Chapter 21
Harmony
After a forty-five-minute drive to the closest dance club, we’re finally here.
Elias prowls behind us, and I can sense his frustration.
He and I went back and forth on why this isn’t a good idea, but he gave in on one condition: I had to agree that he could act like my boyfriend so we can stay closer together.
I feel like it’s more of getting revenge on me than protecting me.
How can I be so close to him, pretending we’re together, without falling into a trap?
A shiver climbs up my spine.
That’s not why I’m wearing the lacy bra and panties my sister bought me at Lana’s when I wasn’t looking.
We pass a group of women in their early to mid-twenties who wobble on high heels as they navigate the cobblestone alley. When I raided Abigail’s closet, I was scared my dress was too revealing, but I look too proper in comparison to the other women—not that I’m judging.
An icy wind lashes against me, and I lean into Abby. “This place better be worth it,” I say through chattering teeth.
“It is. I promise.”
Elias opens the door to The Garage, and loud dance music pumps out. The flashing colorful lights make me blink a few times, and I haven’t gone inside yet. I have never been to this place since I was too young when I left, but it had always been on my bucket list.
Before I can enter, Elias holds me back with his free hand and whispers in my ear, “Please, stay close to me. There are too many unknowns here.”
Abigail gives us a strange look but goes inside. After our heart-to-heart earlier, I should’ve filled her in, but I didn’t want to put my troubles on her shoulders, too.
I ignore how Elias’s fingers scorch my freezing shoulder. “Fine.”
He pulls me in close, and his fingers brush my hair behind my ear. His heart pounds against mine. Our breaths mingle in a cloud of cold air, and if he doesn’t release me soon, then I’m sure my heart will fly out of my chest and beg for him to keep it.
He leans down and whispers in my ear, “I mean it. My only priority is to keep you safe.”
One moment, I’m almost certain we’re feeling the same thing, and the next, he reminds me that he’s my bodyguard. “Yes, yes, I understand.” I practically spit the words. Then I pull away and heave out a breath.
I move to head inside where Abby is waiting, and Elias’s huge, warm hand finds mine.
It still fits perfectly in his. What in the world am I thinking?
And I haven’t even had a drink yet. Maybe this isn’t the smartest idea, but it’s too late to back out now.
Especially considering I felt like Abby needed a friend tonight.
Tugging, I try to move away, but his grip tightens.
When I glance up at him, he shakes his head once. Heat blazes in his eyes. “Tonight, you’re mine.”