I push those thoughts away and let the music take me through the old steps. The same ones I used to get lost in while feeling the weight of his stare.
Instead of thinking about Everton, well, I guess it’s Cowboy now, I think about the time I’ve spent at Elysium. Everything is well run and far more professional than I was bracing for.
Sure, I learned not to judge people but that doesn’t mean you don’t try to anticipate what could go wrong. When talking about a motorcycle club running a high-end casino? I could see there being more than a few pitfalls.
But everything has been above board and beyond luxurious, both with how everything looks and how everyone is treated. Everyone. Staff and clientele.
It’s kind of mind blowing.
I’ve seen other members of the Steel Sinners too. They’ve been…surprisingly respectful. I didn’t let my traitorous heart think it was because Everton gave them a heads up about who I am. At least not for long.
One of them, Ace, was all charming smiles and easy smirks. Griffin was all jawline while looking damn good in leather. Honestly, every club member I’ve seen looks far too good in leather. I can’t hate the eye candy around here.
I’ve seen more than a few scowls and a lot of resting grump face going on. But I’ve met a lot of people in my life who showed one thing to the world while being some of the best people.
Not all of them operated within the law either.
You just never knew who you would meet in New York and what connections they would have. Dancing can be all about networking, especially when I was lucky enough to work with dance companies or small studios, because everyone needs funding. All the time. That’s another whole type of grind.
I can’t help but smile when I remember finding out how a fellow dancer, Zinnia, married Elio Agosti because she was on his arm at a meet and greet after a show. The Agosti name holds weight and I’m sure his influence goes far beyond New York. But there? He’s a king of the underground.
To find out Zinnia married him was a reminder that people will surprise you and to reserve judgement. She was like sunlight and he was all shadows. But the love he had for her was palpable. The way he looked at her was almost too intimate to witness.
It certainly taught me something about making assumptions about people.
Which is why I wasn’t worried about walking into Elysium knowing its reputation; a reputation that is hard to miss, even as a new transplant to the city. Being pleasantly surprised is just a bonus. And the bikers I’ve met have been a surprise.
Especially the boy from my past who became a man wrapped in leather with those same whiskey-colored eyes.
My chest is heaving as I come to a sudden stop. The feelings I’ve been ignoring and avoiding by moving and getting lost in the music won’t allow it anymore.
Everton Connors.
He’s here in Las Vegas. He’s part of a motorcycle club. He has a daughter.
When I glance up at the mirrored wall, I freeze. Because Rian is standing in the reflection so quietly, but she’s not still. She’s practically vibrating with excitement.
“I was hoping you were still here,” she calls out, her voice bright.
Fuck.
Looking at her is strange. Her existence, in part, feels like a blade straight to the heart. But I can’t help but love her too. Not only is she sweet, but she’s part Everton which means something to me.
“How are you doing, Rian?”
My breathing is still a little labored and I grab my towel and wipe away the sweat on my face and neck. I look away from her eyes which seem to see too much; the same eyes which remind me of her father.
“I’m great,” she chirps. The way she’s looking at me is so open, it tugs at something deep in my chest. Her words are filled with awe as she breathes out, “You’re amazing.”
“Thanks,” I huff out with a laugh as I grab my water again. As I take her in, I realize it looks like she’s dressed to dance. “Are you here to practice?”
The sheepish look she gives me is adorable. But she doesn’t shy away from me and meets my question like a challenge.
“Yeah, I found a new dance online and wanted to give it a try.”
I perk up, loving how girls have been able to find routines and choreography online to learn the steps. It might not be classes full of technique, but what you can’t teach is passion and drive. Either dancers have it or they don’t.
“You wanna show me?”