Page 4 of Burning Skies
“You look incredible.” He leans closer. “Though I’m not sure what a princess like you is doing in the Devil’s Den.”
“I guess you could say I’m taking a walk on the wild side.” Heat steals across my cheeks. If only Beau and I were really talking. “I’d better get back to work.” The words burn on my tongue. I can’t believe Cyn talked me into waiting tables for free. That girl owes me.
Beau nods, and disappointment spears me as another woman with her tits out and raring to go comes up to him with a giggle.
You and Beau Walker are never going to happen, Honey. Let him hook up with someone else.When I reach the other side of the room, I turn back to get another dose of reality, but they’re gone.
Just as well.
I wander through large rooms with chandeliers and people having sex on settees and guys doing shots between women’s naked breasts. I try not to stare and make a mental note to watch that movie the parking attendant mentioned.
At the back of my mind, I can’t help but wonder if Beau is having sex with another woman right now. I’m not sure if I hope to see it so I can purge this dreadful crush I have on him, or if it would hurt too much to witness.
In real life, he’s never noticed me. Not once. I’m not sure if that’s because he’s four years older than I am or because myfamily hates his. He and my brothers have gotten into several fights over the years.
After I refill my tray and make another round, my feet ache something fierce. I take another shot, grateful for the buzz numbing that pain and helping me loosen up. For a girl who’s never gotten farther than second base, the shock of tonight is wearing off. I don’t stiffen when I come face to face with boobs or some dude’s naked member now. I don’t even blink when several guys go to town on a woman in the middle of the dance floor.
That makes me strangely proud.
Everyone views me as a good girl, and yes, I might be a little sheltered, but I’ve overheard my two older brothers talk about drinking and parties and hookups. Just because I’ve never dated a guy I wanted to go all the way with doesn’t make me a prude. I know there’s more to life than being a dutiful daughter and doing well in school. I’m not sure I wanted an immersive experience into debauchery, but I’ve always loved a good challenge.
And getting through tonight seems as good a challenge as any.
When I’m out of drinks, I set down the tray and scan the room, which has grown more naked in the last half hour. I decide it’s time to find Cynthia, and I turn to make my way back to the kitchen, but someone grabs me from behind and pulls me to him so fast, I almost trip.
“Whoa, baby. Where ya going?” a guy in a gladiator costume slurs from beneath his mask.
“Let go. You’re hurting me.” The man has a death grip on my wrist. Fear settles over me. Would anyone help me if this guy pushed himself on me? For the first time, I realize how far over my head I’ve gotten. I’m basically at a sex club. For all intents and purposes, by myself.
“Come on now. Aren’t ya gonna show me a little love? That’s why I pay the big bucks.”
His sour breath turns my stomach. I move back and yank on my arm, but he doesn’t budge. “Please let me go.”
“You heard the lady. Let her go.”
Relief floods my chest. It’s Beau. His voice is low and raspy. I turn and catch a glimpse of his clenched jaw before he wraps his muscular arms around me from behind. “She’s mine tonight.”
The guy squeezes my wrist once more but releases me. “Then she shoulda said something.”
Beau turns me to him, and I instinctively burrow against him. “Thank you,” I whisper.
His large hand runs down over my back. “I got you, honey.” I freeze, but when I look up to catch him shooting the retreating gladiator a death stare, I realize he’s not saying my name.
Would it be so bad if he recognized me?
Would it be so terrible if something happened between us?
Nuzzling closer, I brace myself for him to smell like cheap perfume and sex, but he still smells like his yummy cologne and sexy man.
I smile against him, thrilled he hasn’t hooked up with anyone.
Unless he got a blow job.
My smile withers.
I take a step back from Beau. “I thought… I thought you were with that other girl for the evening.” I may be new to this whole sex party thing, but if Beau banged another woman tonight, I’m out. I might be a virgin, but I’m not an idiot.
He smirks as he brushes a strand of black hair out of my face. “No, darlin’. I was playing poker in the parlor.” Leaning closer, he runs his nose against my neck, and I shiver. “Why? Were you jealous?”
