Chapter 2
Lacey
“Ace!”
I grin through the pain at Stanley as he watches me approach. When he gives me a once-over, his eyebrows dip with concern.
“You good, Ace?” he shouts as he sets a cold bottle of water on the bar for me, on autopilot.
My bracelets sparkle under the different lights as I twist off the cap. “Yeah, I’m good.”
I’ll pay for it tomorrow, but for now, I’m so, so good.
As I gulp down the water, goosebumps creep up my spine, and when I glance to my right, I meet the darkest set of eyes I’ve ever seen.
He stares at me, not trying to hide it even a tiny bit. I almost let my shoulders drop so I can curl into myself, but then I remember who I am and why I’m here. I’m done making myself small.
Next to him, though, it’s easy to feel tiny.
Jesus, Lord, have mercy on my vagina.
I’ve never thought of size difference to be such a turn on before, but now I’m thirty pounds heavier, I love that he isn’t the type of man I’m used to.
I’ve spent my life dancing with lean men, and this guy definitely doesn’t fit that description.
Broad, tall, dark, and incredibly hot. And his suit is clearly expensive and designer.
As he reaches for his glass, the sleeve of his jacket fits so perfectly, it’s no doubt custom-tailored.
This man has money, and I bet he has a lot of it.
I let my gaze fall to his ring finger because, while I might be committed to living my best life, I still have morals.
Ink covers the back of his hands and all his knuckles, but there’s no ring on his left hand.
Only ink that looks like it spells out a word.
More dark lines peek out of the collar of his shirt, covering his neck up to where his beard starts under his square jaw.
Heat spreads through me, overshadowing the burning ache in my hip. When he doesn’t say anything, I smile and move away from the bar to go back to dancing like I’d planned to do before I was eye-fucked by the hottest stranger I’ve ever seen.
Even as I distance myself from him, my heart pounds quickly, and I swear, I feel his eyes on me. Watching.
Heading toward the group of girls I was dancing near earlier, I join in again, swaying my hips to Shakira. Lights spin overhead, while people laugh and drink, enjoying their time in Sin City.
When the next song starts, I close my eyes and let the beat take over my body. My leg burns, but I can’t stop. Some people drink to deal with life. Some smoke. Or work out. Or shop. Me? I dance. And even though life has been pretty damn good lately, I need this.
I turn and let my eyes flutter open, going still for a moment as, directly in front of me, at the edge of the dance floor, is that same hot man, staring at me like I’m the only one in the whole club.
The hairs on my arms rise as goosebumps prickle over my skin. Why is he looking at me like that?
Someone bumps into me from behind, mumbling an apology as they do, but the surprise impact pushes me forward. The curly-haired hottie scowls at the people at my back and then glances back at me, his expression softening. He tips his head to the side, his eyes narrowed in on me, his jaw clenched.
The song comes to an end, and the next one is slower, sultrier, and without thinking, I run my hands down my chest and breasts while swaying my hips to match the pace.
His gaze follows my movement, and even though I’m fully dressed, I feel exposed.
Like I’m completely naked before this gorgeous man.
A thrill rushes through me as I keep my eyes locked on him while I dance to the slow beat, my hands still roaming over my body.
Just the thought of them being his hands on me sends a spasm straight to my pussy. There’s something about the way this man stands, broad shoulders, full of confidence, staring at me knowingly as I dance, that tells me he knows exactly what to do with a woman in the bedroom.
Hooking up with a stranger wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
My mother would probably die of horror if she knew I was considering a one-night stand.
The corners of my lips tick up at that. It’s horrible that I feel that way, but I’ve come to peace with the hatred I feel toward my mother.
Now I’m just trying to forgive myself for letting her control me for so long.
Yeah, fucking a random guy on a Friday night in Vegas sounds absolutely wonderful.
Especially this gorgeous one.