Page 36 of Claiming Atlas

“Oh, let’s see. Your thirtieth birthday. Your fortieth. Your wedding. The birth of each one of your kids. Your—”

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop you there. And I’m only havingonekid.” I laugh as we reach the line for XS. “Scar’s going to surprise me for the rest of my life, isn’t she?”

Des snorts. “Yeah. You’re screwed.”

Brandon, Scarlet, Lexi, and her date walk straight up to the front. XS is somewhat impossible to get into since Grady left for the Foundation Room, but Brandon got us in a couple days ago, so I’m sure he’ll succeed tonight.

The bouncer unhooks the rope and steps aside.

“Thanks Brandon,” I say as we all pass through.

He shakes his head and raises his hands. “That wasn’t me.” Turning back around, he joins Scar and they step into the club.

“Enjoy your night, Miss Summers.”

I freeze, then slowly turn back to the bouncer. He doesn’t look familiar, but I don’t know everyone who’s ever seen me perform. Obviously. I smile and incline my head quickly. “Thank you?”

Turning back around, I stare at the back of Scarlet’s head as we walk into the club.

“Did she really use your stage name to get us in?” Des whispers.

“Looks that way.”

Once we make our way inside, Des nudges me with her elbow so I’ll look at the group of guys watching us from the bar. “Mmm, girl, we should use your name every time.” She winks but I know she’s only messing with me.

Destiny likes to keep her two lives just as separate as I do.

If anyone here is expecting Kincaid Summers, they’re in for a rude awakening. I’m just Kayla tonight. I left Kincaid at Top Tier where she belongs. When I go out with my friends, I don’t wear the blonde wig or the red wig, or the three inch long eyelashes and thong. Kincaid is a persona, a character I play. I don’t use her name to get into nightclubs, and I certainly don’t parade her around for free drinks and publicity. I get more than enough attention on stage; I don’t need it when the spotlights turn off.

I’m no Atlas Reynolds.

I laugh at the thought, then follow my friends past the dancefloor as we make our way to the back where the bottle service tables are. The VIP hostess motions toward a large poolside table, and everyone starts to file in, but I stop dead in my tracks.

Because Atlas stares up at me from one side of the booth. The side everyone else left empty, so I have no choice but to sit with him.

I shake my head and look slowly around at my friends. Scarlet is suddenly very interested in her lap, but Lexi grins up at me proudly.

And now I know who’s responsible for this.

I pull my lips into my mouth and look back at Atlas.

He grins, and I feel that slow motion of his lips all the way down, past my belly, heating me up like his mouth already has a direct connection to my clit.

He pats the couch beside him.

I pull in a deep breath through my nose and step toward him.

“Hey again,” he says as I sit down.

“Didn’t bring your girls with you?”

He shrugs. “Only interested in one right now.”

I’d roll my eyes if I could look away from his gaze. “Do you have a rocket ship or something?”

He laughs, his eyes widening. “What?”

“You got here so fast, and... what, somehow put me and my friends on the list?”

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