Page 97 of My Favorite Secret
“Let’s go, Princess.” Tyler takes my coat and hands it to the doorman, then slips his hand into mine.
Excited and curious, I step across the threshold, to where the scent of alcohol and tobacco is strong.
Tyler and Felix stay by my side. As we make our way down the hallway, the music grows louder. The hallway opens into a large room packed with people dressed in glittering gowns and sharp suits. A live jazz band plays on a stage. People are dancing. There’s laughter. The place is bustling with life.
I take it all in, my eyes wide with wonder. It’s like stepping back in time, into a world of glamour. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a glow over the dance floor. Plush velvet booths line the walls where patrons sip from ornate cocktail glasses. Farther ahead, there’s a gaming room full of people shouting with joy, winning big.
Felix leans in, his breath warm against my ear. “What do you think, Red?”
I shiver, both from the thrill of the speakeasy and his proximity. “It’s incredible,” I breathe, unable to tear my gaze away from the dazzling scene before me.
“Stick close to us,” Tyler murmurs in my other ear,slinking his arm around my waist. “It’s easy to get lost in here.”
“Felix, my man,” someone calls out. We all turn to the person, but I’m the only one who stiffens when I see the voice belongs to Theo.
Like everyone at The Clover, he’s dressed well, which is an odd sight considering I’ve only ever seen him in ripped jeans and hoodies.
Felix laughs, patting Theo’s shoulder. “Isn’t The Clover a little too clean for your tastes?”
“I’ve got an eclipse deal going down.” Theo looks at me, noticing Tyler’s arm around my waist and my hand in Felix’s. His lips curl. He doesn’t comment on the three of us, but he knows.
Theo being aware of our secret doesn’t pose the same threat as Cindy’s little sister. He’s not a part of my social circle. If he tells anyone about us, there’s a slim chance it will impact my life.
But I still don’t trust the guy. My hand tightens around Felix’s. I won’t tell Felix who he can and can’t associate with. I know Theo is a good friend of his. But it feels like he stole Felix from me when we were younger.
“You three keen for a drink? My shout,” Theo says. “Blackwood, it seems you have a lot to fill me in on regarding your lady.”
“Not tonight,” Felix answers. “We’ll catch up another time.”
“I’m holding you to your word. Enjoy your night.” With a wink, Theo disappears into the crowd, leaving us standing in the heart of the speakeasy. I exhale with relief, able to relax again.
“Whereto first?” Tyler asks.
“I’ll order us a round of drinks,” Felix says, guiding us through the crowd of people to the bar.
“Alcoholic drinks?” I clarify, a little worried. “We’re underage.”
“Relax. I know one of the bartenders. Harper, you’re about to have the night of your life.”
And he’s right. The night soon blurs into a haze of laughter. One cocktail turns into two. Then three. I’ve sipped on a few glasses of champagne with my parents during special occasions in recent years, but never have I drunk this much. I’m tingling. Lightheaded. Laughing more than I have in months. It feels good to let loose. The drama with Cindy’s sister even slips from my mind.
We lose track of time, caught up in the electric energy of The Clover. The warmth of the alcohol running through my veins makes this evening feel magical. My men teach me how to play poker in the gaming room. The dealer doesn’t ask for ID to check my age. I suppose not everything about The Clover is legal, but I’m too swept up in the night to care.
Afterward, we rest on a velvet couch, kissing and laughing.
There are so many beautiful women here tonight. I’ve caught many of them admiring Felix and Tyler. I’m possessive of what belongs to me, but the violent urges to protect what’s mine have long disappeared because my men fill me with such confidence in our bond.
Somewhere between rounds of drinks, the music shifts to something slower with a sensual beat. I don’t remember who pulls who first, but suddenly we’re on the dance floor.
Felix’s hands settle on my hips as he moves with me. Tyler presses to my back, the warmth of his body searingthrough the thin fabric of my dress. The three of us dance together, lost in the rhythm, the connection of our bodies, and the heat of the moment. We don’t need to hide our relationship here. The Clover is freeing, allowing me to love with no restraints.
I tilt my head back, laughing. Tyler’s breath tickles against my neck as he murmurs, “You having fun, Princess?”
“The most fun I’ve ever had.”
The music keeps us moving and tangled together in a haze. I don’t know how long we’ve been dancing, only that my legs start to ache.
Felix must notice. His grip tightens at my waist. “Need a break? Let’s head to the booths for a breather.”
