Page 52 of Four of Hearts

“Woah,” I breathed, needing a moment to recover from that kiss.

“Leo was right. It’s fucking hard dancing up there when you’re sitting here looking like a damn goddess,” Kline said, studying me closely. “Did you enjoy the show?”

“A lot. It was great,” I assured him, smiling up at him.

“Want a drink?” Elia asked him, but Kline shook his head.

“No, thank you. We’re leaving. Are you coming with us?” he then asked me.

“Yes. I promised Ben that I’d come by. I want to check on him.”

“Alright. Give us a moment.” He leaned in to kiss my forehead, then he left again to head backstage.

While I waited for the guys to come out, I watched the rest of the guests leave. Elia cleaned up the bar, and although I didn’t work in this place, I helped put up the chairs so the cleaning crew had it easier in the morning.

Morris was back before the guys were ready to leave, and he headed straight to the technical room to turn off the music and turning on the lights.

When he came out again, I asked him about Willa.

“I brought her to her room, put her to bed, and she was out immediately,” he told me with a chuckle. “I’ll go check on her in the morning.”

“Thanks again, Morris. I appreciate it.”

“No worries.” He smiled, then he looked around to see if there was anything else to be done before leaving. “I think that’s all. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll head out.”

The guys appeared just when he ended his sentence.

“Closing time,” Watson announced. He walked up to me and put his arm around my shoulders. “Heard you were coming home with us.”

“You heard right. You were great up there. You look good in just a tie and a pair of shorts,” I teased.

Watson grinned and pulled me closer to his side. “If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see it again once we’re home.”

I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from grinning. “I’m a very lucky girl in general.”

“Are you now?”

I nodded, pursing my lips. “Yup.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to strip again later.”

I would like that.

A private strip show.

Just for me.

BENNETT

I had been sleeping all evening, and after making yet another tea and eating another bowl of soup, I waited patiently for the guys and Lola to come home.

Kline texted me just minutes ago, telling me that they were on their way back home, and if they needed to stop at the store to get me something.

I had enough of everything, and I was starting to feel a little better. I knew the flu didn’t last just a day, and I would be sitting at home for a day or two more. But for now, I felt fine, and sleep wasn’t coming to me anymore.

It might’ve been the fact that I wanted to see Lola. I couldn’t touch her or get too close to avoid getting her sick, but I could still admire her from afar.

They arrived just five minutes later, and I turned down the volume of the TV. “Hey,” I called out. My voice was still hoarse, but not at much as this morning.

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