Run To Me (Lazarus Rising #4)(2)

He pulled her even closer. The couples around them were moving in sync, doing much more advanced dancing. Were those couples waltzing or something? She didn’t know. Willow just wrapped her arm around Jay’s neck and buried her hot face against his tux.

She wanted this night to end.

“One foot,” Jay murmured, and now his mouth was near her ear. He’d curled his body into hers, and she felt almost protected. “Then the other. Just move with me. Sway. That’s all you have to do. Close your eyes and listen to the music.”

Her eyes closed.

His hand tightened on hers. “I’ve got you.”

The safety of his arms was a lie. She was smart enough to know that. She couldn’t trust Jay. Jay was Project Lazarus. He’d been the guy to help bankroll the operation. And now he was there, with her, because he was trying to atone. The guy didn’t get it. You couldn’t atone for some things in this world.

But she kept her eyes closed. She listened to the music. And she found her body moving in a slow, natural rhythm with his. They seemed to flow together as they moved across the dance floor. Murmurs teased her ears, whispers that she hadn’t been intended to overhear, but Willow’s senses didn’t work like an average human’s.

“Who is she?”

“Jay’s newest lover isn’t what I expected. He usually goes for a more cultured sort.”

“I’d fuck her.”

At that last, rough pronouncement, Willow stiffened. “I’d like to leave now.” Her head lifted. “I’ve been on display for long enough.” She’d done her part. Now she was getting out of there. And if Jay didn’t like it, too bad.

But instead of another argument, he gave a grim nod. Then he took her arm and tucked it into the crook of his elbow. He didn’t look to the left or the right as he led her out of the ballroom. Her heart was about to jump right out of her chest, and her high heels clicked over the gleaming floor. They were just at the wide, double doors when—

“Leaving so soon?” A tall, handsome man with dark, coffee skin had stepped into their path. West Harper. Jay’s best-friend. His head of security. And his only family. West raised one brow. “I think the party is just getting started.”

Jay shook his head. “Willow’s done.” His voice didn’t carry past their little group. “And if one more man looks at her like he can’t wait to get her naked, I’m going to lose my shit.”

Willow blinked. “Um, what?”

Jay turned his face toward her. The gold in his eyes was definitely burning. “Lose. My. Shit.” Each word was growled. “They are practically drooling, and I’m about to kick some asses.”

West clapped a hand on Jay’s shoulder. “Seriously, when is the last time you kicked ass? Remind me again?”

Jay bared his teeth at the other man. “Don’t push me right now. It’s been one hell of a night.”

She actually thought West was the only guy who could push him. Jay didn’t let anyone get close to him—well, no one but West—and she knew that was because those two had known each other for so long.

It must be nice to have a past with someone else. Actually, it must be nice to have a past at all.

“Stay at the party as long as you want,” Jay muttered. “I’m taking Willow home. You and I can talk tomorrow.”

A waiter came by with a tray full of champagne flutes. West snagged one, and then he was snagged by a gorgeous lady in red.

“Let’s go, Willow.” Jay’s voice was still clipped as they marched toward the elevator. Since she was more than ready to get out of that place, she kept a quick pace with him.

Several people tried to stop Jay as they closed in on the elevator. People were trying to push ideas and apps at him, but Jay just shook his head. “Not now. Call my office.”

An attendant held the elevator for him, and the same attendant made sure that only Willow and Jay got on the elevator.

“You need anything, Mr. Maverick?” The attendant’s gaze was wide, more than a little star struck. Apparently, being a tech billionaire was better than being a movie star. She’d been told a few of those had been in the ballroom. She hadn’t particularly cared to find out their identities.

“Make sure my car is waiting downstairs.” Jay’s hand reached out and shook the attendant’s. Willow saw the younger guy quickly pocket the money Jay had slipped him in that casual touch.

“Absolutely.” The attendant’s smile was huge. “You have a great night, Mr. Maverick.”

The elevator doors slid closed. Right before they did, Willow was pretty sure she saw a woman in a glittering, blue grown snapping a pic with her phone.

And then…

Silence.

Such a blessed relief. “I don’t like being in crowds.” She stood with her shoulders against the back of the elevator. The walls were covered with mirrors, and her own reflection stared back at her. “I’m sorry if I was a-a disappointment tonight—”

“You could never be that.” And he caught her hand. At his touch, a little, electric spark seemed to shoot through her body. That always happened when he touched her. She became too aware, too sensitive.

Turned on.

He moved closer, putting his body in front of hers. They’d been on the top floor, so the elevator ride would take a little time, she knew that. Time in which she’d be alone with Jay.