“Did you enjoy the show?” I ask on a shaky breath when he steps close.
“Stunning.”
“Many people feel that way after seeing it for the first time.”
“I’m not referring to the show.” He bends, running his lips across my cheek and bringing them close to my ear. “You are remarkable.”
Just like that, my nerves somersault into a rollercoaster dive. “Thank you.”
He stands back to full height, staying close so the scent of his cologne washes over me. “Poppy?”
I tip my face to find his eyes are back to the intensity I noticed earlier. “Yes?”
“There’s no telling what this group has planned. Promise me you’ll save the last dance for me.”
At his request, a ripple of excitement joins my overactive nerves.
“Pips, time for me to head home,” Dante announces.
“I’ll walk you out.”
Scottie and Billy say their goodbyes while Evin stands to shake his hand. Even in the low lights of the club, it’s easy to see something passes between them before Dante flashes his approving smile.
“You satisfied I’m safe now?” I ask when we’re almost to the door.
“Wouldn’t be leaving you if I didn’t think you were in excellent hands.” He twists, surprising me by pulling me into a hug. “Who would have thought my gypsy goddess would fall for a business mogul?”
“I think falling for him is premature.”
He releases me. “Not for anyone paying attention and who knows you as I do. But do me a favor and think long and hard before you jump ahead of yourself. Even you aren’t immune to the Vegas curse.”
“You don’t think… I’m not… You think I’m going to sleep with him tonight?”
“Sweet Poppy, you may be innocent, but you’re not ignorant. Even you can’t miss how that man has been observing you like a hawk. It’s like watching a primal form of foreplay.”
“Now you’re exaggerating.”
“That man is all man. He could easily have left hours ago with any woman in here.”
A wave of insecurity washes over me. “Thanks a lot.”
Dante’s expression softens, and he reaches to squeeze my hand. “Don’t you dare let your mind go there. I’m pointing out the obvious. He only has eyes for you. He’s marked his territory without a single word. I’m just telling you to be careful.”
I swallow down the self-doubt, knowing Dante’s concern is coming from a place of protection and love. “Noted, and I appreciate your concern, but I have it under control.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow morning. Now get back there and give that man the dance he is not-so-patiently waiting for.”
He’s barely out of sight when an odd sensation creeps up my spine. I turn to find Evin standing there with an unreadable expression.
“I think my patience has been pretty generous.”
My cheeks burn knowing he overheard.
He comes to me, taking my hand and leading me around the club to the opposite side of where our table is.
When we’re in our own little secluded space, he pulls me against him. My arms instinctively wrap around his shoulders as he sways.
“Did I pass the test?” His voice has a hint of humor.
“It wasn’t a test. He wanted to know the people I was out with.”
“Honey, everyone but Scottie and Billy left hours ago. He was sticking around to make sure you were okay. More specifically, you were okay with me.”
“Yes, you passed the test.”
“Good.”
“He’s a little protective.”
“Caught that the second he stepped into the lobby.”
“He’s my family,” I admit unnecessarily.
“Assumed as much.”
“How?”
“How?” His eyebrows arch. “How’d I know he was family? Or that he was putting me to the test?”
“Both.”
“Blood-related or not, it was easy to see he cares for you. A man picks up on these things. Not to mention he drilled me on my business profession.”
“That was kinda overkill.”
“I was wondering if he’d ever be satisfied enough to leave you with me.”
I smile at him. “It was the Executive Vice President title that swayed the decision. Fancy monikers like that rarely scream serial killer.”
He rolls his eyes. “That was my sister’s description.”
“She’s proud, and she should be. Congratulations on your promotion, Mr. EVP.”
His arms hook tighter, pressing me flush to his body. “I’ve never once cared about the title or the fanfare. I could take it or leave it. But swear to fucking Christ, if that title makes Dante trust leaving you with me for a few hours, I’ll take it.”
The mood changes, the intensity spreading throughout my body. I tip on my toes, trying to get as close to eye level as possible. “It wasn’t the title, Evin. It was you.”
His chest vibrates, a low growl rumbling out before he drops his mouth. Slowly, his lips touch mine. Back and forth, from corner to corner, gently skimming across with feather light kisses. My heart races in my chest, a dull ringing in my ears as I hold my breath, waiting and wanting more. The tip of his tongue traces along the seam, teasing me until I can’t take any more. My hand grips the back of his neck, and I move to open fully when he breaks away, trailing his lips to my ear.
“All night I’ve been thinking of the taste of you on my lips. Listening to you, watching you, wanting to drag you out here for every song. I waited my time, being a selfish bastard because when I had you in my arms, I wanted it alone. No eyes, no whispers, no gawking and questions.”
“Why’d you stop?” I hardly recognize the raw and unfiltered need in my voice.
“One more second and I wasn’t stopping.”
“That’s a problem?”
“I was close to losing control, Poppy, and I’m not a man who loses control.”
“Ever?”
“Rarely.”
“That’s quite a feat. “
He dips back into me, sweeping his lips across mine again. “Dance with me.”
My fingers scrape through the short hair and the base of his scalp as he sways us to the beat at his pace. Song after song changes, each of them being more geared to a faster style, but he never stops moving me in our own rhythm.
His mouth stays close, his eyes fixed with mine. Our movement becomes intimate, everything fading away. I don’t notice the dance floor emptying until a throat clears behind me. Evin’s head pops up, and he squeezes my hips tight.
“What?” he growls.
“We’re leaving. There’s a bottle of champagne waiting at the table,” Scottie states.
I disengage myself and turn, leaning in for a hug. “Goodnight.”
“I expect to see you at the pool tomorrow.”
“I’ll try my best,” I promise, moving to Billy for a quick embrace.
Evin wraps my hand back in his, flicks his goodbye, and guides us to our table. He pours two glasses of champagne and gestures to the stool before sliding next to me.
With the intimacy of the dance floor gone, I fidget, trying to find something to say. “I’ve never done this,” blurts out before I can stop it.