Page 86 of Bloom: Part 1

Bloom danced, his eyelids closed, a smile on his face, arms raised, and hips grinding to the music. As though in a trance, I stopped and watched this stunning man come into full bloom right before my eyes. His smile grew, and he ran his fingers through the long hair rippling down his back. And then he laughed. It was hard to distinguish it from the loud music, but I felt it in my core.

“You’re beautiful.”

We danced for what might have seemed like hours. I hadn’t meant to stay long on the dance floor, but I didn’t want to lose seeing Bloom let go. At one point, he slipped his arms around my neck and pulled my head down in a kiss that seared through me. His lips were soft, melting against mine in a fiery dance. His sweet taste cut through the bitter liquor I’d had earlier.

“Let’s go back to the bar,” he said.

I nodded and took his hand, leading him away from the mass of bodies toward the calmer area of the bar.

“You were incredible on the dance floor.”

“That felt so great.” Sweat dripped down his forehead, and his breaths came in heavy pants. His cheeks were flushed a beautiful shade of pink, and his eyes sparkled. “I’ve never danced like that.”

I leaned in to whisper in his ear as I waved over the bartender. “I knew you had it in you the way you throw that ass back when I’m inside you.”

He widened his eyes in surprise, and his mouth fell open, a bright laugh bubbling out. “I didn’t expect to like sex that much either.”

The bartender didn’t bat an eye, although he must have heard Bloom. “What can I get you?”

Bloom wanted to try something new and, with a little pouting, had me cave in to get him an alcoholic drink. I asked the bartender to split the alcoholic shot with a nonalcoholic one. I wanted him sober when we got home.

“I have to use the restroom. You good for a few?”

“Gonna miss you. Don’t take too long.”

When he said sweet things like that, how could I not fall for him? Oh shit, I was falling for him, wasn’t I?

“What?” He narrowed his eyes. “Is my mascara running?”

“No, you look perfect. I’ll be right back.”

The line to the restroom wasn’t too long, thankfully. I was in and out in no time, but when I returned to Bloom, he looked pissed at the tall, blond man standing way too close to him as he tried to get Bloom’s attention.

I frowned. Usually, anyone who touched Bloom’s shoulder the way the guy did would have met the sharp end of a knife. Fromhis body language—straight back, clenched jaw, tense shoulders—he didn’t want the attention, so why wasn’t he doing anything?

The man caressed a lock of hair that had fallen onto Bloom’s cheek. My nostrils flared, and I doubled my hands into fists. I pushed through the crowd and tapped the man on his shoulder. The man shrugged off my hand. He swept his gaze over me and pulled a face. “Not my type.”

“Neither are you mine. Now back off and stop harassing my boyfriend.”

The man glanced from Bloom to me and laughed. “You ain’t serious.”

I didn’t say anything, just stared him down. He raised his hands and stepped back. “All right, but you would have had a better time bouncing on my dick, babe.”

When he disappeared into the crowd, picking a random guy to dance behind, I turned to Bloom. “You all right?”

“Not really.” He was shaking. “I wanted to stab him in the eye so badly.”

I rubbed his arms. “Why didn’t you? Not that I’m condoning violence, but I’m genuinely curious.”

“Because you told me to be good, and I didn’t want to ruin our night.”

“Silly boy. I don’t mean to be so good you take harassment from anyone.”

“So I have permission to stab someone who harasses me?”

“Well, maybe not stab. Isn’t there a less violent way for you to set them straight?”

“I’ll have to think about it.”

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