Page 4 of Confession
“Havana Club?” he says, suggesting a rum to the redhead, who’s already lost interest in me. I can’t say I blame her. Vitali’s hot as fuck.
Sure, there’s the arrogance, the tease of his tattoos on his neck and hands, and the expensive, tailored clothes. Those would go a long way on anyone, but hisface. I never get used to it. It’s the way his cheeks hollow out between his high cheekbones and the hard, angled line of his jaw. It’s that perfect nose and the sexy, cruel lips. It’s the dark eyes that burn straight into you.
I was doomed from the moment I set foot in Eclipse two years ago.
Sometimes when I’m alone, I wonder if my obsession with him is self-sabotage or some shit. Like, as long as I’m in love with Vitali, I’m totally immune to harm because nothing can come of it. But that explanation falls apart as soon as I’m in his presence—because nothing hurts like being around him. And yet, it’s the only place I want to be.
I’m very confident that he has no idea. I’m very fucking careful.
Except … I think Sasha knows. Suspects at least. Sometimes, like today, she makes comments that can be interpreted one way—or another. She’s honestly the best friend I’ve ever had, but she’s such an asshole. I swear she’s trying to catch me out. And to think I made sushi for her last week. I sincerely regret it.
Vitali puts his hand on my shoulder blade as he reaches into the fridge behind me. Contact like that is totally normal at the bar when shit’s busy. It just means,I’m behind you, don’t step back. Hell, I did it to Keith fifteen minutes ago. But while my body assigned no meaning to the contact with Keith, it sure as hell assigns meaning now. Heat arrows into my groin.
I don’t know why I’m struggling so much. It just feels like something’s changed with Vitali. I know that’s all in my head, but fuck. I’m way too sensitized.
I was so worried I’d get hard earlier when he insisted on seeing my shoulder. Unbuttoning my shirt in front of him like that? Then him touching me? My mind was in panic mode while my body was confused about whether the moment was sexual or threatening.
It was neither, of course, but I took the warning to heart and put on compression shorts under my jeans just in case. I very rarely wear them because I hate having my dick smashed against my body, but I knew it might be necessary tonight, and fucking hell was I right.
Couldn’t he go stand on the other side of Alesha? And why the hell is he even down here? He only tends the bar in emergencies, which this isn’t. I will grant that Keith and Alesha would’ve been drowning without a third person, butI’mthe third person. We’re busting our asses, but we’re managing.
Vitali slides the mojito across the bar as I load my three drinks onto a tray. I edge past him and Alesha, taking the drinks to the end of the bar for the waiting server, who shoots me a quick thanks and vanishes into the crowd.
I really want to take Alesha’s spot and force her down the line toward Vitali, but it would be way too obvious, so I return to my place between Vitali and Keith. I pour beers for a couple of guys, then I gesture an invitation to a petite blonde.
“What can I get you?”
She grins flirtatiously and leans into the bar. “Something fun. What do you suggest?”
Fuck, I don’t have the energy for this. I dig deep. “Margarita? Chocolate martini? Gotta be careful though. Sweet stuff can get you drunk real fast.”
“Well,you’repretty sweet,” she teases. “Maybeyoucould get me drunk.”
I give her the expected smile. “That’s kinda my job. Margarita?” I suggest, trying to move things along.
“I can work with that.”
“Salt rim?”
“Ooh, yes, please.”
“You got it.” I get to mixing, all too aware of Vitali staring at me. I have no idea why.
While I work, the blonde asks me about the live music coming up on Sunday. I’ve been asked that four times tonight, so I have a reply ready this time.
When I slide the cocktail across the bar to her, she gives me her card. I run it and return it with the receipt. I get a good tip—and her number.
I don’t want to encourage her, so I just offer a vague nod of thanks as she snags her margarita and flits off. I sense Vitali moving closer, but I’m still surprised as shit when his fingers close on my wrist as I reach for the receipt. I freeze.
An electrical current goes through my body when he leans into me and whispers in my ear, “I didn’t think you were into women.”
I shiver. I can’t help it.
“I’m not.” God, he’s close to me. I can feel the heat of his body.
“Then why were you flirting with her?” There’s something dark in his voice. Something dangerous. My cock stiffens.
I don’t feel like I was flirting with her, but I refuse to be defensive. I point out, “You’re the one who wanted me playing bartender instead of doing my real job.”
