he brought me cheek-to-cheek. “I’m going back to the bar,” he said into my ear. “Happy birthday, Rug Rat.”
My heart plummeted into my stomach. But I recovered quickly and nodded, averting my eyes from his as he backed away. A brief, pained expression washed over his features, but it was quickly replaced with a simple smile. Then he headed off the dance floor.
I’m an idiot. What am I doing? Was I really crushing on Jace? Ridiculous. I scolded myself as I weaved through the crowd toward Lana.
Her eyebrows furrowed into the middle of her forehead, but my expression must have said “not now” because she just wrapped her arms around me and began dancing.
I was finally enjoying myself, laughing with Lana as Nick attempted a dance move that involved jumping over his leg and falling on his backside. I felt flush, so I stepped off the floor and moved away from the steam pipes. As I leaned against the wall, I spotted Reese walking in from the side entrance. My insides knotted. But instead of turning around and avoiding him like I’d done the night before, this time, I met his challenging gaze.
His eyes widened, flashing an intense red glow as they traced me. His lips curled into a grin, and he headed straight for me.
Chapter Six
REESE MADE HIS WAY to me along the wall. Bracing myself, I balled my hands into fists by my side, forcing myself to stay planted. My Charge Dagger was sheathed in my boot, just beneath the back of my bustle. I didn’t want to make a scene, but if he started a fight, I wouldn’t have a choice.
I scanned the club, quickly locating Lana, Nick, and Jace. None of them were aware of Reese…yet. There was no way the Narco was here alone, but I hadn’t seen his friends. Reese’s eyes found mine, their red flames bright as he stopped right before me. I cursed myself for shaking. But at least it looked like our diversion plan was working.
He raised his hand, and I jerked back. Then he stepped closer and took my hand, bringing me toward him. “I’m not trying to scare you, Shythe Girl. I’m only here for a dance.” He pulled me into his arms. “That is, if you can refrain from threatening me tonight.”
My face heated, and I bit down on my lip as his hard chest pressed against me. He was patronizing me. Had he known I was Shythe last night when he first danced with me? “What do you really want?” I took a step back, putting a couple inches between us.
Hitching an eyebrow—which I noticed for the first time was pierced with a small copper stud—he gave me what he probably thought was a sincere smile. “Honestly? Just to dance. I feel bad about how things went down before. I don’t want to fight.” He held me closer, his glowing red eyes boring into mine, and gently ran his fingers along my arm. Heat rippled across my skin.
He ducked his head close to my ear. “You look amazing, by the way.” Brushing his hand across my back, he spread warmth over my bare skin.
I ignored his comment, looking past his shoulder, but kept dancing. As long as no one was attacking, I didn’t mind being near him. Although, the heat was distracting. Before last night, I’d never been touched by a Narco. It wasn’t painful, but I imagined it could be…if he wanted.
“Why are you here?” I asked flatly. “And don’t give me that Peace Act crap. You didn’t act like you wanted to be friends earlier today.”
He pulled back, tilting his head to the side. “It’s too loud. If you want to talk, let’s get some air.”
Yeah right. “Sure, let me go grab my stupid stick, and I’ll be right behind you.” I glared up at him. “Answer the question.”
He halted dancing, then grasped my hand and led me to a corner where the lighting was dimmer and the steam billowed out, creating a wall between us and the crowd. My stomach sank. How stupid was I? He could off me right here and be out the door before anyone noticed I was missing.
Reese held his hand out to me. I rolled my eyes and took it. He pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me. “Now I can hear you better.” His lips twisted into a grin. “Though, I think I liked seeing you better…for the sake of dancing, of course.”