Page 72 of Ballads of Lines Blurred

I went with tight jeans and a fitted maroon tank. My nipple piercings were easily outlined in the shirt. I even dyed my hair maroon to match. Okay, so I had a thing with my hair. I loved changing the color of it often. I was also grateful for the gentle dye that didn’t damage my hair badly.

There were more than a few double takes when we pushed farther into the club. Slater was easily recognizable in Dremest. Hometown rock band with super-sexy members. Yeah, everyone knew who they were.

We went to the bar first. I needed something to warm me up. A shot should do the trick. I didn’t want to get drunk and knew Slater didn’t want to drink at all. Cody couldn’t with him being under twenty-one still.

The bartender came right over to us like there was an invisible force pulling him. He was a slight thing with innocent eyes and long eyelashes he batted at my rock star.

“Nope,” I said and shoved myself in front of Slater. He laughed behind me, his hands finding my hips. “I’d like a shot of tequila.” No need to get fancy. Once it burned down my throat, I’d be ready for the dance floor.

“And for you?” More batting of the eyelashes at Slater.

“Nothing, thanks. Just what my boyfriend ordered.”

“I see you have two. Got room for one more?”

Cody sidled up next to me, shoulder to shoulder in front of Slater. “The drink?” He cocked an eyebrow.

“Can’t blame a guy for trying.” He reached for the shot glass and poured it.

I put money on the bar and swallowed the drink back, not bothering with a thank you. Hit on my boyfriend and get no pleasantries. The burn of the shot was just what I needed though.

Spinning, I put one hand on Slater’s chest and the other on Cody’s. “Dance with me?”

“Yes,” Cody said enthusiastically.

Slater smiled as we pulled him toward the dance floor. It was after eleven, the music had the perfect beat, and I was ready to move.

So many times I was the one playing the music and not on the floor. Granted, I didn’t want to dance at Untouchable, but here, I craved it. I didn’t have to work, didn’t have to be anywhere or do anything but spend time with the men I loved. We kept to each other, forming a tight circle so no one could get near. And they tried, too many times. I got that Slater was a big superstar but that didn’t mean these assholes needed to rub up on him. Fuck’s sake.

Eventually, Cody and I put him in the middle so we could ward off anyone who thought trying to touch him was a smart idea. At one point, I hissed at a guy who wouldn’t give up. He reared back, called me crazy, and went to the other side of the floor. If crazy was what it took, crazy was who I’d be.

“Oh my god, Milo!” I heard shouted over the music. I glanced around until I saw Tom, the soap guy, walking toward me.

“Tom, hi.” I kept my hands on Slater’s waist, hoping Tom got the memo and left.

He didn’t. “It’s so good to see you!” he yelled over the music. Right, because out on the dance floor was the place for a conversation with words instead of bodies. “Did you get the gifts I’ve left you?” Plural. There had been five packages.

“Yes, I did! I also went down to the police station today to ask about a restraining order!” I didn’t but this guy needed to move along. I wasn’t digging his dick any longer.

Tom’s eyes went wide. “You what?”

I smiled and shrugged, leaning right into the crazy the other man called me. I mean, how many times does a guy have to say fuck no before the admirer takes a hint? My dick did great things but not enough to warrant this.

“I’m sorry!” he squeaked and scurried away.

“Did you have to do that?” Slater asked against my ear with a chuckle.

“Did you want him humping my leg? Because I’m done with him and the others. Jesus. I hope they don’t follow me to your house when we move.” We were set to do so next weekend. If the randoms started showing up at Slater’s, I really would go to the police. The security Slater hired after we went public had no longer been needed. I was ready to hire them back if I had to though. Whatever it took. I needed these two men safe. Slater’s security system was already being upgraded, courtesy of Greer Lynx, tech guru extraordinaire. I wanted something better than I had on the house I shared with Hale and his men. If what Greer installed was as good as I thought it was going to be, Hale was getting an upgrade too.

Slater’s arms wrapped around me from behind as he swayed his hips with mine, pulling me back to the dance and away from the drama. Cody filled my vision at my front. “Forget about him, about all of them. There’s only us, okay?”

“Yeah.” My hands found purchase on the back of his neck. The three of us pressed close and I let everything else fall away. The lights, the people, there was just us and the music. A sinful beat that vibrated through me. I didn’t have the space for others in my head, not right now, not ever.

Song after song, we danced until I got too sweaty and needed a drink. We wound our way to the bar, this time ordering water. We had to rehydrate. Slater led us to the VIP area where he talked to one of the guards who was allowing people in and out. He recognized Slater and let us go in where the music wasn’t as loud, and it was far less crowded.

Cody slid into a booth then Slater and me. “I think this was the one you were in last time, right?” Cody asked Slater.

“Yes, but let’s not bring it up. I don’t have the best memories of that night. I want to create new ones with you two.”

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