I Slapped the Plot Twist

I reached for another drink, but Vanessa grabbed my arm.

She smiled. "Just drinking is kinda boring. Let's raise the stakes."

Someone jumped in immediately. "Then the loser has to take something off."

Another guy laughed. "Outerwear's lame. Make it underwear."

The room erupted.

"Take it off! Take it off!"

My hands clenched so hard my knuckles went white. Every muscle in my body locked up.

Vanessa tilted her head, her eyes crinkling with a smile.

"Elle, I'd love to help, but your luck sucks. There are so many people here tonight. I can't let everyone down."

As she spoke, she melted back against the man beside her.

I glanced at him.

He lounged on the couch, not even bothering to look up, like the whole scene had nothing to do with him.

The chanting kept getting louder.

I stood there, jaw clenched, unable to say a word.

Then a deep voice cut through the noise.

"You work at a place like this. Don't play innocent."

His tone was flat. Casual, almost bored.

After saying it, he tipped back his glass and finished it in one swallow.

Then he looked at me.

The second our eyes met, my whole body went rigid.

Cold eyes.

Sharp features.

Other than the heavier presence he carried now, he looked exactly the same.

Matt Martinez.

The college guy I'd slapped years ago.

Now the founder of Martinez Corp.

The man half of Averyton seemed to answer to.

The room went quiet for a second.

Then laughter and agreement exploded from every direction.

I looked at Matt and smiled. "You're right. Girls who work in places like this shouldn't act so innocent."

I lifted my hands and reached for the zipper on my back.

Every guy in the room immediately locked onto me, barely hiding their anticipation.

The zipper had only moved a fraction when his voice rang out again.

"Get out."

I looked up at Matt.

His expression didn't change, but the veins at his temple stood out. Something dark flickered behind his eyes.

Vanessa flinched.

She looked like she wanted to argue, but one look at his face shut her up.

I smiled.

"If Mr. Martinez doesn't want to watch, then I'll leave."

My gaze swept across the room.

"Have fun, everyone."