There was tension in her posture when I fell into step beside her. We weaved our way through the party, hedonism in full swing.

“Is there anyone here who doesn’t want a piece of you?” I was trying to see where her head was.

“You?” she challenged, eyebrows raised. I almost laughed at how badly she was misreading me. I wanted more than a piece.

She must’ve seen the humor in my expression and thought I was mocking her, so she stormed off.

I didn’t want to touch her to get her to stop, conscious of the unspoken rules of this scene, so I caught up with her and cornered her against the wall, stopping her progress without actually touching her. Our bodies were torturously close, that damn dress doing nothing to hide the way she moved with every angry breath.

“You’re mistaken there,” I said, my voice so low it sounded like I was growling. “I want you, but I don’t want something from you like everyone else.”

It felt important for her to understand the difference, to understand that what was going on between us was different than a simple transaction.

“Yeah, you’re a saint. You’re not using me for your own gain at all.”

“Hey. That’s not what’s happening here. We agreed. No games. We’re using each other, which makes us a team.”

She blinked and there was a moment of understanding between us, a shift in perspective. It was us against the world.

Before Elena could respond, someone to our left shouted, “Man, you guys look good together!”

Elena laid her fingertip on my chest, using the barest pressure. I immediately stepped back, revealing Ophelia in a corset and a pair of leather pants.

Elena hugged her. “You gonna give those pants back one of these days?”

“Probably not. They fit me better.”

Elena shrugged and nodded.

Ophelia said, “So the rumor is true. Lady Elena has indeed shown up to the party with her mysterious new boyfriend in tow. How cute.”

I could feel Elena glaring at me, but I ignored her and kissed Ophelia’s hand in greeting. I needed her on my side. If these two ever ganged up on me, I was a goner.

“I’m about to go on stage with Styx. Wanna scene with me?” Ophelia asked Elena, then clapped her hand over her mouth in fake realization. “Oh wait, I forgot. Your agreement is exclusive. Cock block,” she directed at me playfully.

I shrugged, trying to look completely unconcerned by her accusation even though that’s exactly what I was worried about. “She can have it if she wants it,” I responded, glancing down.

“Baby Jesus save me,” Elena muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Ophelia cackled. “My sweet summer child. I meant you’re blocking her cock. Not blocking her from getting cock. Lady Elena’s cock is legendary. You should try it sometime.”

I had no response to that. She patted me on the head and sashayed away towards the stage.