“To what do I owe this pleasure?” I snarl, shaking my head at his audacity for scaring Jason away.
He doesn’t say anything as he grabs my hand and leads me to the center of the dance floor while the slow mesmerizing beat plays on. He grips his fingers around my waist and pulls me in against his chest, claiming me for everyone to see. Our bodies mold together like puzzle pieces, and as much as I want to remove that thought from my mind, it’s front and center.
Dammit to hell.
He leans his head down and speaks over my ear, “I’m not going to watch another guy practically fuck you on the dance floor. You’re off-limits to every guy in this place. Got it, princess?”
He pulls back, his expression cold and firm. His jaw is set, and there’s no playing around in his tone. His eyes search my face before finally meeting mine.
Between the alcohol and the intense beat of the music, I’m ready to dish it right back to him.
“Even to you?”
His jaw clenches. “To everyone. Especially dressed like that.” He trails his eyes down my body, emphasizing his point.
He’s treating me like I’m a little kid again, acting overprotective as if he has any say in what I do. But I know he has an ulterior motive.
I can’t deny how being this close to him makes my mouth dry. I need a strong drink and to run away because the emotions that course through me are dangerous. Our bodies slowly rock together, and for a moment, it’s easy to forget it’s Travis because he doesn’t speak. He just takes control, and we dance together as one. It’s seductive. I feel the pulse between my legs, and I promise myself after this next song, I’m walking away. But I don’t, and neither does he, and we are lost in a trance of unspoken words and baby-making music.
A busty blonde walks to his side and pouts out her bottom lip. “Travis, baby. Is it my turn yet?” Travis turns and looks at her but not in a lust-filled way. He’s annoyed that she’s interrupted. However, I take that as my cue and snatch my only chance toward freedom by stepping back and allowing her to take my spot.
As I walk toward the bar for another drink, I look over my shoulder and see Travis’s eyes glued to me. I look away, needing to clear my head, which means I order another drink; a bigger, stronger one that can help me make sense of what the hell just happened out there.
Courtney walks up with a huge smile on her face. “Uh, did you just practically fuck your brother’s roommate or rather, your archnemesis on the dance floor, or was I imagining that? Seriously Lola, every dude in this place wants to take you home right now.”
I scoff. “That would never happen.” I take one big gulp of a double vodka and cranberry as my skin tingles from the remnants of Travis’s touch. “You must’ve been imagining it.”
“Oh, right, okay,” she agrees, sarcasm thick in her voice. “Hey, I think I’m going to head out if that’s okay. I thought I was in the mood to dance, but without Toby, it kind of sucks.” She has those sad puppy dog eyes, and as much as I want her to stay, I can’t beg her when she gives me that look.
“Do you want me to go with you?” I ask.
“No, you stay! Marcus isn’t leaving so you guys can Uber together if you want.”
I take another sip. “Okay, well text me if you need anything.” I flash her a giddy smile, the alcohol running through my veins.
“I will.” She gives me a quick hug and walks toward the exit.
I glance across the bar area for Marcus and finally spot him cozying up to a dark-skinned hottie. With a smile, I turn back to my drink.
When I check my phone, I realize it’s been almost three hours since we arrived. The club will be open for another two hours, but I’m not sure I’m going to make it that much longer. Travis is still on the dance floor with blonde bimbo, and I don’t want to stick around to watch it unfold.
I finish my drink and just when I’m about to close my tab out, Patrick, a guy I tutored last semester, sits down next to me.
“Are you here alone?” he asks.
I shrug, sparing him the details. “My friend left, so I guess I am.”
“Some friend.” He chuckles.
“Nah, it’s fine. I was just about to head out anyway.”
“Well, wait. Let me get you a shot or something first.”
I look at him, trying to read his motives. “Why? Because I don’t look drunk enough?” I chuckle and he laughs with me.
“No, you look like you need some cheering up. C’mon, I don’t bite.”
“All right, fine. I can’t deny free liquor.”
Patrick lets me pick, so I order us two Jelly Bean shots.
“This is such a pussy drink.” He groans and slams it down, pursing his lips together as the sour flavor fills his mouth.
“It’s dangerous, is what it is.” I lick my lips. “It tastes like candy, which means you end up taking more shots than you can handle and end up puking in your roommate’s bed.”
His eyes widen and his lips turn up into an impressed grin. “Speaking from experience.”
“Yes.” I deadpan, remembering the night it happened. “It was my bed.”
His head falls back with laughter. “Sounds like the true college experience then.” He motions for the bartender and orders another round of shots. “Okay, my turn to pick. You ready?”
I cringe when I see the bartender reaching for the hard stuff.
This goes on and on until I’ve shared more embarrassing stories about myself. Apparently, alcohol frees the humiliation file. I don’t normally drink much or go out, really, but this is what Travis has done to me. He’s flustered me to the point that I need to numb all memories with booze.
“Now that you know my bra size and my first kiss’s name, I think it’s time for me to go.” He’s just a tipsy as I am, so I don’t worry too much about him remembering any of what I said. “I need to schedule an Uber.”
“Yeah, me too. Future, Patrick is going to be kicking my ass in the morning.” I snort at the way he talks about himself. “We can do the carpool one if you want.”
We stand from the barstools, and my head begins to spin. “Whoa,” I say, grabbing the back of the chair.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, just stood too fast.” I blink my eyes a few times. “And drank way too much.”
“Yeah, I guess you were right about those Jelly Bean shots.”
“I told you!” I giggle, reaching for my phone and looking for my Uber app.
Just as I schedule the pickup, I lose my footing and stumble back against the person sitting next to me. Patrick grabs my elbow and pulls me back before I can fall any farther. “Maybe you should sit while we wait.” He pulls the stool back out, but before I can sit back down, an arm wraps around my waist and possessively pulls me away.
“Viola…” I hear my name on Travis’s lips and shiver. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
“She was with me.” I look up at Patrick and see his hard expression. Shit. They’re both trying to intimidate each other.
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Travis,” I scold, shifting out of his grip, but he doesn’t release me. “Do you have to be an asshole all the damn time?”