Page 35 of The Devil and His Goddess

“Of course,” I reassured her. “The more, the merrier. Isn’t that right, Aiysha?”

“Hell, yeah!” Aiysha cheered with a raise of her glass from next to me.

Iyla introduced the other girls in her group, both of whom were just as friendly as Iyla. Aiysha drew closer, and soon, the pack of girls we’d grown pushed Perseus aside so that the five of us could talk.

“You’re a ballerina?” Eden gushed with bright green eyes. “I’ll definitely be coming to your shows!”

“We’ll all have to,” Iyla said. “I’ve never seen a real ballet before.”

“They’re amazing,” Aiysha said. She nudged me and added, “And this one is just spectacular to watch. Seriously. The best ballerina you’ll ever see.”

“You’re gonna make me blush,” I laughed, covering my hot cheeks with my hands.

The girls laughed at my sheepishness before moving on to tease Addie, who accepted the praise of her line of clothes with a wide smile. That’s when I realized what gift to humanity stood before me, and I nearly fell off the counter.

“Shut up!You’reAddie Parkland?” I squealed. “I love your clothes! I literally have your entire nightwear collection!”

Addie’s blue eyes brightened, and she clapped her manicured fingers. “Oh my gosh, really? Thank you! I have more coming in my nightwear collection soon.”

“I hope some scandalous lingerie is included in that,” Eden teased with a bump of her hip against Addie’s.

The conversation continued just like that. It was easy, as if we’d been friends forever and not strangers who’d met twenty minutes ago. By the time the rest of the Sinners Do It Better members got into the kitchen, I’d forgotten there was even a party happening around us, too busy exchanging numbers with the girls and planning a date to all get together.

Zagan came up behind Iyla, grabbing her around the waist and leaning down to whisper something in her ear. I could practically see the adoration in his eyes as he stared down at her, waiting for her to nod, before he pulled her away toward one of the rooms we’d set up for people to dance.

“I’ll be back!” Iyla called over her shoulder to us.

“We’re dancing now?” Addie asked excitedly. She grabbed Coldin’s arm, who’d been staring blankly at the wall, and practically dragged the begrudging man in the same direction. Xander grabbed Eden’s hand, and she twirled in his hold as the two of them followed the group. Dante, with a smoky grin, offered his hand to Aiysha, who didn’t hesitate to take it and follow.

Suddenly, our large group had dwindled to just two.

When I looked at Perseus again, I found his gaze not on mine but tracing every inch of my body. He stepped into my space once more. Heat spread under my skin as he looked his fill, and part of me wished it was hisactualhands on me instead. That part was the girl who clearly hadn’t learned her lesson earlier today.

Mandi’s immature behavior stemmed from jealousy over …whateverwas happening between Perseus and I. So did I really want to make the situation worse by continuing to entertain the idea of him? Mandi wasn’t at this party—thank God—but plenty of others from Silverlight were. Word could easily get back to her that I’d been spotted with the boss yet again. And it wasn’t just her. What kind of look would that create if I gave into what I was feeling? The mess it could create for me at work would be a disaster. Ballet, Silverlight—that was myhome. That was my safe space.

I didn’t need drama at work.

I didn’t need to like my boss.

Not only that, but I’d just been reminded of his celebrity status. Even still, people all around the room had their eyes glued to Perseus, practically drooling and holding their phones eagerly in anticipation of getting a photo. Perseus was an idol to people, which would no doubt create a whole other world of issues.

There were too many things stacked up against us. Even if it was just sex we indulged in, the problems that could come from that alone weren’t worth it.

Mind made up, I placed my hand on his taut stomach, fighting to ignore how hard and wonderful he felt beneath my palm. I pushed him gently to hop off the counter, and he moved back only enough for me to get down. He still towered over me, the two of us corrupting each other’s space.

I wet my suddenly dry lips, and I didn’t miss when his eyes zeroed in on the act. Liquid fire coated my insides, which was further evidence that I needed to end this now.

“If you’ll excuse me,” I whispered, letting my lips curve into a haughty grin. “My date is here.”

His green eyes widened slightly, and I hoped they followed me as I crossed the room. A group of guys stood to one side of the room, and I locked in on one. The tall man spotted me coming, and his eyes immediately glittered with appreciation, which was perfect. He’d play the part I needed.

I wrapped my arms around his neck when I reached him, and he didn’t hesitate to place his hands on my hips.

“Wanna dance with me?” I purred with a salacious grin.

“Fuck, yeah I do,” he answered breathlessly.

I grabbed his hand to pull him toward the living room, and somehow, I managed not to look at Perseus on my way out. I smiled over that little victory.

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