Q stands just off to my side. “Mr. LaSalle is out of the building. Just thought you’d like to know.”
His statement reminds me that I already fucking forgot there was a threat before it was even removed. That’s not like me. And from the raised eyebrows on Q’s face, he knows there’s something off about this situation.
He looks from me to Scarlett. “Is there anything else we can get you, Ms. Priest? Zoe and I are happy to take care of anything you need.”
Q is giving me an out. A chance to walk away, go back to my office, and let him deal with her. An out I should take.
I never spend time on the floor of my club. I’ve always considered it an unnecessary risk. Moses will find me eventually, and I’m not interested in helping him do it before I’m ready. So, why are my feet glued to the floor like they’re encased in concrete?
Q can handle this. Her. The whole thing. Zoe too.
Yet, I speak. “I’ll take care of Scarlett tonight. I’ll handle whatever she needs.”
Lines crease Q’s forehead, telling me he thinks I’ve lost my damn mind. And maybe I have. That’s the only explanation I have for what happens next.
Thirty
Scarlett
Ibarely recognize myself, and with each glass of champagne, I care less and less. The alcohol’s buzz and bubbles go straight to my head—but they can’t compete with Gabriel Legend’s presence.
Standing this close to him is exhilarating. Like inching nearer and nearer to the edge of the Grand Canyon because the view is incredible, but it would only take a stiff breeze to push me over. Or like walking up on a jaguar in a jungle, only to have it stand and study me before walking away, leaving me with a heart-stopping memory—but also the sense that I’ve been given the gift of an incredible experience.
Legend isn’t a normal man. I’ve seen what he can do. He’s capable of ending a cage match in just seconds with a dominant display of brutality and skill.
And he had a part in kidnapping me.
That little detail alone should have me backing away until I’m at a safe distance, but it doesn’t. Because I don’t feel a single bit threatened by him. I feel ... invigorated.
The realization hits harder with the weight of the champagne behind it, but I’m not surprised. Somehow, I knew this would happen.
I’ve felt drawn to him since the second I felt his presence while still wrapped up in that rug. Then it tugged harder with each video I watched. And yes, more still when I couldn’t keep him off my mind and came with his name on my lips.
Then the handwritten note.Tug.
And the private message.Tug.
If I thought I was only building him up to be larger than life in my fantasies, I was wrong. Because the man I’m standing toe to toe with has his attention completely focused on me in a way that sends a charge through my body like someone plugged me into a wall socket. Heislarger than life.
And life is messy.
Or at least, the life Iwantis messy.
Even if I only get to have that messy life for a single night, I’m taking it.
Tonight, all bets are off. Tonight, I’m going tolive.
“What I need, Mr. Legend, is to dance. Will you dance with me?” I hold out my free hand to him, the breath trapped in my lungs at my first daring request.
The question shocks Q, whose eyes have been darting back and forth between me and his boss. “Ms. Priest—”
Q goes silent when Legend’s big hand lifts to close around my outstretched fingers. His thumb brushes over my skin, and I feel it.The spark.
It zips through my body as chill bumps rise on my arms, across my shoulders, and down my back. It’s like touching a live wire and learning you’re immune to its deadly power. I don’t know who Legend is to everyone else, but to me, he’s a beacon, drawing me in.
“It’d be a privilege, Scarlett.” He looks to Astra, who is hovering not far behind me. “Whiskey. Three fingers.”
A smile stretches my lips. “You need fortification?” I ask to be playful. I haven’t flirted in a long, long time.