of people dancing, and the bass isn’t pumping loudly. I guess members only means upstairs activities flow into the open bar downstairs.
I watch as couples pair off to booths and benches above. Tables full of God knows what line the back wall. Pulling Stace in, I whisper in her ear, “What are you getting us into?”
She just chuckles at my concern and heads toward a tall man halfway up the stairs.
Harkin, on the other hand, hasn’t dropped his hand from my waist. He tightens his hold as I move to follow Stace.
“No, we’re staying down here. Let me buy you a drink.” He pulls me toward the bar. “Whiskey, neat. And a club soda with a twist.”
I glare in his direction but take the drink from the bartender, anyway.