Crossed Keys

Chapter Eight - Strike

We'd spent the night on the mainland in a hotel overlooking the ocean. I booked a suit so if he wanted his own room, he could have that comfort. But as the night shimmered toward morning, Dash crawled into the large bed, eased his body across and curled up in my side with his head on my chest.

Smiling proudly, I kissed the top of his head and held onto him as if he was the most precious thing in my life.

Correction—he was the most important thing in my life.

But having him this close posed another problem and I crossed my ankles to hide it from him. This man could turn me on just be existing and I prayed he saw how desperately I needed him.

The next day, I had a barber come in to style us for the party. Dash insisted on getting dressed alone and when he finally stepped out of the room, my jaw dropped.

The suit fit his body perfectly and the black with the deep blue shirt beneath it was perfect against his skin.

"Fuck, you're sexy." I blurted out before I could stop myself. "Turn for me."

He laughed softly but allowed me to take his hand and help him twirl.

"I'm going to have to make sure I stay by your side tonight." I admitted. "I don't want someone stealing you away."

"I'm with you, Strike." He mumbled. "I'm not going to leave you."

"Are you ready?"

"I'm nervous."

I took his arm and pulled him into my chest and hugged him to me. "You look great, smell fantastic and you're on the arm of the most handsome man in the room."

Dash laughed and smacked my shoulder.

"There's nothing to worry about. And if—"

Someone knocked on our door and I released him to see who it was. Bright stepped into the room, waved at Dash and turned to speak with me.

"The car is here." Bright announced. "You two ready?"

"Almost." I replied. "What about the car we sent for Bank and Joy?"

"Will be there in about five minutes." Bright replied.

"Give us a second."

Bright nodded and exited the room.

Turning my attention back to Dash I tilted my head toward the door. "Shall we?"

He reluctantly agreed and we left and made our way down to the Rolls Royce. The drive stepped out to open the door and Dash thanked him and climbed in. He scooted over as I got in after him and soon, we were on our way.

Though I'd told him to relax, I could still see his fear. I held his hand on the seat and he squeezed my fingers a moment as if to tell me thanks.

Arriving at the crowded nightclub, we waited until Bright's chauffeured vehicle pulled up behind ours before we climbed out and made our way to the front. Bright took care of us getting in and we were escorted to a private area by a beautiful hostess.

I kept close to Dash's side, watching the way he looked around like a kid who was being taken to the toy store for the first time. Everything seemed to pique his interest. Once he was seated in one of the plush seats, I poured him a glass of wine to take the edge off his nervousness.

When I sat close to him, he shifted so his back was against my chest, and I kissed his neck because I couldn't help it.

He moaned, and snuggled closer.

"Still nervous?" I asked.

"A little." Dash replied. "I'm not sure why I am. I've never been to a night club before."