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Brittle laughter spills out of me as I laugh at Stanley’s lame attempt at a joke.
We’re on our third drink of the evening and he’s done most of the talking.
He’s not as obvious as some of the men I’ve lured. His hand rests precariously on my knee, occasionally stroking back and forth, but he’s kept it respectful for the most part.
I don’t doubt that’ll all change once we’re behind closed doors.
It always does.
Some men are too good at hiding behind a mask of civility and honour.
“Forgive me for being presumptuous,” he says. “But I feel like I’ve known you for a lifetime.”
And here it comes.
The compliments and platitudes.
The clichés.
My eyes drop to his hand, the wedding ring still resting on his finger and heat creeps into his cheeks.
“Yes, well…” He coughs, a weak attempt to disguise his sudden nerves. “Marriage can be a complicated thing.”
“I’m sure it is.” My lips twist as I fight the disgust churning in my stomach.
“I’ve offended you,” he says quietly, his hand dropping away from my knee.
It would be so easy to use this moment to my advantage. To get up and wish him a good night and walk out of here. But I don’t doubt Vaughn is close by. Watching from the shadows, making sure I don’t do anything stupid.
“No,” I force out. “I just… I don’t do this often.”
“Do what?” His brows furrow.
“Drink with strange men in bars.”
“I’d like to think I am no longer a stranger.” His slightly glassy gaze lingers on the low-cut neckline of my dress. “We could get another drink? Maybe something to eat? I’d love to hear about your plans for after college.”
Because he thinks I’m in second year.
He thinks I’m eighteen.
“It would be nice to talk somewhere quieter,” I reply. “A booth, maybe?”
His eyes light up at my suggestion. “Of course.” He stands, offering me his hand as I slip off the stool. It feels all wrong wrapped around my slim fingers, but I ignore the alarm bells in my head, the utter repulsion spiking through me.
This is a means to an end.
My way out.
I glance at the door, wanting nothing more than to see Theo storming through it. Here to rescue me. But it’s a hopeless fantasy. A distant dream.
If Theo knew…
A violent shiver rolls through me.
“Raine?” His big hand presses against the small of my back and I blink up at him. “Shall we?”
