Allowing my hips to lead, I roll in tight circles, jutting my ass out every few times to stay with the beat, and the rest of my body plays as the after wave, following the same path, every part of me lost to the wild beat.

A few songs in, I begin to sweat, so I pull my hair into a high ponytail at the top of my head. As I pull on pieces to tighten it, a guy with short dark hair slips in front of me with a half grin, so as I bring my hands down, I string them around his neck.

His grin turns to a smirk and he grips on to my hips, allowing me to move as I wish but staying close for the ride.

When his touch slides higher, I step into him more, my hands running down his neck, and staying there. One of his palms moves along my back, down the curve of my waist, and pauses there, his fingertips teasing the curve of my ass. He’s waiting to see if I’ll protest, but I do him one better and smirk up at the golden-eyed guy.

He chuckles, bringing himself closer when I fist his shirt.

Anthony’s eyes flash in my mind right then, and I squeeze mine shut, pulling my partner closer.

He skims his lips along my jaw.

This better not leave a scar...

I bite into my cheek, tilting my head in invitation, and the guy accepts, dipping into my neck, his lips pecking me there. He cups my ass now, his mouth hovering over mine, teasing, but teasing isn’t going to help.

I grab his face, my brows caving as I press my lips to his.

His other hand glides up my arm and he deepens the kiss, his tongue fighting for entrance I’m prepared to give.

But then his sharp cry of pain shocks my mouth.

No sooner than I get my eyes open, spotting my dance partner rubbing at the back of his head and spinning around in rage, am I yanked backward like a fucking bungee cord when stretched to its fullest or tightest point.

I trip over my own feet, fighting for balance on six-inch stilettos as I stare straight ahead.

Blood drips from the back of the guy’s neck, soaking into his gray shirt as he raises his hands, but they don’t make it halfway into the air before he’s swallowed by two figures, dragged through the crowd and out of sight.

My eyes shoot wide, my feet darting forward, but the hand gripping the band of my bra through my dress reminds me of its presence and doesn’t allow it.

I’m shoved forward, spun, and pinned to the edge of the stage.

I suck in a large breath.

Wild angry marble blues with shaky lids glare into mine.