Page 35 of Brutal Kingdom

“Mom. You can’t. I was just gonna ask Kassidy to teach me.”

“Jordanna, I want to do this. It’ll give me a way to feel like I’m contributing to this monumental step in your life.”

When we get out of the car, I wrap my arm around her waist, walking towards the house. “Thanks mom, and for what it’s worth. You are a part of every decision I make, whether you know about it or not.”

Mom and I have Italian for dinner and then I go to my room to shower while she goes over swatches and design plans for her latest job. Kassidy is home this weekend too and we’re hanging out tonight at the club Logan ditched me at for his friends. She honks the horn twice as I’m walking down the stairs. I toss a quick goodnight at my mom and lock the door behind me. Kassidy is bobbing to the music when I get in the car. She’s staring at me with an appreciative smile on her face. “Girl, you look good. These boys ain’t gonna know what hit ‘em.”

We park about a block away from the club and get through the line quickly. She pulls me to the bar, dancing in place while we wait to order our drinks. I’ve stopped worrying about getting carded when I’m with her. It’s like the bartenders are trainednotto ask questions about age from hot girls with AMEX black cards.

The bartender serves us quickly, giving Kass a sly smile, dropping an extra olive in her drink. She’s a shameless flirt, and it comes in handy in times like these. The bartender waits on a few more patrons before coming back over, pouring us complimentary shots.

I’ve just finished my second one and had two sips of my drink. I feel myself loosening up. The music track changes and the crowd yells, showing their excitement. I look over at the DJ booth. The guy behind the turntables has dark brown skin, and long dreads pulled into a bun on top of his head, and wire rimmed Harry Potter style glasses. I love that he looks nothing like the other DJ’s I’m used to seeing.

Kassidy nudges me. “Oooh girl. You got his attention.”

“So it would seem.”

He tips his chin and smoothly changes the track. “Yaas! This is my song. Let’s go.” Kass howls, pulling me into the thick of the crowd. We shoulder our way to a spot on the floor. I maneuver myself so I can still see the cutie on the turntables.

I stop dancing long enough to smile for the selfie Kass takes and then get back to moving my body furiously to the beat.

“With those moves and vibes you’re giving off, maybe you’re ready to date after all.” Kass teases, putting her hands on my hips, moving them left to right.

“Not date. But maybe I won’t be quick to say no to enjoying a man’s attention tonight.”

“That’s what I’m talking about, baby. Let himrub, just a little bit.” She sings along with the song.

That sounds like a good idea. A little rubbing, no motivation behind it other than wanting to be touched and have a good time. Two more drinks should silence the voice in my head that’s telling me to cling to the idea that I shouldn’t have sex if I’m not in a committed relationship. That voice will have me celibate and horny for no reason. I can’t live the rest of my life like that.

“I’m gonna get another drink.”

I walk over to the bar closest to the DJ booth and order a drink for me and one for him. He starts another song, then steps away, letting someone else take his place. I watch as he makes his way over to me. Enjoying the taste of my drink and the warmth sliding over me, settling between my legs.

“I hear, I have you to thank for my drink.”

Damn. His voice is a deep rumble, sexy and smooth. Yes, I do believe I’m willing to let him rub it just a little bit. When he smiles, I amend it toa lot.

“You earned it. You were working the hell out of those turntables.”

“And you were working the floor.” Tilting his head towards it, he asks, “Are you done for the night, or can I watch your moves up close?”

Sitting my empty glass on the bar, I hold my hand out to him, and say, “I thought you’d never ask.”

We make it through two songs before he navigates us to a corner of the room. I’m pressed with my back against the wall, the psychedelic lights flashing in time to the music casting an eerie glow, like a back-light behind his head. It’s like he’s moving in a freeze frame as our hideaway alternates between light and dark.

I’m wet. That alone is a miracle, because I didn’t think I could be for anyone but he who shall not be named. I push thoughts of him out of my head, refusing to let him ruin my fucking night. He’s breathing heavy against my ear, and I’m holding onto his neck, one leg hitched over his hip, as he grinds against me.

“How about we get out of here and go back to your place?”

“I don’t live around here.” I pant.

“Okay, then. I guess mine’ll work. My roommates should be out for the rest of the night.”

Going anywhere means putting space between us and giving me time to think. I don’t want to move from this spot. I move my hand along his body, gripping him by the ass, pulling him closer.

“Yeah, I’m gonna tear this pussy up.” He groans against my ear.

That sounds amazing. I move my hands between us to touch his cock, letting him know I’m all for it. He stops me when I start to unfasten his pants.

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