Page 78 of My Temptation

Nodding, I linked my fingers with his when he reached for my hand and found some comfort in knowing he was still willing to play our game. At the very least, we were still connected, and I needed that connection with Ethan more than I was willing to admit.

“Let’s go get new drinks,” he said when we entered the room again. He dropped his head and kept talking. “He’s exactly where he was, but he’s still watching us.”

“He’s curious. That’s good,” I replied quietly and leaned against his arm.

Ethan ordered two drinks when we approached the bar, but we were quiet while we waited for them. We weren’t doing a good job of playing the couple we were only ten minutes ago, and it was my fault. I shouldn’t have taken it that far on the couch, nor should I have admitted to the lie I told not very long ago. It changed something, and the tension radiating between us was palpable.

Clearing my throat, I leaned against his arm again, and he looked down at me. “We need to stop acting so awkward.”

He studied me for a moment before jerking up his chin. Grabbing the drinks the bartender just slid in front of us, Ethan paid, and we both took a sip before turning to face the room. I narrowed my eyes when I saw Samson staring at me. He lifted his hand and motioned for me to approach him.

With my lips against the rim of my glass, I spoke. “Do you see this?”

“Yep.”

Pulling the glass from my lips, I looked toward Ethan. “Then let’s go.”

He reached down and linked his fingers with mine before we started across the room. We stopped walking when we reached Samson. He glanced back and forth between us, but neither of us said anything. Instead, we waited to see what he would say.

We didn’t have to wait long.

“You’re new here.”

I squeezed Ethan’s hand, getting the impression from the way he was studying us that Ethan was the one he expected to answer.

“We’re visiting from out of town.”

“Where are you from?”

Samson was playing the fool. He already had the answers to these questions. I’d also bet Ethan understood Samson’s game but played along. “North Carolina.”

He nodded. “Long way from home.”

“Came for the festival, decided to stay for bike week.” Ethan repeated what he’d told everyone in the bar up to this point. That was smart. It was easier to seem believable if the story never had new information.

His eyes left Ethan’s and met mine. “You seem like you’re having a good time.”

I smiled and leaned against Ethan’s arm. “We are.”

“You interested in having a better time?”

I giggled, knowing instinctively that was what he wanted. “I’m not sure that’s possible.”

His eyes slid over my body before meeting my stare again, but the knowledge of his eyes on me made me nauseous. Even so, I didn’t move or give any indication I was disgusted and waited for him to speak.

“You haven’t seen what else we have to offer.”

“This your place?” Ethan asked.

“Why do you want to know?”

He shrugged like he didn’t give a shit. “It’s a nice place. We like your setup and that it’s exclusive.”

“Exclusivity is the only way to keep a place like ours going.” He studied Ethan. “We make it our mission to know the people we invite.”

Ethan’s body tensed, so I jumped in. “You said there’s more to see?”

Samson’s eyes slid to me, and he smirked. “There’s a lot more to see, and I think you’re the type of woman who will appreciate it.”

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