Page 48 of Rogue’s Mark

Like a switch flipping.

Like finding out something about yourself you didn't know was there.

Some things just are.

The man at the door nods and steps aside when he sees us. We go in the back way, like we always do. The music washes over us immediately, the bass booming so hard, I can feel it in my throat.

Rogue leans in close to my ear. "Window?"

"Of course," I say, stifling a giggle.

What can I say? I’m excited.

Rogue smiles and off he goes to get the room I like best. I suspect that means bribing whoever is currently in there if it’s occupied. I’ve never asked how much this stuff costs. I don't want to know. Not sure I care, either.

Great news. The room’s available. Of course. Things tend to work out when Rogue’s handling the details.

Everything stops for me for a second when we walk in. A wide velvet chaise runs the length of one wall, deep burgundy, piled with cushions and pillows in silk and fur. Opposite it, floor to ceiling, is the window. The shade is currently down.

I look at Rogue. He nods.

I push a button and the shade disappears.

The main floor opens up in front of us.

There are maybe a dozen people out there, moving between rooms, sitting at the low tables, watching the other windows that are open tonight. A few of them notice ours has opened. They don't make a production of it. They just notice.

My pulse jumps.

"There’s our girl," Rogue teases with that sexy half smile.

"Shut up," I say.

He shakes his head with a laugh.

Armen steps up behind me, his hands gripping my waist and his mouth dropping to my neck. I know the exact moment people start to notice what's happening in our room. My whole body reacts to it with a heat that starts somewhere low and spreads with the thrill of being seen.

I've tried to explain this to Mara, this thing I’m hooked on, and failed every time. Yes, it's kind of about the strangers and it's kind of about being watched, but more than anything, I think it's about choosing to be here. Deciding to be visible. In a life where so much has been taken without my permission, there is something mind-boggling about standing in a lit window and saying yes, that I’m going to let people watch me on my terms.

Armen's hands move from my waist and I stop thinking.

He gets my shirt off while the main floor watches. Being undressed in front of people who can see everything these guys do to me leaves me breathless and feral, simple as that. I reach back to grab Armen’s thigh for balance and he makes a low sound against my neck.

"Good?" he whispers.

"You know it's good," I murmur back.

Rogue appears in front of me, close enough that I can smell him and the clean scent of his simple soap and shampoo. His fingers dig into my hair but he doesn't kiss me yet. He just holds me and makes me wait, which is annoying but also sexy as hell.

Hey, two can play that game.

"Rogue," I say.

"Mmmm?"

"Kiss me or move."

"Those are my only options?"