Page 13 of Dark Romeo

“Sorry,” I muttered to no one in particular, the offended party having already disappeared into the throng. I lunged for the closest bar that ran most of the way along the right side and clutched at the onyx countertop as if it’d stop me from falling over. What now?

Well, I’d find Roman, tell him I couldn’t see him again and leave.

I searched the crowd for him, trying not to catch anyone’s eye or draw attention to myself. Pretty hard in a dress that felt like it kept riding up my thighs like a horny teenager’s hand. It wasn’t as skimpy as the daring barely-covering-the-ass uniform in here but it was still shorter than I usually wore my skirts.

Where was he? I couldn’t see him from here.

Okay. One walk around. If he wasn’t here, I was leaving.

I turned around with my back to the bar and lifted my chin, preparing myself to push my way through the club. I didn’t move. There he was, standing across the room in a loose circle of guys and girls. I couldn’t tell you what they looked like. The only thing that was in focus was him.

He was more beautiful than I remembered. A dark god among mortals. He looked like a fighter out of his suit, a boxer or MMA fighter, his fitted black t-shirt showing off his sculpted torso. His hips, encased in fitted designer jeans, swayed lightly to the music. I bet he was as hard as granite underneath those clothes. I bet every muscle was defined. Not that I cared anything about that.

That same ache I felt earlier today flared deep in my lower belly, this time harder and stronger. Dear God. I wanted him. I wanted him in a way I’d never wanted anyone before. The sudden realization made me shiver.

Go up to him. Talk to him. He’s waiting for you.

I didn’t move. What if he thought I was a desperate slut for coming here? What if I was a desperate slut for coming here? This wasn’t me. I wasn’t a girl who slept with strangers. I never chased after guys; I was never interested. Was this my repressed sexuality all coming out now with a bang, like Nora always threatened?

The others in his group all laughed at something, catching my attention. He smiled curtly and nodded. The laughter died down quickly as if they’d quashed it because he didn’t approve of the joke. I could see them all turned towards him, facing him, leaning in, the other women around him eyeing him up. He barely noticed them. He had a slight frown on his face. He looked agitated or bored like he didn’t want to be here. You and me both. Unlike me, he looked like he belonged.

I watched him search the club like a sniper studying his area. Two girls gyrated in front of him, smiles only for him, trying to catch his attention. He ignored them and continued to scan the crowd. I could taste their disappointment from here.

He was exactly the kind of man my mother would warn me about if she were alive. Dominant without trying, coiled power in his thick muscles. It wasn’t just about his intimidating frame. There was an inherent leadership in the way he stood, self-assuredness and confidence, which made women want him and men want to be him. He was a born leader. People followed him without ever knowing why.

He’d be the best worst idea. I’d let him get close to me, I’d fall for him and he’d break my heart. Damn if it wouldn’t be one hell of a ride down. I let out the breath I’d been holding. I was way out of my depth. I had to leave now before he spotted me.

He pulled out his phone and I watched, mesmerized as he typed out a text. My phone in my bag buzzed. Holy shit. That text was for me. I had to go. Now!

Before I could move, he looked up. Our gazes fused together and a thrill rushed down my body. My heart jumped up into my throat and started beating so loudly that the music dulled. Too late to leave now. He’d seen me. Just say hello then leave.

Or go home with him and never leave.

Shit. He was coming over here.

ROMAN

____________

There she was.

Julianna. Leaning against the bar on the other side of the room. For a moment, I wondered if I had dreamed her out of thin air.

Sweet mother of God, she looked incredible. The sight of her hit me like a fist in my gut. The music seemed to go funny in my ears. The body that her outfit earlier only hinted at was now on display: taut legs in a black dress that clung to her curves and fell several inches above her knee. Her hair was loose and fell in soft waves over her shoulders, down the sides of her breasts.

She was stunning. More stunning than I’d imagined her, and trust me, I’d imagined her in all sorts of ways all evening. I stepped out of the VIP section, ignoring my friends calling out for me. I pushed my way through the crowd. It seemed like every motherfucker wanted to get between her and me.

She broke eye contact with me and turned to the guy who had sidled up to her, trying to speak to her. My blood simmered. Now he was touching her, playing with the ends of her hair close to her breasts. Too fucking close to her breasts. He grabbed her wrist, yanking her closer to him. Instant fury like a torrent of fire rose in me. Nobody fucking touched her. Nobody hurt her. She was mine.

“Get your fucking hands off her,” I yelled, rage booming though my voice, startling the club-goers around me, not that I gave a shit. I shoved the people in my way aside. I would kill the fucking son of a bitch who dared lay a hand on her.

Julianna twisted her arm, rolling it aside so that the asshole was forced to let go. She stabbed her heel into his toe causing him to hop before he tilted off balance. She shoved him down over the bar, pinning him by twisting his arm around his back. He let out a yelp.

Holy. Shit.

I skidded to a halt beside them, my anger turning to red-hot lust. I had never seen a woman handle herself like that before. I could do nothing but stare open-mouthed and mute at this powerful, gorgeous creature, respect building in my gut.

“Don’t you dare touch me again, asshole,” she said to him, her voice hard and fierce. The sound of her cursing made my dick harden.

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