Page 67 of Electric Touch

Blake looks at them, then at me.

“It’s not like that,” I add at his expression. “I’m seeing her. And he’s her friend.”

“Hey, it’s none of my business what you get up to in your spare time.” He smirks and walks away to get them.

Chapter Nineteen

I’ve never met anyone the same size as Apollo. The man in a black suit who approaches us a few minutes after I see Nash is as huge as my best friend. They eye each other, then the man turns to me.

“Mr. Jameson has asked for you to join him in the VIP area.”

I glance at Apollo, then back up towards where Nash is still watching.

“You wanna go?” Apollo asks.

“Both of us?” I ask the man. I’m not leaving my best friend, even if Nash doesn’t like him.

The owner invited Apollo to the opening of his new club. He is one of his clients. Apollo asked Sasha and me to come along. Sasha is still mending her broken heart and didn’t want to come out.

I like it here. We’ve had plenty of free drinks and danced a lot. I enjoyed the Dirty Crew set. The manager of the club keeps trying to hit on me though. He is nice enough, but I kept thinking about Nash. When he touched my arm, all I could think was, I shouldn’t be allowing this guy to flirt with me.

And as if I conjured him, there he is, looking down at me like he wants to drag me away from everyone around me. Which he is doing, by sending this man down here to collect me.

I should be annoyed, he doesn’t own me. Except, I’m ecstatic. I keep that feeling to myself.

Before agreeing to anything, I have to consider the implications of going up there. Being with Nash in such a public space. The video circulating of us kissing doesn’t show my face. If I go up there, I will open myself up to identification. I’m not stupid, regardless of whether it is private up there. It doesn’t mean someone won’t take note. Do I want to be associated with Nash Jameson that way? As more than just a passing acquaintance? I am under no illusion about why he is asking or what he wants. Or, if I’m being truthful… I want too.

I could spend hours ruminating on why I should walk away. Looking up at him again, I choose to ignore that innermost voice.

Mind made up, I nod to Apollo and the man, who turns and leads us to the stairs. Apollo says bye to the manager, who could follow us up if he wants to, but he doesn’t.

The steps are curved with neon lights along the treads, lighting the way. When we reach the top, the man pulls back a rope and allows us inside. It’s not as busy, but I spot some familiar faces. Nash leans one elbow on the balcony, looking like sin in black jeans and a button up black shirt, open at the collar and the sleeves rolled.

My heart leaps into my throat as he trails his eyes up and down my body. Paying very close attention to my bare legs. I have on the backless black dress I wore for the audition all those months ago. With my hair straightened and falling down my back, and dark red lips, I know I look good. There is no escaping his gaze.

“I’ll go get us drinks. You better go over before he combusts,” Apollo laughs. With his hand on my back, he shoves me in Nash’s direction.

I tell my best friend everything. He is aware of what is going on between us.

When I reach Nash, he straightens up. With my heels, I’m tall enough that my eyes are at his chin level. His eyes lower to my lips and back up again.

“Hello,” I arch a brow.

He chuckles. “Hey. We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”

“You can do better than that.”

Nash leans in close, his hot breath against my cheek as he whispers into my ear. “There are too many people watching for what I want to do to you right now.”

Shit, did my dress just burn into flames? I squeeze my thighs together, thinking about what he did to me the other night. My cheeks are very hot. Everything is hot.

“Is it hot in here?” I fan myself.

Nash laughs and puts one hand on my waist, leaning down like he is going to kiss me. I close my eyes, ready for it. When it doesn’t happen, my eyes flick open. At first I don’t understand, then remember where we are. He is worried about who is watching after that video. His hand drops away from my waist, so I take it in mine. I don’t care what people think. I never have, and I never will.

“Okay?” he squeezes my hand and when I nod, his grin widens.

We move to a table where Jack and Dylan are talking with a group of people. Some I recognise.

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