Crushed (Crystal Brook Billionaires) (49 page)

“Hello,” he says, his voice slick and sweet. His gaze runs over Dana and Crystal and falls on me.

The other girls are looking at me too, as if I’m expected to suddenly speak up and explain the whole situation. I can feel their eyes, though I can’t take my own off the man in front of me.

“Hi,” I croak.

He looks at Dana. “I heard you talking about the show earlier. One of the fliers was in the office. It sounded interesting, so I thought I would check it out.”

I sneak a peek at Dana. Her eyes are wide and her fingers clutch the glass in her hand like it’s a lifesaver and this club is sinking into the ocean.

“Cool,” she responds, somehow making just the one-word sound strained. She grimaces, no doubt knowing just how robotic the word came out.

A half-smile flickers on his lips. He’s pushing it too. Nothing about this interaction is easy or normal. A few hours ago, he was probably bossing her around, telling her to do this and that while she daydreamed about places in which to dump his body.

And now we’re all here, hanging out like regular friends.

No big deal.

“Would anyone like a drink?” he asks. His eyes fall on me.

“Uh, yeah, sure.”

“What would you like?”

You. Straight up. No, scratch that. You. Dirty.

“Anything,” comes my stilted voice. The drink I just slammed is already hitting my bloodstream and making me question every thought, but I could damn well use a second one.

He cocks his head.

“She likes gin,” Crystal speaks up. “Hi, I’m Crystal, Sydney’s roommate.”

“Simon Mulroney. Would you ladies like anything?”

Crystal waves her glass. “I think we’re good.”

He leaves, going to the bar. The second he turns, Dana clutches my arm in a vice grip, an expression of sheer terror on her face.

“What is going on?” Her eyes bore into mine. She and Crystal both take a step towards me, bowing their heads and waiting for a confession.

I shrug. “What he said, I guess. He heard you talking to the guys and found the flier.”

“He’s acting really weird.”

Crystal looks from Dana to me but doesn’t say anything.

A crucial moment arrives. Dana and I work together each day, side by side. As complicated as my relationship is with Mr. Mulroney, things would become even more complicated if people at work find out anything has happened between us. I just started at the company, and if I receive the reputation of Boss Fucker, that title is sure to follow me around for the rest of my days.

“Yeah,” I agree. “He’s being nice.”

“Exactly.”

She blinks and gives me a strange look, and I wonder if she’s thinking about the conversation we had in the office where I told her Mr. Mulroney hit on me.

Crystal puts on a strained smile. “Look at the bright side. This should make for an interesting night.”

The music starts to fade and spotlights swivel onto the stage in the middle of the floor. A tall drag queen with a mass of curls walks onstage. She wears a floor length sequined gown and swings a mic in her hands. The noise in the crowd dampens slightly and people turn their faces to the stage.

“Hello, hello,” she sing songs into the microphone. “What a beautiful sea of faces we have tonight.”

The crowd whoops and hollers. I sneak a glance at the bar. Mr. Mulroney has the two cocktails and is about to turn around. I whip my face back towards the stage.

What am I supposed to say when he hands me my drink?
Gosh, thanks, Mr. Mulroney.

I’ve swapped fluids with, had erotic dreams about, and am about to accept a drink from a man I still call by his last name. It’s either super kinky or super pathetic.

The host is still going on, but I’m only pretending to listen. The lights dim and Mr. Mulroney appears in my peripheral vision.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks.”
Mr. Mulroney.

I accept the drink but don’t take a sip. The hostess walks off stage and a beat picks back up. Someone pokes me in my back and I nearly jump out of my skin.

“Relax,” says a familiar voice. Brendan comes around to my left side, stepping right between me and my boss.

“Oh, hey,” I feebly say.

For a few minutes, I’d forgotten he was here. No doubt he’s been walking all over the club searching for me, all while I was too distracted by Mr. Mulroney to even remember Brendan exists.

He nods over at Crystal, and I’m about to introduce him to the others, but the loud music doesn’t leave any room for speaking. A drag queen dressed like Liza Minnelli comes onstage, shaking her shoulders from the get go.

Brendan is still turned slightly towards me, with his back to Mr. Mulroney. The man frowns slightly and I look down into my drink. Brendan probably didn’t recognize him standing there and probably didn’t even know he was with us.

I cup my hand and lean forward to speak into Brendan’s ear.

“Hey,” I say.

His arm slips around my waist and I tense. He looks at me with a slight grin.

I try again. “That’s my boss there.”

Now
he’s paying attention. With a surprised look, he turns and nods to Mr. Mulroney. His hand is still against my back and I take a step towards the girls in order to escape it.

Did Mr. Mulroney’s jaw just tick? It’s hard to say. He’s certainly not enjoying the performance like everyone else. He’s not even
watching
it. He’s watching me.

Dana and Crystal are dancing with their drinks held high in the air, and even Brendan is bobbing his head along. Mr. Mulroney just stands there, his mouth in a thin line, looking over Brendan and at me.

The song ends and everyone claps. I crane my neck around the girl in front of me, trying to see who the next person up is. A warm hand rests on my waist, and I don’t have to look to know who it belongs to. I would recognize that touch in a dark sea of a thousand people. It comes with an energy and a feeling I can’t put words to, but it’s there nonetheless.

I turn and look into Mr. Mulroney’s eyes. He’s stepped between me and Brendan, blocking the other man from view. He nods his head toward the door. I swallow hard, debating whether or not to follow him outside. I don’t want to miss Eryk, but the curiosity to know what Mulroney wants is eating me up.

I tap Crystal on the shoulder. “Hold my drink!”

She takes it and watches me as I go. Maybe Dana and Brendan are watching too, but I have no clue. I’m moving through the crowd, following Mr. Mulroney as he clears a path for me.

He leads me to right outside the front door. There are still a few people coming in, but it’s mostly an empty spot. The bouncer sits on his stool, looking surly, and we walk a few yards away from him.

Mr. Mulroney runs his hand through his hair. His eyes flick all around, towards the street then back at the building.

Is he nervous?

It’s hard to believe, but his posture tells that kind of story. He shifts his weight, looking almost like a scared animal trying to decide between flight or fight.

“I can’t believe you came here,” I say.

His eyes land on mine. “I’ve been thinking about you all week.”

My mouth opens, but my breath has literally just been stolen away.

His brows push together slightly. “That boy in there. You’re not seeing him anymore?”

“Brendan? No. I told you… are you jealous?”

“No,” he says, the rapid fire of the answer so fast just the speed alone is enough to make me think he’s lying.

“This is the second time you’ve asked about him,” I blandly state.

“I’m just… I’m curious. I care about you. I want to make sure you’re all right.”

He’s an awful liar. The dumbest person would be able to tell what’s going on. I’m slightly flattered, but also offended. It’s not like the man I’m standing here with has made me any meaty offers.

I wait for more of an explanation, but there doesn’t seem to be anything else coming. His hand reaches out and trails along the side of my arm. My body sways forward slightly, and I want to give in, but I can’t just yet. There’s so much that needs to be established; figured out.

“Mr. Mulroney.”

“Don’t,” he says, his voice serious as death. “I like it when you say my name.”

“Simon,” I murmur, the word rolling off my tongue.

“That’s better,” his husky voice replies. “I’m sorry if I made you feel like I was using you. Sydney, I dreamed about you all week. I couldn’t wait to get back here and touch you again.”

My knees shake and I have to remember to breathe. My lips burn with the need to kiss him, but something about what he said — or rather, something he
didn’t
say — gets to me.

“You just want me for sex,” I say.

His face is a frozen mask. “I never said that.”

“That came out too harsh. I’m sorry. I know you never said that, but I’m asking you about it now.”

“We already went over this.”

Something lurches in my chest, but I go on. “I’m not sure we did. I’m not looking for someone to just screw, but I’m afraid that might be precisely what you want.”

I hold my breath while I wait for him to deny what I’ve just said; while I wait for him to confess that he’s just as into meaningful relationships as I am.

He sighs and turns away from me. “I want to give you more.”

“Can you?”

He plants a hand on his hip and looks down at the sidewalk. His silence is enough of an answer. A fiery burn starts in my chest, spreading up to my throat and my eyes.

“If you can’t…” Emotion attempts to block the words. “Please just tell me now.”

He keeps looking at the ground. “I
want
to.”

The music coming out of the club takes a turn and becomes a familiar song.

“I have to go,” I rasp. “Eryk is on.”

I rush past him and back inside, not stopping to see if he’s following. There’s no time right now to even process what just happened. My friend is onstage and seeing him is the reason I came here — not getting made a fool of by Simon Mulroney again.

I blink back tears and weave my way back to my friends. Brendan glances at me, his brows slightly pushed together. I turn away from him before he has the chance to see the wetness in my eyes.

Eryk is almost to the first chorus of his routine. The crowd yells and whistles at him, soaking in each polished step and flirty glance. I smile at him, just in case he can see down into the dark crowd.

I keep my eyes trained on the stage the entire song. When Eryk finishes, I clap as loud as I can.

“Yeah, Eryk!” Crystal yells, jumping up and down.

Eryk blows kisses while he slinks backwards and off the stage. Someone steps up next to Dana and every cell in my body jerks.

Simon.

He stayed.

He glances at me, one corner of his mouth lifting up in the slightest smile possible.

Crystal swivels around, unintentionally stepping between the two of us. “Let’s get out of here,” she says. “I’m sweating like a pig.”

“What about Eryk?”

“He already texted me. He’s not waiting around for the rest of the show. Come on.” She grabs my hand and pulls me. The other three follow behind, although before they do, Brendan shoots Simon a look. Laced with contempt, it’s not one to be easily misinterpreted.

If Simon sees the look, he doesn’t let on.

We explode onto the sidewalk, the girls standing slightly off from the men. Dana plays with a strand of her hair, looking the most uncomfortable of any of us. In fact, she looks like she’s dangerously close to barfing.

“Hey, bitches!” Eryk exits Micky’s, pulling his wig off as he does so. His face is slicked with sweat, but Crystal’s makeup job is still in place. She must have thought ahead and made sure to only use waterproof cosmetics.

His step noticeably slows down when he catches sight of my boss.

I speak up. “Eryk, this is Simon Mulroney.”

Eryk holds his hand out for a shake. “It’s a pleasure.” He shoots me a grin that everyone can see. Thankfully, he doesn’t mention seeing Simon at that bar.

Brendan clears his throat. “Nice show up there.”

“Thanks,
Brandon,”
Eryk responds, turning away and pulling his wig back on.

I send Eryk a look meant to cut him in half. There’s already too much going on tonight, and before we left the apartment, he gave the impression he would at least try to play nice.

Brendan acts like he doesn’t notice the attitude, which is commendable. Once we’re alone, I’ll have to apologize to him for Eryk’s behavior.

“What now?” Brendan asks.

“There’s a karaoke bar near here,” Crystal says. “Want to go?”

“Sounds great,” Mr. Mulroney says.

A short silence follows during which Dana narrows her eyes at me.

Crystal claps loudly. “Let’s go!”

She loops her arm through Eryk’s and they lead the way down the block. The two other men follow behind, but Dana grabs my arm and holds me back.

“Why did he take you outside?”

“He just wanted to say hi. It was loud in there.”

I’m an awful liar. The fact that I said the words to the ground is probably enough to give me away.

“Sydney,” she says, real low. “Is something going on between the two of you?”

“No,” I quickly say. “We’re gonna lose them. Let’s catch up.”

She still holds onto my arm. “You can tell me if something is happening.”

I look down the street. The others are still walking, oblivious to mine and Dana’s conversation. “Okay. Thanks.”

“He’s changed.”

That’s got my attention. I look up and into her eyes. “What do you mean? Changed in what way?”

She shakes her head. “He’s just… he’s always been unpredictable, but he’s gotten even more so since you started. And now, this — showing up to a drag show. That’s not the Simon Mulroney I know.”

“He’s a hard person to know,” I murmur. “He’s not exactly an open book. Maybe he loves drag.”

“Not when his assistants are there. He doesn’t love anything having to do with us.” She lets my arm go. “I wouldn’t tell anyone. I’ve got my own secrets too, and I know what it would mean for them to get out.”

I slowly nod. I want to trust her, but I’m just not sure yet if I can. “Okay. Thanks.”