Page 126 of Between the Lines

“Charlotte,” I say darkly.

She takes another step back, her smile widening. “I’m about to turn around. In three, two, one...”

“Don’t you dare.”

“Catch me,” she says and dances off into the night and the throng of people.

CHAPTER 45

CHARLOTTE

I float through the crowd of people. Everywhere there’s exposed skin and beautiful silk or lace. Some people are in full pjs, others in little negligees. Mandy herself is in a fabulous red silk robe. I spent the earlier part of the night with her, chatting with her and her friends about their company.

I hadn’t realized how much more at ease I’d be with the “no-phone” rule.

But here, there is no risk of someone looking at me a little too long and then snapping a picture. Or pulling up Google and searching for me, finding out in a heartbeat everything I’ve tried to run away from for a decade.

There’s anonymity in that. Plus, there are far more famous people here. Logan? Again? I can’t believe this is their world.

I look over my shoulder, and another electric current passes through me. Despite the cool evening and my state of dress, I feel warm.

Aiden pushes through the crowd to get to me. His eyes are dark, eyebrows lowered. He looks angry. He’s also the only one in a suit.

Far too dressed, compared to everyone else in silk and lace. Shorts and T-shirts.

He catches my eye and mouths a single word.Stop.

I grin at him and turn back. This place is huge. A sprawling estate. And I wonder, do people actually live here, or is it one of those houses that’s always rented out—used for music videos, celebrities’ vacations, and parties?

I pass by the bar. There are small wooden trays of tequila shots lined up, ready for people to grab them. On impulse, I snatch one. The ornamental board is engraved with text on the side and holds four little shot glasses, a plate of cut lime, and a tiny pouch of sea salt.

Aiden is closer now. A glance back tells me he’s almost caught up to me.

I rush to the side, to where the dancefloor lies. Mandy is out there. I see her, blonde hair and red silk robe, and I wonder if it would be safer for me to be right next to her. Aiden wouldn’t dare then.

But maybe… I want to get caught.

I head inside, walking straight into the living room. The giant glass walls must have been pushed aside, allowing the party to spill easily from outside to the interior of the mansion. On the massive table at the center of the room is an array of products on display. Mandy showed them to me earlier.

Pocket vibrators.

G-spot stimulators.

Edible underwear.

A few are already in my goodie bag, slung over my shoulder.

“Chaos,” a voice says beside me.

I keep going, past a group of men with grins on their faces who are all collectively examining a set of beads.

An arm wraps around my waist, and then I’m pulled back against Aiden’s body. His voice is gravelly in my ear. “Charlotte,” he says. “Are you trying to drive me insane?”

I close my eyes. “Maybe.”

“It’s a dangerous game you’re playing.”

“Maybe I’m just conducting some research.”

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