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Candy’s eyes widen in surprise, and the room falls silent as we all wait for her reaction. My heart is pounding in my chest, unsure of what she’ll say. But then she looks up at North, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and desire, and something in me relaxes.
“Thank you,” she says softly, holding the keys tightly in her hand. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything,” North replies gruffly. Candy nods, tears bright in her eyes, and I feel a sense of deep satisfaction as I watch her slowly start to get it. “Just…just know that you’re one of us now. You’re family.”
Then my phone buzzes with a text that ruins everything.
Tick tock, tick tock. Time’s up. The rules have changed and we need our money tonight. Or you’ll lose everything and then some.
CANDY
The club seems so different when it’s virtually empty. The snow never really got going so there was no reason to close the club tonight, but it is a lot quieter. I’m almost bored. The guys have all disappeared on various errands and I’m starting to wonder if I’m going to get to play tonight. I was so disappointed when they mentioned closing, then excited to actually get to come to the club, but now I feel…out of sorts.
Like I’ve been on some weird emotional rollercoaster that I don’t understand. Earlier at the house was amazing. The guys’ gifts were touching and thoughtful. I really felt included by all of them.
But now, as I stand alone behind the bar, I can feel the familiar pang of loneliness stirring deep within me. I tried not to read deeper into their gifts and their smiles and their touches.They were just being kind,I remind myself. Don’t get attached.
And then I see him.
He’s tall, with a chiselled jawline and piercing green eyes. His hair is slicked back, giving him an air of sophistication. He’s wearing a suit that fits him like a glove.What would he look like with it off?
He catches me staring, and my cheeks flush. But instead of looking away, he smiles. It’s a predatory smile, the kind that sends shivers down my spine. And I know, without a doubt, that he’s here for me.
I step out from behind the bar, feeling the fabric of my dress cling to my curves. He was the only one who didn’t come to the club with us earlier, and I was disappointed at the time.
Now, he approaches me with a confidence that is both alluring and intimidating. I can feel the heat emanating from his body, and his scent is intoxicating. Bergamot, incense and vetiver. Warm, fresh, comforting. For a moment, I forget all about my doubts and insecurities, lost in the power of his presence.
“Hello, Tesoro,” Wint says, and his voice is like velvet.
“H-hey,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.
He leans in closer, his lips brushing against my ear. “Are you ready to play with me?” he whispers, sending shivers down my spine.
My heart is pounding in my chest as I nod and he takes my hand and leads me out of the bar, through the changing rooms and out to the back door.
“Wint?” I question when he opens the fire escape and a blast of icy cold air hits me. It’s starting to snow again. “Why are we out here, Wint?”
“I have something for you. Well, two things. May I?”
“Sure.”
He grins and steps back inside the fire escape, reemerging a moment later with a pair of black running trainers in his hand and a thin zip-up black hooded jacket.
“Put those on.”
“Why?”
“I want you to run.”
Confused, I do as he asks, handing him my heels, before asking why again.
“I want to chase you.”
“What happens when you catch me?” I ask, under no illusions that I can outrun this sleek predator of a man.
“Clever girl.”
I scowl at him while trying to keep my excitement hidden. “A guy once said that to a dinosaur and she ate his face off.”
