Page 27 of Born Sinner
I wave my hand to get RJ’s attention. Other than pointing toward the ladies’ room, then motioning for him to stay put, I don’t bother to tell anyone where I’m going as I walk toward the back of the club.
Maybe a few moments of solitude behind a bathroom stall will unfuck my head.
Just as I take my place at the end of a long line, the back door opens, and two girls reenter the club clutching packs of cigarettes and lighters in their hands.
Outside.
That’s where I need to go.
Hurrying, I abandon my spot and chase them down a few steps away from the door. “Hi,” I say, toning down my accent while pointing at their hands. “Can I bum one of those?”
I have no intention of smoking it. I just need an excuse to be on the other side of that door.
The taller one shrugs and flips the cardboard top open. “Knock yourself out.”
I smile in gratitude as I slide one cigarette from the pack. Before I can even take a step, the same girl lays a heavy hand on my shoulder.
“You plan to light that on someone’s tailpipe, honey?” Chuckling, she flicks her thumb on her lighter, presenting me with a dancing flame.
Guess, I’m smoking it now…
I force another smile. “Oh, right…thank you.” Tucking it between my lips, I lean down and suck on the filter, inhaling the disgusting thing until the end burns a bright orange.
Dios mío,I need air.
Throwing all my weight against the door, I tumble out into a dark alleyway and nearly gag.Air yes—fresh air, not so much.All I can smell is rancid garbage and this stupid cigarette.
But at least I can finally breathe.
Mostly.
Leaning against the bricks, I take a long drag and sigh. “What the hell is happening to me?”
Chapter Eleven
Sam
I can’t takemy eyes off her dress. It’s fucking hypnotic. The way the silver material skims her breasts and hips makes it even more precious than gold to me.
It comes with a warning—a precursor to violence.
So far, there are two victims in this club who didn’t read the fine print… The man who pinched her ass as she stood at the bar?He’s on his way to the ER with two broken wrists.The man who dared to dance with her just now?He’ll soon be lying unconscious in a bathroom stall.
No hesitation.
No regrets.
After Santiago requested I stay close to Lola, we’ve been moving in ever-decreasing circles around one another.
Never speaking.
Always watching.
Switching venues from the college campus to this club with my Mexicandulzurashining brighter than the sun, as I keep in the shadows.
Tonight, she’s the one who’s picking up the pace. She’s meeting my eyes, returning my hunger, flirting with other men on purpose to tempt me into the spotlight…
All we’re doing here is building anticipation for the final scene.
