Page 6 of Bought By Torch

“Dude, have you killed someone?” Caleb asks. I swear the guy never thinks before he speaks. He’s been opening his big mouth all day, making the most aggravating comments. During the entire flight, he kept remarking on how hot the stewardess was and how we should join the mile high club with her. Then on the drive here from the airport, he was asking Thomas about his stance on threesomes, trying to get him to tell me that it’s not the same as cheating. The poor man looked like he couldn’t drive fast enough to get here and get Caleb out of his car.

“Caleb! Why on earth would you ask him that?” I elbow him in the side. Who asks someone if they’ve killed anyone?

“Because he’s a one-percenter. The Steel Sinners are fucking dangerous, Evie. Haven’t you heard of them?”

I shake my head, swallowing hard as his words sink in. I’m wondering how my father could get wrapped up with these men. He doesn’t usually associate with criminals. Maybe he’s unaware of who he’s getting into business with.

“Maybe you should keep your voice down, kid.” Torch points Caleb with a stare. “Don’t want you to go scaring your pretty girl’s head off.”

We step into the elevator and as the doors close, the air gets sucked out of the shaft. These two big men look like they’re going to square off, and I’m caught in the middle, getting swallowed up by all the testosterone in the small space.

“So, have you?” Caleb asks again.

I elbow him harder this time. “If he had, do you really think he’d tell you, you dimwit? A little bit of common sense goes a long way.” If he keeps asking, Torch just might kill him.

A low chuckle rumbles out of the lethal man who thankfully hasn’t taken offense to my boyfriend’s stupid comments. “I’m sorry,” I tell him for good measure. I’d like to not end up as his next victim. It feels like I’ve been apologizing for the jerk allday. “You’ll have to forgive him for he does not think before he speaks.”

Torch’s laugh grows louder, and it only irritates the idiot behind me even more.

“I do too,” Caleb defends, and I swear it frays my last nerve. I’m really regretting bringing him on this trip. I should’ve brought Lisa instead. I wanted to piss my father off, but I’m not even sure I’m going to see my dad during my stay. He already texted earlier that he’s going to be too busy with his date tonight to see me for dinner. He’ll let me know if he’s free for breakfast, but I’m betting she’ll be sucking his cock, and he won’t make it down for breakfast either.

I swear the man cares more about his whores than his own kid.

“This way.” Torch steps off the elevator, thankfully letting the entire exchange go. “Your key will get you to your floor and into any of the member-only areas. The private pool, gym, etc… As soon as you’re settled, I’d be happy to give you a tour of the place if you’d like. I also took it upon myself to book you a massage for the evening. I didn’t know you were coming with a guest, so the reservation is only for one.” He gives Caleb an unapologetic smile. “It was hard enough to get you the appointment, so unfortunately, I won’t be able to add another person.”

“I’ll take the appointment,” Caleb inserts himself again. “Do they give happy endings?” He waggles his brows, once again proving that he has no filter, and showing how much respect he has for me and our relationship. Here I thought it was so sweet of him to be patient and not pressure me for sex until I was ready, but as soon as I gave it to him, he lost all his charm, and now, sex and threesomes is all he talks about.

“This is not that kind of establishment,” Torch says through gritted teeth. “Besides, the appointment is for Miss Hemsworth.”

“That’s okay.” I shake my head. “I’m not a fan of strange people touching me, so he can go in my place.”

And I could use an hour alone. There’s a headache creeping in and I need some silence before it turns into a migraine. All the lights and the sounds of the casino only added to the throbbing in my skull as we walked through to get to the elevator. I think I need to pass on that tour too.

“Fine. I’ll let the spa know of the change.” Torch doesn’t sound pleased, but Caleb is. “Now, as for tonight, I can get us into Britney or…”

“Britney!” Caleb’s shout pierces my throbbing head. “Hell yeah! Hit me baby….”

I’d be happy to. Punching him in the mouth may be the only way to get him to shut up.

“Or?” I ask, wanting to hear the other option. I’ve never been a fan of her or any other girl band.

“Or I can get us into Cirque.”

“I’d rather do that,” I tell him. That’s more up my alley. Talented acrobats putting on an illuminated show. I’d much rather do that than listen to some pop singer. I don’t think my head could take her baby voice.

“What? Are you kidding, Ev?” Caleb practically shouts again. “Her shows are like sold out for years.” I’m sure they are. I’m like the only person on the face of the planet who doesn’t like her, but I’d rather go to Cirque du Soleil.

“We can split up,” Torch offers. “You can go to Britney, and I’d be happy to accompany you to the other.”

A shiver runs through my shoulders as he turns those dark eyes on me again. It’s an abnormal response to be this excited because a man is looking at me. My heart is pounding faster than my head, and I feel like I’m breaking out into a nervous sweat.

“No.” Caleb moves to my side and wraps his arm around my waist. “We’ll go to the stupid circus.”

It is not a stupid circus. Caleb is the one who’s stupid. He’s acting jealous over a guy who in no way in this lifetime would ever be interested in me.

“I’m going to go take a shower.” I pull out of his hold, wanting to get Caleb’s sweat off me. He ate garlic with his eggs this morning and it’s coming out of his pores, and now I feel like I’ve absorbed his odor. “Is there a dress code for the show?” I ask, looking toward Torch. It’s a struggle to meet his eyes. I almost have to focus on the curve of his nose so I don’t break out into a nervous giggle.

“You could go in what you have on, doll.” His eyes scan over me, darkening as they run down my hips and legs. His lips smirk when he gets to my shoes like he finds them funny. “It’s Vegas, so anything goes. But you might get a little cold in the theater, so I’d suggest jeans and maybe a warmer top.” Now, his eyes are on my shirt, and the butterflies pick up their pace. “But you could always wear my leather cut if you get too cold.”