Page 102 of Remy

I’d roll my eyes if I didn’t get it. But she’s stunning. Long sleek hair. Longer legs. Warm skin. Breasts worthy of a centerfold.

She gets attention for a reason, then that attention remains once the men gain the slightest insight to her personality.

“Thanks for the drinks, guys.” She hands me a highball glass of clear, bubbled liquid. “Gin and soda,” she mouths.

“Thank you.” I grasp the offering and take a gulp. The potency hits the back of my throat with a burn, and I splutter through a heavy swallow. “Holy shit. That’s strong.”

Allison laughs and leans close. “I told you it’d be a double. But I think the guys paid for top-shelf.”

“Well I hope they’re not expecting me to repay them with sexual favors because I’ll do a lot of things for alcohol in a nightmare situation, but taking a guy home isn’t one of them.” I raise my glass in thanks and give a split-second glance of appreciation around the men.

They don’t even notice. The four guys are too busy trying to charm Ivy.

“Fortunately for us, they only have eyes for her.” Allison sips from her tumbler and peers over the rim at the mating ritual. “She’s a crowd favorite on the nightclub scene. Most men appreciate the opportunity just to talk to her.”

I blink in surprise.

I knew she was popular. Even Helen Keller could tell Ivy’s something special. But I didn’t realize she had a following.

The men linger, laughing and drinking, attempting to include Allison and I in on their jokes as the music thunders its way into my bones.

I feel like an outsider. The disconnect between the carefree chatter and my gnawing thoughts seems like a chasm between us.

The guys hang around through numerous songs. Allison and Ivy chat and flirt. I add a comment here and there to make sure I’m not being rude while my main focus is a constant low-key scan of the club.

I find more bouncers in discreet hiding places. One on the far end of the nearby bar. Another at the entrance to the VIP section.

“Let’s dance.” Ivy grabs my waist and attempts to drag me toward the dance floor. “I need to shake myself out of this funk.”

Dread floods my veins.

“Wait. No.” I twist from her grip. “I need to use the ladies first. Can I meet you out there?”

“You do not need to use the bathroom after one drink.” She steps close, grabs my jaw, and playfully squishes my cheeks. “But I love you, so I’ll let it slide.” She bops me on the nose with her pointer finger, then starts sauntering backward toward the moshing bodies. “You should get another drink while I’m gone.”

I nod, but there’s no way more alcohol is entering my system. The double mixed with nonexistent sleep and a diet of anxiety already has me blitzed.

I turn to Allison, surprised to now find her up close and personal with a pretty, petite redhead, the fingers of their free hands entangled.

“I’m, um, going to go for a walk.” I point aimlessly over my shoulder.

“Okay.” Allison nods, still caught in a game of lock-eye with the beautiful woman. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I circle back toward the handsy bouncer, dumping my glass on a passing table.

I seek him out across the dance floor, finding his gaze already on me. “Shit.”

The nervousness returns. The awkwardness, too.

I muster a smile, hoping it appears sultry, and approach. “Any news on Remy?”

“Maybe.” He grins. “What’s it worth to you?”

If intimacy is his currency, he’s about to find out I’m flat broke.

“I don’t know.” I lean closer so he can hear me over the music. “Would my complete and utter gratitude be enough?”

He laughs. “I was kinda hoping for something more.”

---