Page 42 of Taking Jenny
“I couldn’t possibly wear something so restricting.” He suddenly took me in his arms and forcefully pressed himself against me, before he teased, “I’m far too modest.”
I laughed breathlessly, and the music began, with Mal leading the dance and teaching me the steps and poses. At the beginning, I didn’t know my sprightstep from my valtza. By the end, I didn’t know my left foot from my right foot, and I was stepping all over Mal’s shoes.
It didn’t help matters that being pressed up against his solid body was distracting as hell.
I closed my eyes, growling in frustration. “This is too hard!”
“You’re not trying hard enough!” Discord barked.
“I am! I’m not coordinated like you.” A lump rose in my throat and I swallowed it back. I felt like a failure. “My body doesn’t naturally move like this. It doesn’t follow orders, and you keep snapping at me, left foot here, neck this way, turn my head, arch my back…all while you’re whirling me around this gigantic room! I can’t keep up with either of you. I just don’t know how I’m supposed to learn all of this and do it well.”
Mal’s eyes darted from me to Discord. “Perhaps a different approach, Discord?”
“I’m open to whatever you suggest.” Discord crossed her arms over her chest, disappointment glimmering in her eyes. “She’s unteachable for me.”
The word brought up too many memories of parent-teacher conferences and my mother’s pitying glances. I was suddenly nine years old again and hearing my mom defend my daydreaming as being deep in thought and blaming my teacher for not stimulating me enough to keep my attention, when really, I would have rather watched the bees and butterflies all day than hear about math.
Mal snapped his hand in front of my face to get my attention. “Are you with me, Jenny?”
“I guess,” I grumbled.
“You enjoy your job, right? You’ve spoken about it fondly.”
“Yeah, I love it. Why?”
“Show me what you do at work.”
I frowned, because what the hell did being a barista have to do with dancing? “I make coffee drinks all day—”
“Not tell.Show,” he insisted. “Close your eyes and picture yourself back on Earth, doing your job. Discord, play the vlera again.”
She played the song we had just finished. It was the slowest piece we had tried, but I had still failed to pick up the steps. I didn’t know what Mal was thinking, but I closed my eyes and imagined myself back at work.
I was instantly transported back to the scent of freshly ground espresso, the hum of the customers chatting in line. Pulling the lever on the grinder to load the portafilter, then smashing the grinds tight into it with the tamper. Popping it twice on the stainless steel counter, to pack the grinds tighter before I fit it into the espresso machine. Press the button, place the cups beneath the spouts. Prep the cups, the slow sway of my body from right to left, as I shuffled drinks down the production line…
Mal snuggled up against my backside while I moved, one hand pressing firmly against my stomach, the other one gripping my hip. He followed my movements, until he matched them to the beat of the music, his pelvis tucked tight against the top of my ass.
My chest flushed hot and a slow, steady thrum pulsed between my thighs. We gyrated together, nothing overt, but enough to know he liked my ass. I added a little back and forth inmy hips as I swayed under his guidance and we moved together sinuously.
And then, I felt it. Undeniable proof of his interest.
All too aware of that hard column of flesh nudging my backside, I swallowed hard, unsure of how to react. Not with his girlfriend watching us. I just maintained the same rhythmic, seductive pace with him, hoping his hard-on would diminish by the time the song ended. Discord Scrylock was not someone to be trifled with, and I had not come this far only to get murdered for something that was not my fault.
Still, I couldn’t deny that I liked feeling his cock hard against me. Like he couldn’t help himself. Not that I wanted to steal her man, but it was always nice to be desired. So long as it didn’t get me killed.
The song ended and abruptly, Discord said, “Finally. You can move well, when you’re taught the way you need to learn, Jenny. Mal, perhaps you should take over her sparring, as well. You seem to connect with her better than I do.”
“Perhaps,” he said, dipping his head so I could feel his warm breath against my bare neck.
When Discord turned around, he gently bit the curve of my shoulder, making my entire body jolt with sensation. I gasped and turned around, shocked he’d be so bold. Especially here. Especially now.
A sinful glint shone in his eyes. “Would you like to spar with me, Jenny?” His voiced dropped into something low and full of suggestion.
“I’m not sure if that’s such a good idea.” I jerked my head toward Discord, a subtle reminder that his significant other was still in the room. Not that he seemed even remotely concerned.
His gaze dipped down to my breasts, my tight nipples clearly visible through my leotard. “It’s certainly up to you, but I’d be happy to get you on the mat some time.”
“I’m sure you would,” Tiger said from the doorway, his tone sharp.
