Cassie (The Mitchell/Healy Family #7)(14)

She was greeted by someone who was apparently a friend. The woman, dressed in a sheer see-through fabric bodysuit, which covered only her nipples and *, kissed her passionately on the lips. It was so shocking I couldn’t take my eyes from it, not even to see if Brant was doing the same thing. Just to be safe, I wrapped my arm underneath his and held him closer. If this was some kind of underground sex club we weren’t participating. While waiting out the uncomfortable scene, I tried to focus on other things going on around us. In the far distance I could see naked dancers on high platforms. Strobe lights were moving around, giving me only flashes of the environment. The music, a sexy techno, vibrated off my body, so loud I knew I wouldn’t be able to hear anyone talking.

Thankfully, Rocky waved us over towards a bar. He ordered us four shots and waited for his girlfriend to join us before toasting his in the air. “To Winning.”

I didn’t know what it entailed, but I saluted anyway. We were away from my family, and on our way to better things. Today had taught me to follow directions. I suppose they’d been looking out for me. I’m sure I was the only one of them without a criminal record, though I couldn’t be sure about Tammy.

For a little while we watched the crowd, while doing several more shots. Some people were dancing while others mingled casually. It wasn’t until I needed to use the restroom that things got a bit weird, making me question whether I wanted to stay or go. It was obvious the alcohol was going straight to my head. I’d never been very tolerable, no matter how much practice I’d had. I’d gotten directions from Rocky before Brant took my hand and led me in the location he’d pointed us in. A sign displaying a female figure was on a large wooden door. “Hurry back, baby,” he said loud enough for me to hear.

I threw my boyfriend a smile before walking inside, assuming it was a regular lavatory.

There were stalls, and some people were actually using the facilities, but that’s not all of what was going on. There were couches filling the whole right side of the room. I couldn’t be sure, but they all looked like a crushed red velvet fabric. On several were women, some half dressed. They were groping over each other, kissing, and even acting out other things. The worst part about it was how they didn’t seem to mind being on display. On the counter, was a long strand of white powder. As I walked by, I watched someone bend down and snort it through a straw.

I’d dabbled in enough to know it was cocaine, and feared there would be consequences for me walking in on such an act taking place.

Once in a locked stall, I contemplated remaining there until I knew they’d all gone. I’d always considered myself a brave girl. Sure, I’d been protected from a lot of things, but I certainly wasn’t used to seeing such actions happening as if they were acceptable. It wasn’t like I cared about other people’s sexuality. To each his own. Just because I was only interested in men didn’t mean everyone had the same taste.

While inside the small stall, I could hear the women making noises. It was obvious they were high on each other, if not then the drugs they’d brought in with them. I wondered if they were drunk, not knowing what they were doing.

I’d been that drunk before, though I never ended up naked in bed with another woman. Once I’d awaken in a bed of my own vomit, and another time I woke up to an extremely sore ass. Yep, you heard it right. Apparently I’d gotten drunk off my butt and begged my boyfriend to f*ck me in it. I couldn’t walk right for days after that, and I sure as shit wasn’t going to ask him to do it again.

After a few minutes, I remembered Brant was outside waiting for me. I wanted nothing more than to get out there and go home, where we could be alone. Then something happened.

I heard her voice first, but not soon enough to make it to the exit. Tammy had come into the bathroom, and she wasn’t alone. At her side Brant was there watching me. He reached out his hand for me to take. Since he was my only serenity, I gladly accepted his suggestion and placed my palm against his. He pulled me close, saying nothing until I was close enough to hear. “It’s time to party, baby.”

I didn’t know what he was talking about, and still wanted to leave the establishment, so I pulled away enough to give him a dirty look. He began to smile and nod, as if I was supposed to understand what was going through his head. “I don’t think so,” I announced loud enough Tammy could hear.

She approached, placing her hand on Brant’s shoulder and running it down his back. “Maybe you should let me.”

He said nothing, but took one step back to allow her to swoop in. Before I was able to move out of her reach, she had a chunk of my hair. “Oh sweet Cassie, you have so much to learn.”

“Learn?” I’d had enough of this woman by this point.

Her lips smacked against mine, and before trying to pull away I felt her tongue drag over my teeth as I fought to deny her entry. “Oh, come on. We’re just trying to have fun. Brant told me he wants to see two girls making out. Don’t you want to satisfy your man?”

She had nerve, I’ll give her that. “Say what?” I gave my attention to my appeased boyfriend. His smiled turned into a confused frown.

“Come on, Cass. It’s all in fun. We’re in Vegas, at this kick ass club. This is where you forget who you are and let go. Try new things. Be adventurous.”

“Adventurous,” I argued. “I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. I’m going to march my ass right out of here and take a cab back to the house. If you choose to stay here without me, you’ll be without a girlfriend.”