Chapter 3 – Thousand dollar tux

Sarra’s POV

3hrs later…

“Do you ever take anyone to places like this, or am I special?”

The whiskey we'd just had just warmed its way into my blood, and I felt like I could say anything or do anything. We'd just had appetizers at this really private yet luxurious spot in Malibu, and now I was sitting in Ronan Vale's Lamborghini as it climbed into the Hollywood hills.

Ronan shot me a sideways smile. “This is special sweetheart. I don't share my hideouts with just any one.” He drummed one hand on the steering wheel while the other was on his thigh.

“Yeah right, you're probably lying. You men are all the same.” I said, pressing my forehead to the window and trying to push the image of Ethan and Elena out of my mind.

Even though I'd chosen not to tell Elena the truth, it ate me up that she was happy with him. Tears stung my eyes again. “I should've thrown a drink in his face when I had the chance.”

Ronan made a noise. “You’d have ruined his thousand-dollar tux. I would’ve paid to see that.”

I turned to him, squinting. “Why are you being… nice? You terrorized me through high school. We aren't friends.”

“Who says I'm being nice?” He shifted gears as the car turned another curve. “Or maybe I just think he's a jerk you shouldn't be wasting tears over.”

His eyes dropped to my bare legs where my dress had gone up again. He wasn't even hiding it. I was suddenly awfully aware of the fact that I had not shaved in two days.

The car came to stop at an unmarked building that looked like a bodega. “Uh? I thought we were going back to the reception?” Unfortunately, I was meant to stay in the estate for the night.

He said nothing as he came around and opened the door. When we got closer, two massive bouncers were standing at the entrance and they greeted Ronan.

“What is this place? “ I asked again, as we entered the bodega which was a front for what looked like a club.

“It's a private club, very well hidden.” He said casually, slipping an arm around my waist like he did that all the time. “When I want to have a good time without these pesky paparazzi, I come here.”

His hand on my waist burned, and it was all I could think of. “How many women have you brought here?”

“Only when I want people to know she’s mine for the night. Why are you asking, Sarra? Are you jealous?”

My face burned. “Definitely not.”

“Relax.” He leaned closer, “you needed a distraction and I'm giving you the ultimate one.” His lips brushed my ear.

Inside the club, the music was just the right volume, and I saw celebrities and women who looked like they fell our of a magazine, sitting around and laughing and having champagne.

“Ronan!” Someone called out and approached us. It was a stockily built man in designer sneakers. “I thought you'd disappeared, it's been a week since you came by.” His eyes shifted to me and he licked his lips. “And who is this?”

Ronan pulled me closer, his hand tracing circles on my waist. “She's my date.”

My jaw nearly dropped. “Date?”

“Smile sweetheart. They're watching us.” Ronan whispered when he leaned in to kiss my cheek. 

“She's beautiful.” The man finished eyeing me.

I wore a smile as he herded me out of the man's view and to an empty booth.

“You're enjoying the attention a little too much.” I said just as a waiter brought over a bottle of champagne without asking. 

Ronan chucked as he poured me a glass, and when he handed it over, his fingers brushed over mine. Maybe it was the whisky from earlier, but suddenly I didn't want him to stop touching me.

“Being here with a beautiful woman? Yes, very much.” He leaned back and spread his arm on the top of the booth. “But I wonder what he'll say if Ethan sees us together tomorrow? It'll be priceless.”

I stared down at my drink. “Don't joke like that. Ethan still…he still says he loves me.”

Ronan scoffed. “Do you believe him?”

I looked at him. “I don't know what to believe anymore.”

“Don't do that…don't give me the sad face. That's not why I brought you here.” He said, when I covered my face with my palm so he wouldn't see my cry.

Ronan tugged me to my feet before I could answer. “Come on. Dance with me.”

“Dance?” I looked at the crowded floor where people were dancing. He didn't give me a choice. He pulled me to the crowd until we were in the middle. “Oh God, I can't dance.”

I tried to keep my distance but he pulled me back into him, his hands on my waist. My body was pressed against his chest and his lips were only inches away from mine.

“Relax.” His hand slid down slowly to my hips. “You're too stiff.”

“I don't usually…” I trailed off as he moved against me, his pelvis grinding into my abdomen. He was staring straight into my soul that for a moment I could not think.

My body felt like it was on fire. His palms slid down to my butt, but not enough to be rude. I could feel his bulge as we danced. 

“Better,” he said with a crooked smile. Before I could respond, a man slid into our space, and he reeked of cologne mixed with alcohol. 

He looked at me, then licked his lips.”Ronan, you didn't tell me you're bringing another beautiful woman today. She's hot.” He winked at me.

I stiffened. “Excuse me?”

The man ignored me, leaning closer. “She’s fresh. I can get her in front of the right people. Modeling contracts, screen tests or whatever she wants within Hollywood.”

Ronan’s body went really still behind me. “Back off, Marcus.”

Marcus smiled, still eyeing me. “Don’t waste her on yourself, Vale. Girls like this are better when they’re shared.” 

He tried to hold my hand, but Ronan shoved him back so hard he fell to the floor. “If you touch her again Marcus, I swear I'll break your hand.”

Marcus was no longer smiling. Security rushed over and helped him out. 

“Sarra, are you okay?” Ronan turned back to me. 

I nodded quickly. “He was disgusting.”

“Don't worry, you'll not see him again.” Ronan assured me. His hand held my waist and I felt safe.

Something in me snapped then. Maybe it was the adrenaline, the whiskey, or the way Ronan’s eyes burned into mine like he was daring me to let go. I clutched his shirt. “Do you want to take me home… or do you want trouble?”

He scoffed then nodded. “I always want trouble.”

Then I did something. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him.