Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 91507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Then boom!
The fast-paced beat of Korr-A’s “Fuck Me Like You Mean It” smacked them in the face and the lights changed to an insane strobe. The Boyz were lit in their full androgynous glory. It was a crazy mashup between two weird songs, but somehow Tam turned it into a carnal, animalistic expression of pure alien lust.
It was hedonism turned on high.
It was deliciously wicked.
It was everything Hop lived for—bizarre, provocative, and fresh.
They alternated between fast-paced hard-hitting moves and rhythmic confident swagger with everything dripping with in-your-face sexuality. Hop forgot he was sick, forgot his mother wasn’t speaking to him, forgot reality as he danced in the world they created under the glowing lights and hungry gazes.
He became the exotic extraterrestrial demigod hypnotizing everyone with his strange and debauched dance. He was the snake charmer, and the universe was his captive.
While he danced, there was no such thing as doubt or worry. There was no such thing as time.
Whatever he wanted was within his reach. All he had to do was take it.
Chapter Thirty-Six
“I thought we’d have to storm the castle to find you.”
Rafe stilled. Malcolm’s voice was so out of place in the VIP section it took him a moment to recognize it. His stomach sank, and as if in slow motion, he turned his head to find the heir of Lockwood’s fortune grinning at him. Like sentinels on either shoulder stood the sonofabitch Craig and Rafe’s blind date from last night, Rebecca.
“Malcolm.”
Next to him, Mark cursed, his whole body going tense, which was like a spotlight for Prince and Gigi. Rafe could feel their curiosity from across the table.
“Aren’t you usually locked up in the tower lording over the peasants? What are you doing down here?” Malcolm swept his gaze around the table in ignorance. Rebecca wasn’t so blind, unfortunately.
“Oh my God! You’re Parker Prince, aren’t you?” Rebecca squealed. “I loved your last collection. Daddy bought me three pieces.”
Prince held out his hand for Rebecca. “I appreciate it.”
“I can’t believe we ran into you here of all places. I was telling my friend about your upcoming show. I’ve already got my tickets. I’m Rebecca Baylor. These are my friends Craig Miller and Malcolm Lockwood.”
“I see.”
Gigi leaned in and whispered something into Prince’s ear. Prince’s eyebrows rose and his eyes went cold. Rafe gritted his teeth, tapping Mark’s thigh so he could slide from the booth.
“What are you doing here, Malcolm?”
“It’s Friday night, we’re partying.”
“I better go check on things,” Mark said, beating a hasty retreat.
“Since when do you party at Switch? This isn’t your scene.”
Malcolm tilted his head in a way that reminded Rafe of Roland, and suddenly he wasn’t the naive idiot heir anymore. He was calculating in his own right.
“Why? Is there a reason I can’t be here?” The question was asked with so much hidden agenda, Rafe choked on it.
Prince cleared his throat, drawing Rafe’s attention. “If you have business to deal with, we’ll be fine.” He sounded annoyed. Rafe couldn’t blame him, who wouldn’t be put off by this kind of drama?
“I’ll just be a minute.” Rafe grabbed Malcolm’s elbow and dragged him to the stairs. Craig and Rebecca bustled after them. “I don’t know what you think you’re up to, but I have a club to run.”
Malcolm shook him off like he was a pest, and smoothed his jacket with a sneer. “So run it, we’ll just be here enjoying the atmosphere and seeing the sights.”
Rafe’s blood ran cold, his eyes found Craig’s and the vindication he saw told him exactly what he needed to know. Craig had opened his mouth, after all.
Malcolm knew about Hop.
As if the universe was against him, the lights dimmed and the Sassy Boyz took the stage. It was too late. The train was barreling straight at him and he didn’t have time to get off the tracks.
“Holy shit.”
“That’s him,” Craig said.
Rafe pulled him by the lapels. “Say another word, and I’ll give you a repeat of last time.”
“Pink hair, huh? Wait until Dad finds out.” Malcolm’s chuckle was vicious. “What a fucking freak his bastard has become.” He wouldn’t care that he’d destroy multiple lives. He’d probably enjoy the destruction.
Craig struggled to push Rafe’s hands away. “You actually hired him?”
“Who? What’s going on?” Rebecca, poor oblivious, Rebecca. She still didn’t realize she’d been a pawn.
“Doesn’t matter, princess.” Malcolm winked at her condescendingly. “You’ve got bigger balls than I realized, Rafe. I’m kind of impressed.”
“Just leave, Malcolm.”
“Nah, I want to talk to him. He’s my half brother after all. Or should I say sister?” He let loose a cackle.
Craig chuckled too. “Good one.”
They were skipping down the stairs before Rafe could stop them.
“Rafe?” Rebecca touched his arm. “Is something wrong?”
“Go home, Rebecca. And stop hanging out with those assholes.” He started after Craig and Malcolm, but stopped to turn around. “I was never interested in you. I’m sorry I led you on.”