He grinned goofily.
Nate rubbed my arm. “Don’t worry, it’s only mandatory for the Game participants.”
Thank fuck. I couldn’t fucking waltz.
I bet it was Lucian who’d complained.
As we returned to the club area—nay, ballroom—I put on my mask again.
It sure looked like they were getting ready for something in there. The dance floor had cleared, and Reese was holding a microphone on the low stage. He was soon joined by Lucas and Kingsley.
Reese spotted me and shook his head in amusement. “Leave it to Ash to interpret black-tie very freely.”
Yeah, he said that into the microphone so that all heads turned my way. But fuck it. I wasn’t the one wearing a tie and underwear like James. Jordan had it easier because he hid behind Nathan. He was also giggling up a storm back there.
“Freely or literally?” Corey piped up. “Because I used to think the black-tie dress code meant you had to wear a black tie.”
“We can be geniuses together, little Cruz,” I said.
Corey beamed.
If they were doing individual contests for the masks, his green frog mask better bring it home.
“For the record, Reese,” I said loud enough, “you might wanna check your own info page. It clearly states black-tie optional. In other words, I’m going the extra mile for you.”
“Just go sit down,” he laughed. But he laughed in the way that also told me he was done with my obnoxious ass.
Nate did that sometimes.
I blew him a kiss before aiming for one of the few available spots in the seating area. The others continued with their Game fun, and I?—
“Excuse me, Sir Ashhole.”
Well, damn. I came to a stop and faced Jordan. Talk about a blast from the past. I hadn’t been called that since tenth grade.
“You didn’t read the info page either,” he pointed out.
I scratched my forehead. “Rewind first, boy. What did you call me?”
He immediately started fidgeting, and if the club hadn’t glowed red from the spotlights, I was sure I would’ve seen a blush too.
“I-I think you heard me, Sir.” He tried to act confident.
“I did.” I folded my arms over my chest. “I just wanna see if you have the balls to repeat yourself.”
This was it. I was realizing that his assertiveness and occasional cocky attitude came from the switch in him, and it was also dawning on me what a winning lottery ticket he was. Not only was I getting a submissive Little, but I was also getting a feisty young man who was used to being in control. Including being the one who pushed buttons and tested limits.
He could test those limits all over me, and I’d serve him the consequences on a fucking platter.
He toed the floor and went for innocence. “Isn’t it more important that I’m cute?”
I chuckled through my nose.
Nate cleared his throat. “James and I will be back with drinks. Good luck, Jordan.”
“Heh.” Jordan rubbed the back of his neck.
I nodded for him to follow me, because I didn’t wanna lose those seats over there. The seating area was mostly chairs, but some low tables had couches instead, and I wanted to snag the last two.
