Page 23 of Midnight Dissonance

His smile grew even wider. “You’re scared. I’ll be. I never thought I would see you back down from anything. Or is all your bravado just an act?”

Of course it was an act, most of the time. But she did her best not to allow fear to control her actions. When she dropped out of college, she promised herself she would spit in the eye of fear and do it anyway.

“I’m not afraid of you,” she protested, but even to her ears, it sounded weak.

“Oh, I think you are. But that’s all right, lass. I’m a bit terrified too.”

“You don’t even like me.”

“On the contrary. I find you fascinating. If I hand this over, I want your word that you will stick around, and we can talk after your show.”

She assessed him as a naughty idea wriggled into her brain. Fighting back a smile, she reached inside her pocket and withdrew the edible Robbie had given her. “I’ll stick around, and we can talk after my set. But you’ve got to eat a piece of this for me.”

He didn’t argue with her. He grabbed the square of chocolate and popped it into his mouth. After he swallowed, he said, “Done. I’ll see you after your set.”

“Dude. You weren’t supposed to eat the whole thing. That has fifty milligrams of pot in it,” she exclaimed, her eyes wide.

“You gave me drugs?” he snapped, looking perilously close to dragging her out of the club. His hands clenched into fists.

Oh crap, she had given him pot because she thought it would be funny. And in her mind, she figured he would ask her what was in it and refuse when she told him. Problem solved on her end. But he’d done what she asked without question. It made her responsible for him until he came down from his high.

Shit and double damn. “Have you ever done pot?”

“No.”

Oh boy. This could be bad. Why hadn’t she thought this through more? “Okay, sit at the bar. I will find you when I’m done. And then I’ll make sure you get home all right. I swear I won’t leave you.”

“Good enough.” He handed over the guitar and leaned in to murmur next to her ear. “And for giving me drugs, I’m going to tan your fucking ass. I won’t do it while I’m under the influence. But you’ve earned yourself one hell of a spanking. Understood?”

Because she felt horrible, she lowered her gaze and whispered, “Yes, Sir.”

And then she backed away with her guitar. What had she done? The look in his eyes promised erotic delights and dark discipline. It awoke needs inside her that had never been satiated, that no amount of fantasizing about managed to appease.

Lexi marched up on stage, keeping an eye on Josh while she hooked up her guitar and made sure that it was in tune.

He found a spot at the bar nearest to the stage. Which was good. It meant it would be easier for her to watch him. But it also meant she would feel his eyes on her while she was playing.

As a musician, she was used to being the center of attention, to having a crowded room focus on her. But having Josh’s hot gaze on her was another matter. Her entire body felt energized. Heat raced through her veins. And she wondered if spontaneous combustion really was a thing.

Because if she was being totally honest with herself. She did want him. Bad.

9

Bugger it! The little brat gave him pot.

How had he not seen this coming? Oh, maybe because he’d never had a submissive give him drugs before without his knowledge or consent. How was he supposed to react? The chocolate had tasted funny, but he’d eaten it anyway because he wanted her to agree to speak with him after she was done tonight.

Fuck!

He prayed he didn’t have a bad trip and kept his shite together. He didn’t feel anything yet. But while he watched her, he looked up the effects of edibles with the amount he’d imbibed.

And shite, it looked like his car was staying there tonight. He wasn’t going to be able to drive it. Unless he had her drive his car. The idea had merit. He would rather have her drive his car than leave it here overnight. There was no telling what would happen if he was dumb enough to leave it here.

And the side benefit would get her to his place.

The Celestials took the stage in an array of light and sound. And he was struck again by Lexi’s presence on stage. She owned it. Looked like she had been born to be up on stage, performing in front of people. And he wanted to make it happen for her.

But it also meant she wouldn’t be in Denver forever.

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