Page 47 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

“Denise.” His voice sounds pained.

“I want that. I want someone to be in the shadows with.”

“Then you have me.”

“But you’re married.”

“I’ve explained. Besides, it’s not like you’re going to marry me. You still need to finish college. By then, we’ll both be ready.”

“It’s wrong.”

His hand on my hip curves around my waist and cups my bottom. He jerks me against him, and I feel a jolt as his hardness presses into me. “I can show you how right it can be.”

His phone vibrates. “Shit.” He sighs. “I’ve got to go. Your siblings will be looking for you anyway.” His hand comes up to cup my face. “Dammit. You look so damn beautiful. I don’t want to let you go.”

When he does, he reaches in his pocket then opens a small ziplock bag with a few pills in it. “Happy Birthday, Beautiful. This should make tonight extra special. But no more alcohol.”

Roland gives me a kiss on the forehead and then keeps close to the wall and shadows as he makes his exit.

I make my way back to the bar, feeling lonelier than before. For a moment I had something, but it vanished. Did I really even have it? He basically told me I’d be his mistress. He’s crazy if he thinks I’m going to be some side piece. Unfortunately, I can’t stop thinking about how nice he felt. He said he could make everything feel right. I look at the pills in my hand, knowing they for sure would make this lonely ache go away. At the bar, I grab a water and discreetly take one, feeling instantly all right.

I head back on the dance floor. A guy eases up to me and yells over the music asking me my name. I only give my first and he does the same. My new dance partner is Dan. My body feels like liquid and I love it. The music hums through my body and I feel so carefree. As we begin to dance to a second song together, I shift to stand face to face with him. Halfway through the song, I feel the heat of another body on my back. Dan’s eyes widen and then narrow. I turn around when I feel two strong hands on my hips. I’m pulled roughly back and feel a strong male body. Electricity runs through me at the feel of Roland’s hands. He came back for me. I settle into the strong chest and sway my hips against him.

A low voice casually whispers in my ear, “What the fuck are you doing?”

I smile at Dan and reply loudly. “I’m dancing with Dan.” Then look over my shoulder and up to the face that is not Roland, but a very angry Keaton. His eyebrows are pulled together and despite him being thoroughly pissed off, he’s so damn hot. I laugh and smile wider. “Dan the man.” I turn my attention back to Dan and wink.

Dan leans forward. “Hey, buddy. You heard her. She’s dancing with me.”

“Oh yeah? Well, buddy, she’s about to be leaving with me.”

I turn around to face Keaton, but words fail me. He looks gorgeous when he’s pissed. Dammit. I should not be finding him attractive when he so rudely interrupted my dancing with Dan and I may have a thing with Roland.

Despite myself, a small giggle escapes me. I’m saying Dan’s name in my head like we’re longtime friends. Oh Dan. I quickly get myself under control. I raise my chin to Keaton and pout. “I’m not finished dancing.”

He turns me back around and presses me firmly against him. “Then let’s dance.”

I let my body move on its own and notice how hard Keaton is everywhere. This new pill causes me to not have a filter apparently, because I turn back around. I get right in his face and narrow my eyes. “Are you seriously aroused that I was dancing with another guy?” I make a point of looking down at his erection and then back up at him.

“I’m aroused by you dancing in that skin tight dress and those ridiculously hot shoes. I’m pissed that you were dancing with another guy.”

“You didn’t stop me from dancing with the other guy.”

“That’s because he didn’t stay for another dance. This guy is on his second round. He’s not lasting for another.” Clearly he missed my dance with Roland. Which is all for the best. He really would’ve blown a fuse.

“Why not?”

“I don’t trust him.”

“I don’t trust you.”

“With the way you’re dressed and how good your body feels right now, I’m not sure I trust me either. But I do trust myself enough to not hurt you or do anything you don’t want to. But Dan here strikes me as a guy that’s scouting for his next lay and doesn’t give two shits whether or not you’re sober enough to realize what you’re doing. Or if you’re even conscious.”

“You’ve had plenty of chances with me. Why not let someone else that’s not scared of my family—”

“That’s enough. You’ve had your fun. I’ve been patient. Now it’s time to cut the shit.”

“What?”

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