Chapter 4
Evie
Torch turns around to guide us into the building, and I have to force my feet to move.
I’ve never been in the presence of a man so good looking before.
My stomach did a somersault when I first laid eyes on him.
I couldn’t get past his dark eyes, or that face.
Or the way his black T-shirt hugged his muscles.
The way his jeans hugged his thighs. I didn’t even have this kind of reaction when I first met Caleb.
Not even close to the glimmer of the rampant storm of fluttering butterflies, which have just taken flight inside my stomach.
“You’re a Steel Sinner?” Caleb’s near shout has my attention pulling from Torch’s backside. I can’t believe I was just staring at his butt.
“I am,” the gorgeous man simply states, glancing back. “You’ll be safe in this city as long as you’re by my side.”
I’m not quite sure what a Steel Sinner is, but it’s written on the back of his leather jacket, so I’m guessing it’s the name of his motorcycle club.
“Dude, have you killed someone?” Caleb asks.
I swear the guy never thinks before he speaks.
He’s been opening his big mouth all day, making the most aggravating comments.
During the entire flight, he kept remarking on how hot the stewardess was and how we should join the mile high club with her.
Then on the drive here from the airport, he was asking Thomas about his stance on threesomes, trying to get him to tell me that it’s not the same as cheating.
The poor man looked like he couldn’t drive fast enough to get here and get Caleb out of his car.
“Caleb! Why on earth would you ask him that?” I elbow him in the side. Who asks someone if they’ve killed anyone?
“Because he’s a one-percenter. The Steel Sinners are fucking dangerous, Evie. Haven’t you heard of them?”
I shake my head, swallowing hard as his words sink in. I’m wondering how my father could get wrapped up with these men. He doesn’t usually associate with criminals. Maybe he’s unaware of who he’s getting into business with.
“Maybe you should keep your voice down, kid.” Torch points Caleb with a stare. “Don’t want you to go scaring your pretty girl’s head off.”
We step into the elevator and as the doors close, the air gets sucked out of the shaft. These two big men look like they’re going to square off, and I’m caught in the middle, getting swallowed up by all the testosterone in the small space.
“So, have you?” Caleb asks again.
I elbow him harder this time. “If he had, do you really think he’d tell you, you dimwit? A little bit of common sense goes a long way.” If he keeps asking, Torch just might kill him.
A low chuckle rumbles out of the lethal man who thankfully hasn’t taken offense to my boyfriend’s stupid comments.
“I’m sorry,” I tell him for good measure.
I’d like to not end up as his next victim.
It feels like I’ve been apologizing for the jerk all day.
“You’ll have to forgive him for he does not think before he speaks. ”
Torch’s laugh grows louder, and it only irritates the idiot behind me even more.
“I do too,” Caleb defends, and I swear it frays my last nerve.
I’m really regretting bringing him on this trip.
I should’ve brought Lisa instead. I wanted to piss my father off, but I’m not even sure I’m going to see my dad during my stay.
He already texted earlier that he’s going to be too busy with his date tonight to see me for dinner.
He’ll let me know if he’s free for breakfast, but I’m betting she’ll be sucking his cock, and he won’t make it down for breakfast either.
I swear the man cares more about his whores than his own kid.
“This way.” Torch steps off the elevator, thankfully letting the entire exchange go.
“Your key will get you to your floor and into any of the member-only areas. The private pool, gym, etc… As soon as you’re settled, I’d be happy to give you a tour of the place if you’d like.
I also took it upon myself to book you a massage for the evening.
I didn’t know you were coming with a guest, so the reservation is only for one.
” He gives Caleb an unapologetic smile. “It was hard enough to get you the appointment, so unfortunately, I won’t be able to add another person. ”
“I’ll take the appointment,” Caleb inserts himself again.
“Do they give happy endings?” He waggles his brows, once again proving that he has no filter, and showing how much respect he has for me and our relationship.
Here I thought it was so sweet of him to be patient and not pressure me for sex until I was ready, but as soon as I gave it to him, he lost all his charm, and now, sex and threesomes is all he talks about.
“This is not that kind of establishment,” Torch says through gritted teeth. “Besides, the appointment is for Miss Hemsworth.”
“That’s okay.” I shake my head. “I’m not a fan of strange people touching me, so he can go in my place.”
And I could use an hour alone. There’s a headache creeping in and I need some silence before it turns into a migraine. All the lights and the sounds of the casino only added to the throbbing in my skull as we walked through to get to the elevator. I think I need to pass on that tour too.
“Fine. I’ll let the spa know of the change.” Torch doesn’t sound pleased, but Caleb is. “Now, as for tonight, I can get us into Britney or…”
“Britney!” Caleb’s shout pierces my throbbing head. “Hell yeah! Hit me baby….”
I’d be happy to. Punching him in the mouth may be the only way to get him to shut up.
“Or?” I ask, wanting to hear the other option. I’ve never been a fan of her or any other girl band.
“Or I can get us into Cirque.”
“I’d rather do that,” I tell him. That’s more up my alley. Talented acrobats putting on an illuminated show. I’d much rather do that than listen to some pop singer. I don’t think my head could take her baby voice.
“What? Are you kidding, Ev?” Caleb practically shouts again. “Her shows are like sold out for years.” I’m sure they are. I’m like the only person on the face of the planet who doesn’t like her, but I’d rather go to Cirque du Soleil.
“We can split up,” Torch offers. “You can go to Britney, and I’d be happy to accompany you to the other.”
A shiver runs through my shoulders as he turns those dark eyes on me again. It’s an abnormal response to be this excited because a man is looking at me. My heart is pounding faster than my head, and I feel like I’m breaking out into a nervous sweat.
“No.” Caleb moves to my side and wraps his arm around my waist. “We’ll go to the stupid circus.”
It is not a stupid circus. Caleb is the one who’s stupid. He’s acting jealous over a guy who in no way in this lifetime would ever be interested in me.
“I’m going to go take a shower.” I pull out of his hold, wanting to get Caleb’s sweat off me.
He ate garlic with his eggs this morning and it’s coming out of his pores, and now I feel like I’ve absorbed his odor.
“Is there a dress code for the show?” I ask, looking toward Torch.
It’s a struggle to meet his eyes. I almost have to focus on the curve of his nose so I don’t break out into a nervous giggle.
“You could go in what you have on, doll.” His eyes scan over me, darkening as they run down my hips and legs.
His lips smirk when he gets to my shoes like he finds them funny.
“It’s Vegas, so anything goes. But you might get a little cold in the theater, so I’d suggest jeans and maybe a warmer top.
” Now, his eyes are on my shirt, and the butterflies pick up their pace.
“But you could always wear my leather cut if you get too cold.”
Here comes Caleb again, smothering me against his body. I don’t know what is wrong with me. I used to like it when he touched me. But lately, even his touch annoys me. It’s another sign that I need to end things with him. But not until we get back. I can’t endure my father alone.
“I’ll keep my woman warm,” Caleb sneers at Torch. “Now, if you don’t mind giving us some privacy. We need to go christen that bed.”
Torch’s shoulders stiffen. He clearly doesn’t like the way Caleb is speaking to him. I can’t blame him. He was just trying to be nice, and this oaf is being a complete jerk.
“Thought you were going to get a massage?” Torch cocks that locked jaw. “The appointment is in five minutes.”
“I don’t need long,” Caleb states, and I shake my head, pulling out of his hold. I’m not having sex with him right now. In fact, after the remarks he made about the flight attendant and then wanting a happy ending from the massage therapist, I’m not sure I’ll ever let him touch me again.
“You should go get the massage. I’m taking a shower and then a nap.”
“Fine. Whatever,” he huffs. “You want to take me to the spa?” He turns toward Torch.
“Second floor to the left. Just follow the signs.” The man sounds as annoyed as I am. “Is there anything else I can get you, Evie?” His voice softens when he addresses me. I’m the one he has to impress this weekend, not the big oaf.
“We’re good. You can go now.” Caleb steps in front of me, blocking my view of the gorgeous man.
“I’ll be back at six to take you both down for dinner and then the show.”
“Thank you,” I say to Caleb’s back because he won’t let me get around him.
“I appreciate you taking the time, Torch, and for arranging all of this.” I’m sure this is their way of solidifying the deal with my dad, but I’m still grateful.
I’m sure he has plenty of other things he could be doing with his time.
“You’re welcome, Miss Hemsworth. Like I said, if you need anything at all, just call down and they’ll be happy to make any accommodations. Or you can text me, and I’ll get it for you.”
I can’t see the standoff occurring between the two men, but I can feel the tension stiffening in Caleb’s body. My head is throbbing too much to deal with him.
“She won’t need to text you.”
Torch ignores his comment and turns to leave. The door closes behind him, and Caleb whips around to face me. “That man wants to fuck you.”
I seriously can’t handle this right now.
After all the remarks he’s said about other women today, after practically grabbing the flight attendant’s ass as she delivered our drinks, he’s going to act jealous towards me?
I can guarantee that a man like Torch isn’t interested in me for anything other than my father’s money.
It’s the only reason he’s being nice. Guaranteed.
“You’re being ridiculous. They’re trying to do a business deal with my dad.
Of course, these men are going to go out of their way to be nice to me so that I don’t ruin things for them.
Any perceived interest you may think you see, is only him trying to make sure I’m happy so I give my father the thumbs-up. ”
I’ve been used to the treatment my entire life. People will bend over backwards for me just to make sure I give my dad a good report. Torch is no different. His kindness, his flattery is solely intended for one purpose.
“I know when a man wants to fuck someone. And he wants to fuck you.”
I shake my head, ignoring his comment. “I’m going to go shower now and wash off all the airport germs.”
“Fine. But I know I’m right, and he better back the fuck off or I’m going to knock him out.”
I’d like to see him try. Torch would take him down in one hit. Torch is taller and a lot deadlier than Caleb.
“I’d be careful if I were you. He is a Steel Sinner after all.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not afraid of him.”
I roll my eyes. I’m starting to think that the muscles in his arm are bigger than the one inside his skull.