Page 84 of Golden Ruin

“When I’ll know what?”

She smiles a little as she paints her lips cherry red. “If you two are really done, or… if you’re just getting started.”

My stomach sinks with her words, like I’ve just raced down the drop of a rollercoaster.

“Shit. We’re late,” Dez says in a rush, cutting into my thoughts as her phone rings. She takes the call on speakerphone. It’s the limo driver letting her know he just pulled up.

We make our way down the steps in six-inch heels and tight black dresses to adhere to Dez’s blackout party theme. Then, we’re on our way.

I spend most of the ride to the club trying to convince myself I can steer clear of Sterling if I try hard enough, if I’m diligent and stick to my guns. But deep down in my gut, I’m already preparing for the night to take a turn.

Because if there’s one thing I’m learning about him and I, it’s that things don’t ever seem to go according to plan.

“It’s packed,” Blue says, eyes widening.

“And don’t think I didn’t notice how you’re strategically late,” I say with a laugh.

Dez smiles back. “A girl’s gotta make an entrance on her day, doesn’t she?”

“Hey, I’m not knocking it,” I tease. “Just letting you know I see you.”

She smooths her hands down her dress. “Do I look okay?”

I shoot her an incredulous look. “Are you serious? Ricky’s gonna lose his shit when he sees you.”

That has her smile growing, and it stays there as our driver opens the door, extending his hand to help Dez out onto the red carpet.

The rest of us are right behind her, trailing her to the door. Bass pumps loudly from the building, like the club’s heartbeat. The closer we get, it surrounds us, giving us a hint of how the party is already raging inside.

Security unclips the velvet rope as we bypass the line, only pausing in the vestibule to get our hands stamped. Next, we check our phones in with the crew Ricky hired for the sole purpose of making sure everyone complies with tonight’s strict no phones rule. Then, we’re each handed a small velvet bag that has me looking toward Dez.

“Party favors?” I ask, half joking, but when she smiles and nods, I peek inside.

Glow-in-the-dark accessories. A necklace, six bracelets, glasses, and a purple tiara that flashes when I tap the jewel in the middle.

“The tiaras are so I can spot you bitches getting into trouble tonight,” she teases as we place them on our heads, each sporting a different color. Dez situates a pink one in front of her ponytail, then security opens the second set of doors for us to enter.

It’s like we’ve stepped into another world. The dim lighting that usually gives the club a warm, moody feeling has been replaced with black lights. Now, the entire room is bathed in an ethereal purple glow. The bar shelves are lined in blue neon as colorful drinks are poured into oddly shaped glasses.

The dancefloor is packed, and as we pass, an array of neon jewelry is all that distinguishes one body from the next. I draw in a breath when I catch a glimpse of the VIP section from a distance. The guys stand around a tall table, each one sipping his drink of choice, and I’m certain there’s Bourbon in Sterling’s glass. He tosses his head back with an easy laugh, and I take a breath remembering the sound in my head because I’ve heard it a thousand times.

My body loves betraying me, so of course the memory of his kiss ghosts over my mouth again. I stare because I can’t seem to stop, which is total bullshit, because I need to stop. He’s talking to West, and I’m using every ounce of strength to look away, but before I get the chance, his eyes find mine through the crowd.

His lips aren’t moving anymore. And while I should be surprised that he’s just picked me out of this massive crowd, I’m not. Not even a little. Because it’s always been like that with us.

And as Sterling’s stare deepens, and my feet carry me right in his direction, I know tonight’s already gone off the rails.

So much for keeping my distance.

***

Sterling

I completely lose my train of thought. West follows my gaze and immediately knows why.

My eyes are glued to Lexi, trailing up the most perfect thighs I’ve ever seen in my entire fucking life. A short black dress fits tight across her hips, clinging to her midsection, and barely covering her tits. It’s strapless, and I swear I can feel the softness of her shoulders against my fingertips.

Fuck me for having such a vivid memory.