Page 6 of Coal Hearts

His eyes flew wide, the glittery disco ball dancing in his green gaze. “What?” He cocked his head against the music. “What did you say?”

Great.

I finally get the strength to break it off, and he can’t even hear me.

I could just pretend I hadn’t said anything.

Pretend I was happy.

Pretend I was fine.

But...I needed out.

Right here.

Right now.

Tonight.

Taking his hand, I tugged him away from the writhing dance floor. If I was going to do this, we both needed a drink.

His fingers latched around mine as he followed me.

We weaved around a sea of dancing, happy people, ducked around a few bouncers, then reached the crowded bar.

Taking a gulp of air no longer tainted by smelly sweat, overpowering men’s cologne, and overly sweet perfume, I tried to get the barkeep’s attention.

“Hi!” I waved my hand as Sam plastered himself against me.

“Hey, over here.” I waved harder, desperate for something to bolster my rapidly flagging courage.

“Getting in the mood, huh? I like it.” Sam’s hand slid down my ass, going far too deep and low. I flinched as his fingers probed between my legs, digging my flouncy rose gold skirt into my unmentionables.

My entire body jerked, not with passion or familiarity but with dreadfully building disgust.

Shifting my hips and doing my best to dislodge his fingers, I threw him a scowl. My lips parted to command he stop pawing me—

But...

Something farther along the bar.

Someone.

Someone who stopped my heart and made the awful music screech to silence in my ears.

Oh, dear lord in fanciful heaven.

Who.

The.

Hell.

Is.

That?

My gaze completely bypassed Sam and zeroed in on a demigod.