Chapter Six

The entrance area to the club is nothing special, but unlike the last time I was here, that reassuring simplicity doesn’t calm my nerves. Before, I was nervous about what was behind those doors. Now, I’m nervous about who I’m going through them with.

As Riley instructed, I walk two steps behind him, and though that distance makes me feel alone, when he holds the door open for me and brushes his fingertips over my shoulders as I enter, the shock of connection rushes through me, centering me and reminding me that we’re here for a reason, and that there’s a point to this game we’re playing.

It’s a good reminder, actually. Because the more time I spend with Riley the more frustrated with myself I’m becoming. I had my reasons for putting so much distance between us in the past. But now that he’s here—even under such odd circumstances—I can’t deny that I like it. And more than just the warm and reassuring feeling of knowing he has my back.

The truth is, Aly was right; I’ve always felt the spark where Riley Blade is concerned. But in the past, I’ve always been able to extinguish it. To throw water on it and then hurry away before the spark could flicker back into existence.

Yet here I am now, and instead of water, I’m throwing gasoline. And I’m terrified that walking through these doors and into this aptly named club with him will cause the spark to bloom into a full-on blaze.

And what scares me even more is the tiny, secret part of myself that craves the inferno. That longs to burn, as long as it is Riley who reduces me to ashes.

It’s an uncomfortable realization, particularly since I’ve worked so hard to keep my distance from the man. And though I tell myself that this heated craving stems solely from the nature of this situation, I know that isn’t true. Riley Blade has always had the power to get under my skin, but I’ve always had the strength to hold up my walls.

Now, I fear the walls are starting to crumble. And if they do, where will that leave me?

“It’ll be okay,” Riley says, obviously mistaking my hesitation for trepidation rather than excitement.

“I know,” I say, then consider taking the words back when he holds up a leash.

“I want to show you off,” he says in response to my raised brows. “More than that, I want to see who takes particular notice of you.”