TALON
Ahand clamps down on my shoulder, halting my march toward Dredyn and Mara.
“Talon, chill.” Beck’s voice is in my ear. I whirl on him and he holds up his palms. Right behind him is Jasper, eyes darting between me and the lovebirds sitting on the pew.
“She texted earlier and told me she was studying,” I growl.
“She told me she wasn’t going to be here either. But you can’t get pissed,” Jasper signs.
“I won’t start anything,” I manage through clenched teeth. My heart is hammering. “I’m just gettingmygirlfriend”
Beck and Jasper exchange glances, but they let me pass. I smooth my expression into a calm mask even as adrenaline thrums through me. Dredyn’s got Mara sideways on his lap, his arm around her waist. She’s rigid with tension, eyes wide when she notices me standing there. He lifts his gaze to meet mine. A lazy, taunting grin curls on his lips. He’s doing this to spite me, that much is obvious.
“Talon,” he drawls, tightening his hold on Mara, “enjoying the party?”
Smug bastard. My jaw ticks. “Was, until I saw some hands where they shouldn’t be.”
Mara swallows hard. “Talon, it’s not?—”
I hold her gaze as I interrupt. “I believe you owe me a dance, Princess.” The pet name slides off my tongue smoothly—loud enough for those nearby to hear. I step forward and extend a hand to her.
Mara hesitates, looking from me to Dredyn, caught in our silent standoff. Her cheeks are flushed. She might actually think I’m here to rescue her.
If only she knew.
Dredyn’s grin falters, and I see the challenge flare in his eyes. His fingers flex on her hip possessively. “We were just getting comfortable.”
“Yeah?” I let a ghost of a smirk curve my mouth. “Well, I’m feeling uncomfortable. So I’m gonna stealourgirl back now.” My eyes flick pointedly to his hand on her thigh.
For a tense beat, Dredyn doesn’t move. The air between us could explode any second. I’m ready to drop the polite act and throw a punch if I have to.
Then Mara, in a small voice, says, “Dredyn… let me go.”
Dredyn’s jaw ticks. After what feels like an eternity, he slides his arm off her. She stands from his lap shakily, smoothing her skirt down. I waste zero time. I take her hand and tug her firmly to me.
Her body collides with mine, warm and soft, and I inhale the familiar scent of vanilla in her hair. Usually her smell disarms me, but right now it’s fuel on the fire. I slide an arm possessively around her waist.
“I’ve got her,” I say pointedly to Dredyn.
He rises from the bench, squaring up. At full height, we’re eye to eye. “Careful, brother. Don’t start something you can’t finish.”
Mara tenses between us. I feel her fingers dig into my arm, as if to hold me back. Smart girl. She knows Dredyn and I could throw down any second.
I force a grin, baring teeth. “Who says I’m not gonna finish it?”
With a guiding pressure on Mara’s lower back, I walk us a few steps away, into a small clearing of space near the wall. She follows stiffly, probably unsure what the hell I’m about to do. Fair question.I’mnot even sure. My blood is still boiling, jealousy and adrenaline making my head buzz.
I spot an empty high-backed armchair that someone dragged in here as party furniture. Perfect. I sit down and, keeping my grip on Mara’s hand, pull her forward.
Before she can protest, I tug her down onto my lap—facing me this time. Her knees hit the outside of my thighs as she straddles me on the chair.
Mara lets out a shocked breath, hands flying to my shoulders to steady herself. “Talon! What are you?—”
I grip her hips and scoot her further up my lap, pressing her core flush against the bulge in my jeans. She’s exactly where I want her. A startled whimper catches in her throat at the intimate contact.
“Here’s what’s going to happen,” I murmur, pulling her even closer until our chests touch. Anyone glancing over will see Mara practically riding me and assume we’re about to go at it. “You’re going to pretend you’re crazy about me. Smile, act like this is the best night of your life.” I lean in, lips brushing her ear. “Fake it like you mean it, Mara. Or I’ll show you just how convincing I can be.”
Her throat works as she swallows. Her hesitation lasts only a second more, then she plasters on a shaky, sweet smile that could probably fool everyone but me. I know it’s forced, but I also feel the way her thighs tremble on either side of mine. She’s aroused, despite the fear—despite how wrong this is.
