isn’t his kink,” Miles says without any expression whatsoever as he continues to look down at his phone.
“The quicker you three leave us alone, the quicker this will be done.” I turn around.
“Missed a spot,” Kai says.
I stand up. “Yeah, sure I did.”
I toss my towel in the hamper with the two hand towels I used then take Brisa’s and do the same. I nod to her. “Let’s go.”
We step toward the door, but they don’t move.
I glare up at them. “If you think my ass looks strong, might want to think about what carries it around and how hard I could kick you in the—”
“Oh, Miss Steel, don’t threaten me with a good time. But if you ever come at me with the intent of kicking me in the balls, please do it in pointe shoes,” Harrison says playfully.
My heart begins beating and not in a this-was-the-guy-who-a-few-months-back-I-was-sure-would-be-perfect-for-me-and-likes-my-ass kind of way.
“I inquired about you after winter auditions,” he continues.
I cross my arms over my chest and roll my eyes. “Is that so?”
“You could have more than handled the lead.”
“She’s amazing,” Brisa says with nervous pride.
Harrison nods, still looking at me. “Heard you lost confidence when you … developed.”
I narrow my eyes at him, and he steps back, not because he’s intimidated, but to give us space to leave.
“You need to find it again, Miss Steel, and trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”
“I’m aware of who you are,” I say as I take Brisa’s hand and hurry past him and the others. At the door, I look back, smirk tightly, and give him some Truth. “Planned on making something out of us.”
He grins big and chuckles as he reaches his arms out wide. “I’m right here, Miss Steel; do your best.”
“The minute you hit on my cousin, trying to piss off your girlfriend, was the minute I knew I couldn’t make you something you already are.”
“She’s not my girlfriend, and please, before we bid adieu, enlighten me.” He smiles.
After opening the door and pushing Brisa out, I answer, “A little bitch.”
“Is that so?” he asks, his words more clipped now.
“Truth hurts, doesn’t it?” I shut the door behind me and look at Brisa, who’s almost laughing. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”
Standing beside my vehicle, Brisa starts to panic as she pats herself down. “I think I lost the keys. Oh my God, and your phone is still in his room.”
“Shit …” I sigh.
When I see headlights, I turn to see a vehicle rolling up behind us. Brisa is none the wiser.
When three, long-haired men get out of the still running car, with the driver still inside, Brisa turns around and gasps slightly. “Oh, God, this is how it ends.”
When I see one familiar face, albeit an intimidating one, I feel a tiny bit relieved. “Like hell it is.”
I step toward the men. “Hey, Frank.”
He leans in and looks closer at me, then looks down. “Laces, is that you?”
I toss a laugh, the kind you’d use with an old friend. Side note: he’s not my friend, but he is kind of sexy scary … in an old man kind of way.
“What the hell are you doing out here? Let me guess, looking for trouble?” He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a pack of smokes.
As he lights one up, I answer, “Just leaving a party down by the beach. Left my phone and keys there.”
He takes a drag off his cigarette and nods. Exhaling, he says, “That’s a problem.”
“Not as bad as it’s going to be getting them back.” I laugh, even though it’s not really funny at all. I have to keep it light.
“That so?”
I nod. “Kind of pissed off a couple people on the way out.”
“Pissed-off people are my favorite kind.” One of the other two men chuckles. “How about we back you ladies up?”
I look at him. He’s younger than Frank, but not as young as us. And he’s wearing what I think is called a cut with patches on it.
“You a good biker or a bad biker?” I ask, sounding more like Dorothy Gale than intended.
“Jesus, Truth,” Brisa whispers so only I can hear.
He laughs, and so do the others.
“Depends on what you consider bad. I’ve been known to help little old ladies cross the street and don’t even steal their purses. But I’ve also been known to crack a few skulls, you know.”
I nod, even though I really don’t know.
He continues, “How many are we up against at this party?”
“Four,” Brisa answers,