“Yes.”
I sigh. “Fine, be that way.”
He offers me his arm, and we walk down the stairs together. I take them carefully, not wanting to stumble and embarrass myself any further. When we reach the dance floor, Xavier slides his fingers over the back of my neck, securing it in a firm hold. His touch is a claim and a reminder.
I’m his.
The crowd parts. They stare at us, some with lust, others with curiosity, but the one expression that makes me cringe is the look of disgust. It’s coming from a group of women and is directed at me.
“Who are the women?” I ask. “Wives?”
Xavier shakes his head. “They’re mistresses and high-dollar prostitutes.”
“Prostitutes? I didn’t realize…” I try to ignore the sting of jealousy and keep my chin lifted. “Is that the real reason you didn’t want me here? Because you—” I snap my mouth closed sohard my teeth click. The very thought is too painful to say out loud.
He leans down. “Do you think I ate your pussy in front of everyone because I wanted another woman?”
His words send a rush of heat between my legs, and I squeeze my thighs together. “I guess not.”
“You guess?” He straightens and quirks a brow, his expression mocking. “Then let me reassure you, my little raptor. When I have my face buried between your thighs, no one else exists. The only thing I’m focused on is making you come so hard that you’re screaming my name.”
“Oh. I, um…” I blink, trying to find a response. “Right. Well, I don’t want you eating any pussy but mine.”
His lips curl into a wolfish grin. “I would never dream of it.”
“Good.”
Declan walks up to us with June hanging onto his arm. He’s easy to identify due to his checkered mask and because I’ve seen June’s dress. When she greets us, I can’t hold her gaze, not when Xavier just ate me out in front of everyone. I’m pretty sure my friend didn’t see it happen, but that doesn’t mean Declan won’t tell her. I bet my face is as red as my dress.
“This is a nice party,” Declan says, his voice cheerful. “I especially like the entertainment. Don’t you, X?”
Xavier rolls his eyes. “Fuck off.”
June’s eyes widen. She looks up at Declan, who chuckles. “X is always like that,” he says, leaning closer.
“Oh.” June turns away and her gaze meets mine. “I just got here. Has it been boring?”
“Yup,” I say, my tone high-pitched.
Declan laughs, drawing attention to our group. “If that was boring, I’d love to see something exciting. Holy fuck.”
“Jesus fucking Christ. Enough,” Xavier says.
A waiter arrives with a silver tray held high, the drinks ranging from champagne to liquor. I smile at the idea of getting drunk enough to forget what just happened, but when I lift my hand, Xavier catches my wrist. I swing my gaze to him, my eyes wide with surprise.
“Nothing for her,” he says to the servant, his tone clipped.
Declan removes his mask and waves the man away. “Another time.”
I lower my voice to a whispered hiss. “What was that for? Are you punishing me or something?”
“No.” Xavier lets go of my wrist to stroke the side of my neck as though offering an apology. “I don’t trust the Order, especially in situations where they expect us to let our guard down. For all I know, those drinks could contain Rohypnol.”
“What?”
“Roofie.”
I blink up at him. “Oh, I see.”
