Only then do I ease my hand away, dragging my thumb slowly from Mya’s bottom lip. Her breath shudders out.
“See what you do to me, Mya?” I whisper, taking her hand and putting it on my hardening crotch. “Even the thought of someone finding us isn’t enough to make me stop wanting you.”
That molten, sultry look that had me ready to lose control suddenly hardens into something distant, and a wall slams down between us.
“We said just this once, Worth.” Mya’s voice is steady despite her body still trembling against mine. “Please… Keep your word.”
For a second, my jaw locks so tight I’m sure I’ll crack a tooth. I’m angry. Not at her, but at myself. Because she’s right. I promised one time.
Still, it doesn’t stop the sting. Doesn’t stop the need clawing at me to pull her back in, to remind her that what we just shared was anything but forgettable.
Instead, I nod once, shoving every ounce of fury and desire back down.
Mya slips out of the stall, straightening her dress with shaking hands, leaving me in the wreckage of my own restraint.
When I make it back to the main area of the club, my employees are clustered by the bar, drinks in hand. It’s time for me to go. I stride over, ready to say my goodbyes.
Ethan spots me first. He slaps a hand on my shoulder, and irritation flares hot in my chest.
I really want to fire this little fucker.
“What’s up, Mr. Mills. You missed all the fun,” he slurs, words barely coherent.
Mr.Mills. My jaw ticks. He’s going to get an earful tomorrow when he’s sober.
“I was at the back talking to Mr. Tan,” I say casually. “I’m calling it a night. I better not see any of you hungover tomorrow.”
They all groan, laugh, and promise they’ll be fine. I nod. My gaze skims over them and lands on Mya. She’s trying very hard not to meet my eyes.
Just as I turn to leave, movement behind the bar snags my attention. A flash of short, glossy black hair. Familiar features that freeze me in place.
No, it can’t be.
But when the person lifts their head and our eyes meet, I know it’s her. Her gaze widens for the briefest second before she masks it with that million-dollar smile. The one she always used like a weapon.
She leans into the man beside her, murmurs something, then slips away. And then she’s rounding the bar, coming straight for me.
No. Fuck no.
But it’s too late for me to walk out without making a scene.
“Worth, darling. Long time no see!”
“Vanessa,” I bite out. She steps into my space, arms open, and hugs me. I stand stiff, not returning it.
Her smile doesn’t falter, even though my eyes are shooting daggers.
“How have you been? How’s Brianna?” she asks, as if she didn’t threaten to take me to court only a few weeks ago.
“Leave, Vanessa.”
She tilts her head, feigning a pout. “Come on, Worth. It’s been years. We need to catch up.Properly.”
My teeth grind so hard my temples ache. She’s talking to me like nothing happened.
Rage churns hot in my veins until my eyes catch Mya’s. Concern is etched all over her face. She tilts her head, silently asking if I’m okay.
Just like that, the fury eases. The storm inside me dulls, replaced with the memory of her lips, her laugh, the way she tastes. Like an anchor.