Stoking the Fire (Salus Security #1) - Teodora Kostova Page 0,38

club. We stopped by the penthouse to change out of our tuxes, and he looks mouthwateringly good in black jeans, biker boots, and a tight black Henley. The shirt does nothing to hide his defined muscles, and I have to stuff my hands in my pockets to stop myself from touching him.

It’s only been two days, but Alec’s constant presence is messing with my head. He’s always there, watching over me, his eyes scanning our surroundings for anything that could potentially hurt me. He’s getting paid to do it, that much is true. But in my more vulnerable moments, I like to think that he’d do it, anyway.

It’s stupid. I’m aware.

It doesn’t stop me from pretending it can be true.

Someone touches my arm, and before I can twist to see who it is, I’m thrust behind Alec’s body.

“Jesus Christ, relax!” I hear a familiar voice.

Jamie stands in front of Alec, looking up at him with a flirty smile. “I’m not going to hurt him.” He sidesteps Alec and grabs my arm again, pulling me closer. “Much.” He winks at Alec, then drags me toward the dance floor.

“Your man seems to be awfully uptight,” Jamie says, his words slurring a little. Seems like he’s been here a while and downed a few drinks. His skin’s glowing, his auburn hair is messier than usual, and he seems in a much better mood than earlier.

“He’s not my man,” I say.

Jamie hums with a smile, but doesn’t comment further. Placing a hand on my waist and another on my nape, he pulls me closer, and we dance. It feels so good to let go and get lost in the crowd, in the music, in the feel of a good friend touching me. I don’t know where Alec is, and I don’t care. All I want is to forget about this nightmare and dance.

We’re breathless after a few songs roll by. My heart’s pounding, my body’s sweaty, and I feel happier than I have in a long time.

Jamie twines his fingers with mine, his smile as exhilarated as my own. He pulls me toward the booths tucked in the back of the club. Alec materializes next to us. I expect to see the usual disapproval in his eyes. Instead, his eyes are molten, staring at me as if he wants to hoist me over his shoulder and sprint into the sunset.

I’m not opposed to the idea.

I grin at him. A small smile tugs at his lips. He looks as put-together as he was when we walked into the club. I crave to reach up, ruffle his short hair, and mess up his clothes.

I don’t get a chance to do any of that. We reach the booth Jamie’s reserved and are met with the sight of Kayden sprawled on the plush, crescent-shaped couch, a man on either side of him. One’s kissing his neck; the other has his hands under his shirt and is whispering something in his ear. When Kayden looks in our direction, his eyes are glassy, his pupils blown. I’m not sure if he’s taken something or if the things the guy’s saying are just that good.

Kayden’s lush mouth spreads into a lazy, seductive grin. “There you are,” he says, eyeing Jamie. “I found myself some company, after you left me here all alone.”

Jamie snorts. “I bet that was so difficult for you. Did it totally take you out of your comfort zone?”

Kayden’s probably going to say something, but the guy behind him cups his jaw and moves his head, claiming his mouth. Kayden doesn’t resist in the slightest.

I can’t stand the guy, but I’m not immune to his beauty. Seeing him all loose-limbed, shirt riding up to expose the smooth skin on his stomach, and two guys devouring him in front of my very eyes is hot as fuck.

My skin tingles, and on an instinct, I look up at Alec. He’s watching me, his dark eyes a bottomless pit of desire I’m willing to fall into.

“Get a room. Jesus!” Jamie exclaims, slapping Kayden’s thigh playfully.

It snaps me out of my reverie and prompts Kayden into action. He pushes one of the men off him not too gently, then stands and grabs his hand with a predatory smile.

“Let’s dance,” he says, looking over his shoulder at the other guy. Still dazed from their kiss, the guy is slower to react, but he grabs the offered hand, and they slink out of the booth.

“What are you drinking?” Jamie asks, his eyes traveling between Alec