Page 81 of I Blame the Club

“Want to join us? Cody could use the support.” Stella smiles, nodding over to the beer pong table.

I shake my head, the humid air already starting to suffocate me, “I’ll make my rounds then head out.”

“Loser.” Grabbing Cody’s hand, she blows me a kiss and follows him into the crowd. I shake my head, doing my best to erase the image of Stella’s nonexistent costume from my mind.

The pounding beat of the music thunders through my veins, the desire to get out on the dance floor almost as strong as the desire to leave. Freshmen in various stages of undress stumble and grind against each other on the raised platform, the usual black lights shining down on the gyrating mass.

I make a beeline for the bar in the far corner, sliding easily through the rowdy line-up to place my order. My hands drum the counter impatiently, my eyes still scanning the crowd for the only person who wanted me here tonight.

My phone buzzes just as I throw cash on the counter, and a quick glance at my screen has the beginnings of a smile taking over my face.

NICO: You were supposed to wear anything BUT clothes.

ME: Must have missed the memo.

NICO: Rule breaker except when he’s the one making the rules. Should have known.

ME: ABC is just a suggestion, not a rule.

I lift my head, ignoring the girls looking in my direction, and do another scan of the crowd. If Nico can see my attire he must be somewhere nearby.

ME: Where are you?

I’m impatiently waiting his response when one of the girls sidles up next to me. Tossing her long, auburn hair over her shoulder, I get a direct shot of her cleavage popping from a Captain Crunch cereal box.

Classy.

“The problem with these establishments is the boys who come here are just that. Boys.” She smiles, twirling a strand of red hair as she leans in closer, “But I’ve just found my solution.”

“And what’s that?” I let my gaze drift over her shoulder, the semi-impressive rack not enough to stop me from searching for Nico.

“A man. You’re the first one to walk through that door tonight.” Her eyes glint, and I fight the urge to smirk.

“Appreciate the compliment but I’m afraid my interest is already taken.”

Her smile doesn’t so much as falter, “By who?”

“By me.”

Nico

Cue the mic drop.

The look on the redhead’s face when we make eye contact is one I will cherish for the rest of my life. Part shock, part disgust, it perfectly sums up how my evening had been going thus far.

That is to say, subpar until my man rolled in.

She gives me a quick assessment, flicking that luscious hair over a pale shoulder, “Didn’t have the famous Mighty Mo pegged for a fag, but the more you know.”

That. Bitch.

My gasp is loud enough to be heard over the music but before I can launch into an offensive attack, Maurice steps in.

“I prefer the term bisexual, but I’m sure that word is above your reading level.”

He smiles, those perfect teeth making me want to melt to the floor, “Use that derogatory term on me or anyone else again, and I will personally see to it that the nudes you love to send are leaked onto the web. Any hopes of future employment will disintegrate and I will be sure not to tip you the next time I see you at the gas station. Do I make myself clear?”

The girl bares her teeth, “Prick.”

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