Page 82 of The Secrets of a Sin

With Annalise trailing beside me, we started passing the line of people waiting to get inside. I could feel their heated stares all over my body, tracing their eager eyes all over my exposed skin as if I was a walking meal to them. As much as I hated it, Annalise appeared less than bothered.

“Shouldn’t we be waiting in the back of the line?” I ask while peering over at her, but she scoffs at my question.

“Absolutely not.” She chuckles. “Have you taken a good look at us tonight? We’re the fucking main attraction.” We then abruptly come to a stop in front of a large security guard, who’s watching us with the same amount of fervor as the line of people did. He was tall and burly with a tattoo of a heart right below his eye, but as I was slightly intimidated and creeped out, Annalise was the complete opposite.

“The line’s back there, ladies.” He nods behind us with an interested expression across his chubby face.

I shuffle a little closer to Annalise’s side as she puts on her signature smile that would hypnotize anyone to do whatever she pleased. And this man looked about ready to do anything for her, including jumping off a cliff, if she asked.

“Oh sweetie, we don’t wait in lines.” She grins as her hand clasps around mine, and his eyes follow the movement. He immediately leers at the two of us with heated desire and a devious smirk as if he just realized something.

“What makes you think I’ll let you through?” He crosses his tatted arms over his chest with a raised brow. Impatient and still feeling like my heart is about to crack at any second, I scowl in his direction as Annalise does something completely uncalled for and unsuspected. She twirls her head around until her eyes synch with mine, and before I know it, she’s wrapping her hand around my head and pulling me down hard onto her lips.

At first, my eyes widen in utter horror at her aggression. The last thing I wanted to do was kiss Annalise, especially in front of a group of onlookers and a security guard who’s groaning at our very public display of affection. Her lips are incredibly soft and warm and taste like cherry lip gloss. I was too stunned to move or even react, but I didn't pull away, even though I knew I should have. I briefly feel the tip of her tongue tease the seam of my lips, dragging all along my mouth until she gradually pulls away. My eyes slowly open, connecting with hers in confusion, and she smiles wide.

“Can you let us in now?” She shifts her attention to the security guard, whose blatant lust is written all over his practically drooling mouth. “You can see that us girls are just trying to get into some fun tonight, and I’d hate for you to be the one to ruin that.”

I watch his throat move as if he’s swallowing. Then, with a sidestep and a wave of his hand, he lets us through.

“I ain't gonna be the asshole to ruin your night.” He grumbles. “You sure as fuck just made mine better.”

With a loud squeal, she peers down at me excitedly before dragging me through the doors of the club. As soon as we enter, I’m assaulted with the thumping bass of the dance music vibrating throughout the busy nightclub. Strangers fill the dimly lit building to the point we have to weave in and out between them just to get past the entrance.

“I need a drink!” She shouts over the loud music, and all I can do is nod in return.

All I had on my mind was finding Arsen, but it seems almost impossible in a place like this. As I follow behind Annalise, I scan my eyes over the overcrowded dance floor, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. With the flashing neon lights and the huddle of people gyrating on one another, I couldn’t get a clear look at any of them. He could be anywhere in here.

He could be dancing.

Sitting at the bar.

Hiding in a dark corner.

But the real question is, is he alone?

My skin felt sticky and clammy as I bumped my shoulders and elbows into everyone I tried passing. I was as uncomfortable as I was worried, but as we came to a stop at the bar, I felt as though I could breathe a little easier.

“What do you want?” She asks while resting her elbows on the wooden top. Standing awkwardly beside her, I stare at the plethora of liquor bottles stacked onto a shelf and scan my eyes over each one. Alcohol was the number one thing sex addicts were told to avoid. Combine the two, and it can make things far worse and more damaging. So that’s why I avoid it at all costs.

“Nothing. I’m fine.” I decline and shift my eyes down the long bar that’s seated with all sorts of people. But none of them are Arsen.

“Seriously? Nothing?” She laughs jokingly. “How about I order you what I get, and if you want it, you can drink it.”

I knew I wasn’t, but I didn't feel like arguing with her.

She orders some vodka drinks, and surprisingly, the bartender doesn’t ask for an ID. Apparently, when you're good-looking, you don’t get carded here. As soon as she grabs the glasses, we make our way over to a spot towards the side of the dance floor that’s not as crowded and find a small round table to mingle around.

“I think we need to get out on the dance floor.” She sips on her straw as her eyes focus on the mass of people dancing wildly. Her eyes sparkle with longing as mine only fill with annoyance.

I thought she wanted to come here to find Verity and Priscilla?

“What about Priscilla and Verity?” I question while taking it into my own hands to scour the club for them.

I wasn’t in the mood to dance, party, or drink when all I felt like doing was giving Arsen a piece of my mind when I saw him. I wanted him to grovel at my feet for the hell he’s putting me through right now.

“I’m sure we’ll come across them soon. So how about we have some fun and enjoy having some alone time.” She swirls the straw around in her mouth seductively before wrapping her lips around it and hallowing her cheeks.

Alone time?

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