Page 7 of Devoted Love: A BWWM Romance

“Do you mind a little fresh air?”

"Not at all, but I think we're a little overdressed."

“Don’t worry, we won’t stay long.”

Her trusty nod follows, and I see a spot open not far from the front door. I glance at the partygoers and Sarah’s right. Most are dressed in black, but the styles of Venetian masks vary from plastic to a few covered in rhinestones.

I park and jump out of the car. The hip hop music from inside the club flows outside each time the doors open. I open the door for Sarah and guide her forward when I see a familiar face standing near the bouncers.

“Tia.” She glances up and smiles.

“Ryker, where’s your mask?” We share a quick hug.

"In the car, we just left a meeting. Tia, Sarah. Sarah, this is Xavier's twin, Tia.” They shake hands.

“Guys keep count because we’re nearing capacity,” she says to the men at the door. Then she turns facing me. “Come on. I’ll take you to X because you won’t find him alone.”

“Great.” I step back and let the ladies walk inside.

The front area is decorated in black and silver. There's a photographer off to the left with a Halloween-themed backdrop. The guys look basically the same with black shirts and pants. However, the women seem fully ready to embrace the theme with sex appeal.

Tia stops for a moment to talk with a woman I assume is a staff member. A quick brush across the open area, and I spot the same costume on several women with serving trays. Then I spot men with similar black and gold gothic Venetian opera costumes with matching masks.

The bass from the music pulses through my body, and it's easy to leave my long day outside. Tia flags us forward, weaving through the crowd. I've never seen so many people in the front, and I mention it to Tia.

She cups her hand near my ear. “There’s a photo booth over there, an Instagram selfie section over there, and the bar.”

I nod, following the direction of her finger, looking over the crowd when a spot of pink captures my attention.

Pink hair. Pink fairy wings. Pink dress exposing a set of long legs.

I hear Sarah calling my name and turn to catch up when the woman in pink turns my way. I stop. The delicate pink lace forms a mask across her face. Her sparkling eyes flutter and hold mine. She tips a drink in my direction. I look side to side and back at her. Her full lips painted in black lipstick spread in a smile familiar to me sending all the blood in my body straight to my cock.

That can’t be her?

I take a step forward, a hand on my forearm stops me. I glance down into Sarah’s eyes.

"Xavier and Ryann are waiting." Her voice carries over the music. Sarah looks out over the sea of people, but I'm sure she can't see the object of my desire across the room due to her height.

“I’ll be right there.”

I calculate the steps it will take to see if she is as beautiful up close as she is from here and whether the fairy in pink is Jordan Cole. It can't be Jordan. But if it is…

I look down at Sarah, over at X and Ryann waiting then back at the bar. I’ve been unsuccessful at getting Jordan to say more than a sentence to me. So, if it’s her…

“Ryker, the Goodman files.” Sarah taps the face of her watch.

"Yeah." I nod. I don't have time to satisfy my curiosity or the quiet hunger Jordan incites. I look out once more before following Sarah, and the fairy's flirty smile twists my stomach in a knot.

Her back rests against the bar, and I decide to flirt back. I curl a finger in her direction and mouth, Come to me, sexy.

Chapter 3

Ryker turns into the crowd and disappears. I exhale, dropping to the bar. This isn't the right time to walk around without panties. The mere sight of that man makes me moist. I fan my face, and the bartender pours me a shot. I toss it back, the burn in my throat matches the ball of flames in my chest.

I suck at flirting or maybe not. I glance over my shoulder and smile, knowing Ryker called me sexy. I laugh to myself and ask for one more shot of liquid courage. The problem is, I have to cross the room on these damn heels without falling flat on my face or my ass.

I spin around, calculating the distance between the bar and the balcony. The walkway of The Dungeon ends at an area that overlooks the lower level. It's where X usually stands to greet their guests. And if I'm lucky, that's where Ryker is.

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