Ethan (Face-Off 5)
Chapter Nine
Mia
After the incident in the laundry room with Ethan, I have trouble focusing on anything other than his mouth during dinner. I watch Ethan like a hawk, all while he rambles on to my brother about hockey. I zone out, having zero interest in their conversation. I couldn’t care less about hockey even after all these years of following my brother’s career. And I honestly don’t care to learn.
Between bites, Will asks me if I want more wine. I slide my glass to the center of the table for a refill.
After almost kissing Ethan, I need as much alcohol as I can consume. What was he thinking getting that close to me? Why is Ethan making moves every time we’re alone? He tests my self-control on purpose. If he had kissed me, I wouldn’t have stopped him. Either he’s trying to torment me, or he wants to kill me. Probably both.
Midway through our delicious dinner, Will gets up from the table to open another bottle of red wine.
On his way back to the table, he says, “You ready to go clubbing?”
Confused, I point a finger at my chest. “Are you talking to me?”
Will laughs. “Yeah. Who else would I be talking to?”
“Ethan,” I say, stating the obvious.
“You’re going,” Ethan growls. “It’s not a request.”
He reminds me of the beast from Beauty and the Beast when he commands Belle to eat dinner with him or starve. Ethan’s so bossy. He acts like an extension of my brother sometimes, and it’s annoying.
“You don’t control me,” I snap. “And I’m not the club type. Go without me.”
“There’s no such thing as the club type,” Ethan shoots back. “You either like fun, or you don’t, and since you have the personality of a ninety-year-old lady, we have no choice but to kidnap you if you don’t come willingly.”
“Wow!” My jaw drops, though I’m not the least bit shocked when it comes to Ethan. “This must be one hell of a club if you’re resorting to threats.”
“We’ve been there a few times,” Will adds. “It’s pretty chill. Just come out with us. Live a little, Mia.”
“What club?”
Will lets out a sigh of relief. “It’s called The Sixth Floor.”
Why is he so desperate to get me out of the house? I’m what you would call a homebody. I like staying in to read and catch up on my shows.
“Is that the new club on Delaware Avenue?”
Will nods.
“Wear something sexy,” Ethan says in a serious tone. “No frumpy sweaters or pajama pants.”
Will’s face scrunches in disgust. Teeth clenched, he looks at Ethan. “Dude, don’t tell my sister to wear sexy clothes. Gross. She can wear a turtleneck sweater down to her ankles for all I care. Actually, I would prefer it.” He says the last part looking directly at me.
Ethan laughs.
I frown.
Will growls.
“I don’t have anything to wear that either of you would consider appropriate,” I say. “So, you can count me out.”
“C’mon, Mia.” Will stuffs a slice of garlic bread into his mouth and speaks between bites. “You never do anything remotely fun. I’ll throw you over my shoulder in what you’re wearing if I have to. Just get out of the house and meet someone.”
I cock an eyebrow at him. “And by someone do you mean some sweaty club dude? No thanks. Neither of you seem to understand that I only have work clothes and lounging around the house stuff like jeans, sweats, and tees.”
“Then don’t think of it as a club,” Will says. “It’s nothing more than an oversized bar that plays techno music and throws crazy raves.”