Page 36 of Twisted Truths

As if he can sense the change of my thoughts, Obsidian’s hand clenches my lower back, pulling me closer to him. I don’t dare turn my head to look at him because I know it would put our mouths millimeters apart, and I don’t trust myself not to kiss him.

The more we dance, the more my yearning builds and builds. When the song finally ends, all I can think to do is run from it, from him.

I step back, looking at the floor. “I need to use the restroom.”

Liar.

Turning, I dash off the dance floor, pushing a little impolitely through the mass of people. I need to remove myself from his orbit before I do something stupid. Something even more stupid than stealing from the man.

I turn to look over my shoulder to make sure he’s not following, and as I’m turning back around, I run into someone.

“I’m so sorry,” I rush out.

Large hands settle on my upper arms to keep me from stumbling back. “Where’s the fire?” Brandon says with a smile.

My gaze dips down, not sure what excuse to give him for why I’m hurrying off the dance floor. But he doesn’t make me give him one.

“Want to get some fresh air somewhere quieter?” he asks.

I nod. “Yes, yes, that would be great.” Anything to get away from Obsidian and everything he makes me feel.

Brandon takes my hand and leads me through the crowd, out of the ballroom, and down the hall.

“Where are we going?” I ask, second-guessing my decision.

“Somewhere less crowded, like I said.”

When I hear the ballroom door open behind me, I turn and look over my shoulder, panicking that maybe it could be Obsidian. But it’s just a woman heading in the opposite direction down the hall toward the bathrooms.

We turn a corner and walk down another hall toward a wall of glass I realize leads to a balcony. Good, I need fresh air.

He opens the door, and I step outside, drawing in a deep breath in an effort to calm my mind and my libido.

Brandon comes up behind me and places his hands on my shoulders, squeezing. “You’re tense.”

“Long day,” I say as an excuse. I’m about to ask him to remove his hands, but then he massages the muscles, and it feels so good the words die on my tongue.

“You look wonderful tonight,” he says.

“Thank you.” I wish his complimentary words made my heart pick up speed the way that just a look from Obsidian can.

“Is this helping?” he asks.

“Very much.” My chin drops toward my chest, and I enjoy the tension leaving my muscles. When he removes his hands, I turn to face him. “Thank you. That feels much better.”

“It’s a grind working for these people, I know.”

I give an exasperated sigh and shake my head. “I’m starting to see that.”

“Maybe I can help take the edge off.” He places his hands on either side of my face and brings his mouth to mine.

I’m so shocked that it takes me a moment to register what’s happening. I mean, he seems like an okay guy and all, and we’ve enjoyed a nice conversation tonight, but what gave him the idea that I wanted to make out with him?

I turn my head to the side, but instead of taking it for the polite rejection it is, he kisses his way down my neck.

My hands move to his shoulders in an attempt to push him away. “Brandon, wait.” When his tongue runs over my collarbone, I push harder. “Wait, stop.”

He brings his mouth up to my ear. “It’s okay. No one is going to catch us.” He nibbles on my earlobe, and my eyes squeeze shut.

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