Page 155 of Cruel Steps

I smirked, swirling the ice in my drink around as Holden scoffed.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“It’s something. You’re smiling like you know something.”

“Because I do.”

“Out with it. I’m not in the mood for games.”

That made two of us.

Sighing, I rubbed my ribs at the reminder of the man playing games with our girl. The sight of the petals had made my injuries hurt worse, like my brain knew the person responsible for hurting me was near.

Relenting to Holden’s unwavering stare, I said, “It’s just nice seeing you love something as much as football.”

“I don’t love Em as much as football.” My heart sank. Damn. Did that mean he wasn’t as in as I believed? “I love her more than football.”

I blinked in shock. “I did not expect that.”

He shrugged like he hadn’t just rewired my brain about who he was. “Football is my passion. But that girl, she’s my everything.”

Now that I got.

“To our girl.” I held up my empty glass and knocked it against his. I wasn’t under any misconception that our life would be easy. Choosing to have an unconventional relationship would raise eyebrows. People would assume things about Holden and me, and Mer, too. But having people believe lies about me and the people I loved wasn’t enough reason not to do it. They would believe them regardless, so why should I miss out on living my life to the fullest? I wouldn’t.

“Have you told your parents yet?”

I shook my head. “Nah. It’s been almost a year since I’ve talked to them; I don’t think telling them I survived a car explosion is high on their priority list. They’ll just make me feel worse about myself, and I don’t need that garbage in my life.”

“You’ll always have me, bro.”

“I know.”

Holden squeezed my shoulder, and my body relaxed. While there wasn’t anything romantic between us, the platonic love and connection we had was special. It was why I knew I could share a romantic partner with him, because having him and a woman I loved made my life better. If I ever had to choose, I’d spend my life feeling like I’d lost a limb.

The music changed, and the lights dimmed in the small cocktail lounge. I didn’t understand the system or the different rooms, but I was happy Mer was happy. I’d gladly watch her dance anywhere.

“Do you know what to expect?” I asked.

Holden shook his head. “I haven’t worked in Wildfire. I’ve only been on the main floor, Ember.” He glanced at his watch. He still had about forty minutes until he clocked in.

Smoke billowed over the stage, and lights illuminated in different colors, creating a cool effect with the music. When they flashed back on, I gasped at the dancers who appeared. Six girls stood in formation, holding a sparkly shape. I instantly found Mer at the end, her body calling to me like a siren song.

“Holy fuck,” Holden murmured, sitting up straighter in his seat. I didn’t understand what he meant initially, but I understood when the music started and the shapes moved. Each girl was wearing some version of a silky nightgown. Mer’s was a dark purple with lace. It sculpted her body, showcasing all of her delicious curves. My dick instantly took notice, perking up as she moved to the music.

“Holy fuck indeed.”

“I’m half tempted to pull her off the stage. I don’t want any of these other fuckers looking at her.” Holden gritted his teeth, his eyes scanning the crowd like he wanted to beat up anyone who looked at her. I got it. I didn’t like the thought, either. But when she glanced at our table, her eyes brightened, and she gave us a secret smile. She moved flawlessly with the other girls, and if I hadn’t known she’d only learned this dance in a day, I’d believe she’d been here the whole time.

She was gorgeous and effortless as she seduced everyone in the club. I loved how alive she became when dancing, often pulling the focus to herself. Maybe that was just me because I couldn’t look at anyone but Mer. She sparkled like the brightest diamond to me. Wait…

“Ah. It’s a diamond.”

“Huh?” Holden asked, but his eyes stayed glued to Mer.

“The thing they’re holding. It’s a diamond.”

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