Page 28 of Cruel Games

Maxwell raised his palms. “I didn’t mean any offense. And actually, I feel a bit better about him batting for the other team.”

“What?”

He raised a massive shoulder. “We thought you and he might be an item.”

“Right.” I drew back and looked out at the dance floor. The platinum-blond guy had disappeared, probably put off by the sight of Maxwell. “What will you do when you get back to the academy?”

“About Adewale wearing a dress to pick up guys?”

I said nothing, not wanting to confirm or deny what Maxwell had seen.

Maxwell rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s none of my business, so I won’t mention it.”

“Thanks,” I said, the tension around my chest melting into the artificial smoke.

“But you’re going to give me a dance.”

“Is this blackmail?”

“Just a dance.”

I glanced at the dance floor. The night was in full swing, with people leaping to the jungle beats. Although I hadn’t planned on hanging around with Gideon and Lachlan the entire evening, I’d hoped to meet someone nice. And I wouldn’t do that with Maxwell hovering over me.

“Come on.” Maxwell wrapped an arm around my middle, encasing me in his seductive, smoky scent.

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and my heart thudded in my chest. This wasn’t like me at all. I couldn’t stand him, Orlando, or his moody twin brother.

We walked through the crowds into the nu-jazz room, were a guitar riff repeated over a funky double bass. Couples of all orientations writhed on the dance floor. My gaze lingered on an Indian girl sandwiched between two dreadlocked black guys, and I shook my head. Why did some girls have all the luck?

Maxwell’s hand landed on the small of my back, and he pulled me into his chest.

A shudder ran down my spine and settled between my legs. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” His deep voice melted my lace panties.

I placed my palms on his chest, and he stared straight into my eyes, his white teeth bared in an expression that was half-grin and half show-me-what-you-got. We swayed in time with the music, locked into each other’s gazes.

Shit, if he hadn’t been such a dickhead and so preoccupied with Elizabeth, I might have been interested. But I wouldn’t touch a guy like Maxwell with my worst enemy’s pussy.

The music ended, and he held me in place. “What are you thinking?”

“Need a piss.” I spun on my heel, breaking his hold and walked out toward the other room.

Later, I’d try a different room and see if I could find that platinum blond or someone equally as tasty.

I wove through the crowd, losing Maxwell with a bit of ducking and diving. The bathrooms were up ahead past a fire exit. As soon as I opened the door, my stomach dropped.

The line for the ladies’ bathroom stretched all the way to the doors and looked at least an hour long. I’d burst my bladder before I actually reached a toilet. I raised my chin, walked past all the women, and headed to the gents. Hopefully, no one would notice I didn’t belong.

After averting my gaze from a line of men standing at the urinals, I ducked into a stall and did my business. Even though I’d lied about needing to use the bathroom, I was glad to have gone.

Moments later, a familiar voice said, “Fuck, did you see her in that dress?”

“Don’t go there,” said Orlando’s voice. “Elizabeth will never forgive you, and you’ll ruin everything.”

My ears perked up, and my muscles stopped the flow. Were they talking about their parents’ plans for one of them to marry the next Lady Liddell?

“She might be worth it,” said Maxwell. “You didn’t feel those tits against your chest.”