Chapter Eighteen
Alia
My hands shook as I gave the passes to Lydia and stepped back, watching as she went to the front of the shop and placed them on a small table next to the door.
“I can’t believe you’ve gone viral,” Liona muttered, coming up behind me. “Like, so viral.”
She’d just purchased one of my special editions, desperate to get one before they were all gone. I’d been so focused on the plan, I hadn’t expected to sell books, much less function as a host.
“I’m so glad you’ve got the books out on the tables.” She looked around, eyeing the Haunting Adeline hardback. “I can’t believe you weren’t going to sell them tonight!”
Flicking her mahogany hair over her shoulder, she held up her book and took a selfie with it.
I smiled and shook my head, too nervous to really enjoy the moment.
Why had I decided to risk my club opening night on Brandon?
It had been a stupid idea that meant I couldn’t relish my dream coming true.
Still, it was too late now. I’d posted on TikTok and Instagram, giving a shout out to all masked men and saying that every man in a mask would be allowed free entry to the opening night.
I just hoped Brandon would take the bait.
“We’ve altered things a bit,” I muttered when Liona waved a hand in front of my face. “People can browse down here until the music is due to start. Books can be brought but the food counter is closed. Drinks are available upstairs, where they can go after they’ve made their purchases.”
Liona chuckled. “Girl, you sound like an instruction manual. Loosen up, it’ll go far better than expected, I promise.”
I forced a smile and tucked my hair behind my ear.
I’d worn my short denim skirt with fish-net tights, black knee-high boots and a little top, covered by a small jacket.
I wasn’t trying to entice Brandon to attack me with my outfit, I’d had it picked out for ages.
Fuck, why did I choose to ruin the one night I’d been dreading, but also looking forward to, for him?
“Here they come.” She squeezed my arm. “Good luck!” Liona went over to one of the tables and picked up a book, flipping it open.
Bracing myself, I counted the people who queued outside the windows. I couldn’t see how many were down the road, but Lydia had assured me it was a lot. As scared as I was, I wanted tonight to go well. If I could pull it off, both parts of it, I would be able to start a new chapter.
Lydia unlocked the front door and stood back, allowing the first couple of readers in. I strode down the little walkway and came to a stop next to the table.
“Welcome!” I greeted the first two women. “Can I have your QR code?”
Picking up the scan machine, I smiled as they handed me a phone and I scanned it.
When it beeped happily, I handed them a pass each.
One side had a free eBook QR code and the other side had a photo of the UV masked man on the wall upstairs.
I hoped the small gift would encourage them to keep coming once the opening night was done.
“I can’t wait to see upstairs,” one of them said, giggling.
“Feel free to browse the books down here.” I scanned the next couple of people. “Just know that the sales till closes at 9pm, when the band comes on.”
Chattering amongst themselves, they wandered into the shop and started to look around, exclaiming in delight here and there. Lydia came to take over the scanning so I could go to the till, which developed a queue almost straight away.
I kept an eye on the front door the whole time I served people, surprised by how many of them bought books before the main event had even begun.
“I love that you’ve brought the books downstairs for the event,” one customer said. “I’ve been here a few times and hoped you’d have a shelf of dark romance somewhere.”
Grinning, I bagged up her order and took her payment. “I debated how to sell the books, considering the negative attention they get. I think this might be the way I do it going forward. Of course, any customer is welcome to ask me to order them in and they can pick them up.”
The reader exclaimed in excitement and told me that they’d be doing that if they wanted something before the next event.
After a solid thirty minutes of ringing up orders, the line dispersed and I took a breath.
There were still lots of people milling around the books, chatting and laughing together.
Lydia waited by the door, her scanner ready for any new customers.
We’d only released a certain amount of tickets to test the event.
We wanted to make sure there was enough room in the club upstairs and that we weren’t overwhelmed.
It had been a good call, considering what I had planned.
I glanced at the CCTV on my phone, trying to count the numbers in the club.
It was almost full to the brim, which meant everyone must have turned up.
A naked torso caught my eye and I smiled, shaking my head when Ant served a woman her cocktail.
The barman had been ingenious when he’d put cock straws in the tall pale pink colored drinks.
“What are you smiling at?” a deep voice interrupted me.
My gaze lifted and my throat went so dry, I could barely swallow.
The air left my lungs as my fantasy came towards me, wearing nothing but leather pants and a helmet.
Fucking hell, Moth's muscles were lean and molded so beautifully on his torso, he looked like he'd walked straight off a book cover.
Except, the tattoos that decorated this body were grey shaded, adding that extra layer of bad boy.
I squeezed my legs together to stop the pulsing burn in my pussy. Fucking hell, he was hot with just the leathers and helmet, let alone without a top. If I even dared to think what he could do to me right now, I'd orgasm on the spot.
“You…” I couldn't even speak.
“You're smiling at me?” He leaned over the counter, clearly checking my phone. “I'm not on that screen.”
Shaking my head, I cleared my throat awkwardly, “No, I mean, you look… just…”
“Like the perfect dark romance hero?” He leaned on the counter, his arm muscles flexing. “That's because I am. An asshole. Dangerous and fucking possessive. So… who were you gawping at on the screen?”
He tapped my phone aggressively and I snatched it up.
“I was just pleased with how many people were here.” As much as I wanted to advocate for myself and stop his possessiveness, which he had no right to feel, I needed to be on good terms with him tonight.
Too much could go wrong if we didn't all stay calm.
Moth twisted his head, looking over his shoulder when a couple of women giggled loudly behind him. I tried to ignore the flash of jealousy that heated my skin when he turned and greeted them, his deep voice vibrating out of his helmet.
“Ladies,” he said, “welcome to the fantasy.” Their eyes widened as he pointed towards the stairs. “That's the way to your worst, and best, nightmare.”
My stomach clenched and my pussy flooded. Jeez, he was just acting. The power he had over me, and over the other women apparently, was a bit disturbing.
The women asked for a selfie before disappearing upstairs. Lydia locked the front door and waved at me, indicating that everyone had arrived. I smiled and gestured for her to go up. Yes, she was working, but it was time for her to enjoy the night too.
“I'll be up straight after you,” I said to her, glancing at Moth, who scratched his neck, right on his Moth tattoo.
Lydia went up the stairs as I went around the counter. “You better go up there,” I muttered, “just in case Brandon’s already here. I saw a couple of men with masks so you never know.”
Inclining his head, he tutted. “Got it covered. The others are scoping them out. Just…” He grabbed my elbow as I went to go past him. “…be extremely fucking careful.”
He reached for his visor, flipping it up. The intensity of his brown eyes spoke to me, melting my soul and whispering forbidden thoughts.
“If anything happens to me,” I said, taking his fingers and holding them, “please know that you've given me the best ride of my life. You brought me back to life, in a fucked-up way.”
His eyes widened and he growled an exclamation, the sound rumbling in his helmet. “Don't talk like that, Sunshine, I won't let anything happen to you. Let's just get this over with.”
Nodding, I followed him up the stairs, checking my phone for any notifications. I knew Brandon wouldn't message me direct but something made me check all the same.
My insides shook as I trod carefully. I had to make a speech in front of everyone, which petrified me as much as Brandon arriving.
When I reached the top of the stairs, I stuck my head into the contemporary room, just to make sure it was free.
The lights were off and the door mostly closed.
Hopefully, if Brandon did turn up, I’d be able to lure him inside.
A hand covered mine, and I almost wrenched it away, my head still too full of my stalker-ex. Moth's scent slipped up my nose as he drew me closer and pushed me into the clubroom.
The noise was loud, the chattering and clinking of glasses almost too much for my senses. High alert meant wired and heightened, a state I didn't dwell in well.
“You've got this.” Moth's voice gave me the courage I needed to straighten my spine and walk through the tables, over the dance floor and up onto the small stage, where the band were waiting.
Accepting the microphone from the male lead singer, I smiled a thanks and turned to the crowd.
Moth was beside the stage, his visor down and his helmet facing me.
No doubt he was wondering whether I'd sleep with the lead singer, who was also dressed like he'd walked out of a book.
Shit, there'd be a lot of ladies with wet undies tonight.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” I started, startled by the loud boom of my voice.
Giggling nervously, I tucked my hair behind my ear and took a deep breath to try and settle my nerves. Public speaking was not in my resume but it was my event. My dream.