“That’s a miracle. You must be capable of total brainwashing or hypnosis.”
“Both.” I tug on his tie. “Does that scare you, big, bad, mafia boss?”
He dips me down, making me giggle. Chase beams. “Not nearly as much as the wrong person hearing you call me that.”
“You got it, baby boy.” I kiss him softly. “Tonight is going to be amazing. Keep charming people.”
“Hunter’s doing that right now.” Chase spins me so we can both watch Hunter as he makes some of the old men laugh. “You guys are doing a great job taking over. I’m proud to call you mine.”
Chase kisses across my neck. “When you say things like that, it drives me crazy. I want to drag you to another room and-”
“Can I cut in?”
We both look over to see Andre. I look at Chase, see his frustration, and then see his eyes narrow. “You could wait until the next dance.”
“Or I could get an answer to the question I asked.” Andre flashes a smile that I think is supposed to be sexy. “So?”
“The next dance.” I decide.
Then I turn and let Chase waltz me away. “Baby boy, you know I don’t want to dance with him.”
“It’s part of playing the game, Valerie. Unfortunately, we all have things we don’t want to do but have to. Just bite the bullet for one song.”
“I’d rather bite a bullet,” I grumble.
Chase chuckles and rubs my back. “A more important question – who are you going home with when you drink enough to forget that asshole’s hands on you?”
“Lief. Or Hunter. Or you.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “All three would be the best option.”
“I love your flirting.”
“I love you.” I kiss him again.
The song ends and Chase leads me over to Andre. He clears his throat. “One song.”
“Unless the lady requests more.”
I want to gag. I’m not a damn lady.
But Andre takes my hands. I put one on his shoulder and keep the other. I move with him, making sure to keep some space between us.
“So, Miss. Mysterious. You’re a normal student by day, but by night, you associate with people like this?”
“Associate with?” I scoff.
“Well I’d say something else, but I don’t want to offend someone so beautiful.” Andre pulls me closer. “You know that you don’t have to be a sugar baby, right? You could be whoever you want.”
“I am.”
“And you could have whoever you want.” Andre wiggles his eyebrows. “Why let some old man have his way with you so that way you can have some money when you could actually enjoy yourself with someone your own age? Someone who could provide for you, keep you safe, offer more than a part-time commitment?”
“Sorry, I’m not for sale.”
“Everyone is. Everyone has a price. Just give me a chance to show you what you’re missing out on with a man in his prime.”
I snort. “You don’t even know my name. We’ve talked once. If that wasn’t enough, one of my best friends wants you.”
“So many excuses except that you’re not interested.” He chuckles. “Which makes me think-”