Viktor,I begin, and then my mind blanks.
Evie.He looks down at me with a supercilious smile that I’d like to smack off his face.Arrogance, thy name is Viktor Zelenko.Yet being so close to him is exciting since he radiates energy and presence.And he’s distractingly handsome.
My mind runs through all the conversational openings I’ve rehearsed, but there’s no way that I can say anything seductive with all his teammates listening.
What’s wrong, little girl?Cat got your tongue?He stares at my mouth.Or have you forgotten what scam you’re running tonight?
Finally my temper flares.Can we not have a conversation like normal people?
Oh, I think we’re way past that, given your familiarity with my intimate parts,he jeers.
It was an accident.Not some attempt to see your—I glance down at his jeans which have a prominent bulge in them, and I completely lose my train of thought.
Then he reaches out and hooks a finger around one of my chains.When he brushes the bare skin below my collarbone, I’m shocked that there’s no sizzle because my flesh feels branded.He pulls the chain, and me, closer.So close that I get a whiff of his heady cologne and it stirs me in a whole new way.
He whispers low and hot in my ear.Evie, Evie, Evie.I warn you away, and you keep coming back.You should be careful, because one night I might not be such a nice guy.I might take you up on all the lovely things you’re offering.He tilts his head back, and his eyes rake over my body.
How long can I live without taking a breath?
His lips curl into a smile.Not a genuine smile, but something disdainful.Then he releases the chain, and I rock back on my heels.
But tonight is not that night.Off you go.It’s way past your bedtime, little girl.
His words infuriate me.One moment he acts seductive, and the next he rejects me again.Not to mention the constant belittlement.I’m angry enough to tell him exactly what I think of him.
Here’s the good news,old man.I’m never going to speak to you again.But for the sake of the next benighted woman who approaches you, could you at least try a modicum of politeness?‘Thanks, but I’m not interested’ instead of vulgar come-ons and childish insults.It’s what any decent human being would do.
Whoa,I hear one of his teammates say as I turn on my heel and walk away.My emotions are churning.Of course I’m upset that things didn’t work out yet again, but I’m also proud of myself for telling Viktor off.
I circle the room looking for Angelica.One more chance for her to chide me for my lack of mental fortitude, then I can grab my phone and leave.
But she’s nowhere to be found.I finally spot one of the two fraternity brothers who approached us earlier.
Hey.I put my hand on his arm since I can’t remember his name.Have you seen Angelica?Is she with your friend?
He looks me over in an appraising manner that makes me regret this short skirt for the hundredth time tonight.
Yeah.She and Dave took off.They should be back in a minute.He smiles broadly.Meantime, let’s chat.
Where are they?I just need to talk to her for a second,I insist.
Seriously, they’ll be right back.He puts a sweaty hand on my back.Let’s get you a drink.
Reluctantly, I let myself be led to a nearby table where they have a cooler full of ice and drinks.
He waves an orange and pink can in front of me.Do you like vodka too?
No, thanks.I reach into the melting ice and grab a can of Sprite.
Never let it be said that I’m not a good host.He takes the can from me, pops it open and pours it into a red Solo cup.
Cheers,he says and clinks his beer against my cup.
Um, thanks.I drink and then look around.Still no Angelica.Sorry, I forgot your name.
Dougie,he says.And you’re Evie, right?
I nod and sip my drink.Where did you say Angelica went?
