Page 23 of The Monster's Wife

My eyes flick to the side, taking in the couple groaning against the back wall. If they’re not careful, they’ll hit the push bar and spill right out the emergency exit. Which would be good entertainment.

I snort, carefully edging my way down the hallway. There are two female shifters aiming for the women’s room, and we do that awkward dance where we both slide to one side, trying to avoid the other, but they step the same way I do, and it becomes a whole thing.

When I finally make it onto the dance floor on the bottom floor, I aim for Trinity. She’s one of the main bartenders in Venom, and I promised I would bring her an application for her friend before I left tonight. We’re beyond short staffed, and I’m getting to the point I’ll hire anyone if they come from a staff recommendation.

I hang around the edge of the bar, waiting for Trinity to finish with the customers she’s got in front of her. They pump oxygen into the club just like they do in the high-roller rooms. We may be supernatural creatures, but most of us still need to breathe. It always gives me a boost similar to adrenaline.

“This one is just for you, boss.” Trinity sets down a pretty pink drink. “It’ll wipe that frown right off your face.”

I laugh, dropping the papers and pushing them toward her. She shoves the drink at me in return.

My hands hit the bar as I push myself up onto the stool. I don’t often drink, but it’s been a long few weeks.

I’m due for a little relaxation.

My fingers wrap around the cool glass, bringing it to my mouth for a taste. It tastes like cherries and pineapple...Maybe? It’s hard to tell because it’s so flavorful.

I take another sip, and before I know it, the glass is empty. The sweet fruity flavor teases my tongue even after it’s gone.

“That was surprisingly good. New menu item?” Pushing the glass toward her, I wave my hand for another.

“Yeah, tonight is only the second night we’ve had the mixer,” she agrees. “Let me get you a refill.”

Music pounds through the speakers, and I find myself dancing in my chair. Heat hits my back first, and a moment later, Atlas’s woodsy scent greets me. Calloused hands slide down my arms as I smile at him over my shoulder.

“Are you off?”

“I am,” he agrees. “You are too, aren’t you?”

“Barring any major disasters.” I grab the fruity drink Trinity drops in front of me and take another swig. It’s really hot in here. My hand flies up, awkwardly fanning my face.

“What’s that?” Atlas asks.

I offer him the drink, and he finishes the glass in two large gulps.

“Damn, that’s good. Not as sweet as you, though.” He’s still behind me, but he stretches his left hand up, tilting my head to the right, where his face is over my shoulder. His lips ghost over mine as he smiles. “I’ve been patient. Haven’t I, little one?”

My mouth goes bone dry, which is weird, because I just had a drink. My eyes flutter shut as I breathe him in. He really has been. Not only that, he’s never pushed me faster than I’ve been comfortable with.

“You have,” I agree.

“Dance with me?”

My eyes pop open as he leans his right forearm on the bar. It twists the top half of his frame so it’s right in front of me.

“I want to, but don’t you think it’s setting us both up for heartbreak? I can’t give you what you need—”

He cuts me off. “Let me decide what I need. Trust me to know what I want. Dance with me?”

His pupils are large, round saucers as he watches me.

I lick my equally dry lips. When did I get so dehydrated?

I nod my agreement before I can over analyze it. Thinking too much hasn’t gotten me anywhere. Actually, the only place it’s gotten me is isolated as hell, because I feel obligated to keep everyone at arm’s length.

Atlas steps back, pulling me off the barstool and toward the dance floor. I’m not dressed for a night in the club, but I tend to wear dresses, since they’re the closest to what I wore in Faere. As a result, I don’t stand out as underdressed.

Fae females are known for our tall, willowy frames, but Atlas’s considerable size always makes me feel delicate and safe. His muscular body presses against my ass and back as he somehow leads me from behind.

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