“What?” I dropped my hands. “That's impossible.”
They both rolled their eyes, like they heard this a lot. “No Alexis on here, doll. Get in your fancy car and—”
“Pet,” I said quickly, my mouth faster than my brain. That's what he'd put down. “Check under Pet.”
Running a fat finger down the chart, the balder of the two guys nodded. “In that case, looks like you can go in.” Standing aside, he gestured to the dark door set into the building. “Have a fun time.”
Behind me, I heard tires rumbling; Jessop was pulling the limo out of view. If I wanted to back out now, I'd have a hell of a time.
Standing taller, I stepped past the men with my jaw set in a line. Pushing through a thick and heavy red curtain, I was assaulted by the thrum of music. In its wake came the heat of bodies.
People filled the space, the room rounded to match the curved ceiling. Drapery hung from dark wooden beams, and the lights along the walls kept up the constant crimson hue. The air was all cinnamon, making my skin tingle like I'd been rolling in gingerbread.
The Red and Ripe looked nothing like the outside of the building.
Stunned, I made myself move deeper. Around me, the customers talked or danced. I'd snuck into a few clubs when I was younger. The danger of getting caught had been thrilling. I was reminded of that feeling now.
My buzz from the wine had evaporated. Smoothing my dress, I started to hurry towards the bar in the corner. I was burning with a need to stay busy, because standing still meant waiting.
Fingers gripped my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. I wasn't ready to be touched, and on impulse, I started to yank away. “Excuse me!” I gasped, spinning to face my assailant. “Just who do you think...”
And like that, my words vanished to mix with the music.
The man who towered over me didn't move. Somehow, still, he had this air around him that spoke of being fluid—being fast. His hand grazed down mine, touching my fingertips and creating a burst of static.
His eyes slid over me, coating my soul as they searched. They moved as patiently as honey down a spoon, shining the same shade. The red hue of the club lights turned his cropped, dark hair glossy.
He'd chosen to wear a coal-colored shirt that bared his forearms. The tendons rippled, making the intricate tattoos slither and writhe obscenely. His jeans were a rich onyx, the jacket draped over one shoulder just as dark.
The edge of his smile spoke to me. A private secret, a little smirk that said I know what you want from me.
I'd never been so exposed in my life.
Arching an eyebrow, he darted a hand forward. Before I could react, he stroked my earring. “I was right. They're beautiful on you.”
Fireworks went off in my brain. I knew the truth. There was no doubt.
This was S.
Blood flooded every pore. I was tingling where he'd touched me, even after his hand fell to his side. This was really happening. The man that had been courting me secretly, tempting me with all sorts of intriguing gifts, was just inches away.
I forgot how to form words—even sounds.
“Did I break that pretty mouth of yours?” he asked.
Flustered, I swallowed to wet my throat. I had so much I wanted to say. So many questions. Looking him in the eye, I whispered over the music, “It's really you.”
He threw his head back, laughing earnestly. When he finally looked down at me again, there was an extra layer of depth in his vibrant stare. “Yes, it's really me.”
“I didn't know what to expect,” I admitted, smiling shyly. “Every time I read your letters, I tried to imagine your face, or how you'd sound in person. I even thought you might be someone I knew, instead of a stranger.”
The dimple of his smile moved upwards. “Stranger.” He tasted the word. “Since you didn't know what I looked like, what gave me away, Pet?”
Pet. That fucking word. It was dripping with erotic, taboo promises. My shiver was full-bodied, it shook my toes in my high-heels. I didn't think people actually swooned in real life, but here I was, ready to collapse towards the floor.
Shifting my weight, I adjusted my dress. “Who else would bring up my earrings like you did?”
He glanced at them again, bending a hair closer to me. I could smell that familiar crisp, mountain scent. “You're right, I'm sure most people would be distracted by other parts of you first.”
The spark originated in my chest continued between my thighs. I clenched my knees, the pressure too delicious.
Peering off to the side, he saw something I didn't. “Come on. It's too crowded out here.” He took my elbow, his other hand grazing on the small of my back. It was an intimate touch for someone I'd just met. It should have felt wrong.
With him, it felt beyond right.