“There’s my girl,” I say loud enough for a few onlookers to hear, sliding my hands up and down her sides as if we’re just normal horny lovers. The motion presses her torso to mine; I feelher stiff peaks through her top rub against my chest. My blood rushes south.
She loops her arms around my neck, playing along, though I can see the panic in her eyes up close. “Talon, please,” she whispers, only for me. “This is crazy.”
“Keep smiling,” I whisper back, moving one hand to cup her ass under her skirt. Her body jolts, but she forces her lips to stay in that faux-happy curve. To anyone watching, it probably looks like she just laughed at something I said.
Good girl.
I guide her hips with my hands, encouraging her to grind on me to the music. Mara tries to hold herself still at first, but I increase the pressure on her backside until she has no choice but to move with me. A soft involuntary moan slips from her mouth as her hips roll. The moment I hear it, triumph surges through me.That’s right, Princess. You feel that too.
I bite back a groan of my own as she unknowingly rubs right against my aching cock. Damn, this feels better than I expected. Her warmth, the friction, it’s driving me insane.Focus. This is about proving a point,I remind myself. Proving to Dredyn that Mara’s mine.
I catch a glimpse of Dredyn over Mara’s shoulder. He hasn’t moved far; he’s standing a few yards away, jaw clenched and eyes burning holes into us. The sight makes something primal in me grin.Watch and learn, brother.
Mara’s fingers tangle in the hair at the nape of my neck. Her breathing has gone ragged, each exhale a soft pant against my cheek. She’s trying so hard to maintain the charade, but it’s slipping, because the pleasure is catching up to her. Her body is taking over.
“Talon…” she whispers again, but this time it’s not a plea to stop. It’s a moan—my name half-swallowed in her throat as I rock her harder on my lap.
“That’s it,” I encourage, my voice a dark purr. “Doesn’t it feel good to stop fighting it?”
She stifles another moan by biting down on her lip. Her eyes, half-lidded now, meet mine. They’re shining with confusion, anger, and lust all at once.
I slide one hand up her back and into her hair, tugging just enough to tilt her head back. She gasps as her neck arches, exposing her throat. I lean in and drag my lips down the column of her neck slowly. I feel her shiver.
“People are… watching,” she manages to say, though she tilts her hips forward eagerly now, chasing some friction.
“That’s what you wanted, Mara Black.” My tongue flicks out against her pulse point, tasting the light sheen of sweat and leftover beer on her skin. “All they see is a naughty girl giving her boyfriend the ride of his life.”
Her nails bite into my shoulders at my words. Whether in protest or arousal—maybe both—I don’t care. I grind her down against me in answer. I can feel the heat of her through the thin barrier of her panties and my jeans, and—holy shit—the dampness.
My blood roars. She’s wet. Soaked, actually. Each gyration of her hips lets me feel the hot slickness seeping through the fabric. It takes every ounce of willpower not to toss her on the floor and bury myself in her right now.
A strangled sound escapes Mara’s lips and her eyes flutter shut. She’s getting lost in it, in spite of herself. I should slow down, maybe ease up, but I can’t resist pushing her further.
“Feel that?” I murmur against the shell of her ear. “Everyone can watch, but only I get to feel how wet you are.”
Her face burns hotter. “You’re a b-bastard,” she stammers, but it’s a weak attempt. Her hips are grinding faster, nothing to do with my guidance now. She’s moving on her own, caught up in the tension coiling through her core.
I glance past her to see Dredyn practically trembling with rage. His hands are fisted at his sides, and Beck has a grip on his shoulder, no doubt cautioning him. The satisfaction I feel is like a drug.
Time to end this with a bang.
Mara’s eyes open slowly, hazy with unwanted pleasure. I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, guiding her dazed gaze to meet mine. For a heartbeat, we just stare at each other, breathing the same hot air. Then, I claim her mouth.
She stiffens in surprise, a muffled protest escaping against my mouth. I swallow it, kissing her harder. One hand cradles the back of her head as I delve my tongue past her lips. God, she’s sweet—tastes like beer and mint and Mara. I groan into the kiss, unable to help myself.
Her resistance lasts only a moment. Then something in her melts. Mara’s arms tighten around my neck, and to my shock, she’s kissing me back. Soft at first, then hungry, matching my intensity with her own tentative heat.
I tear myself from the kiss finally, both of us panting. I rest my forehead against hers, noting her kiss-swollen lips and dazed expression. Around us, a few people hoot and whistle at the show we just gave. Let them. My eyes find Dredyn one last time. His face is a thundercloud of rage and lust and frustration.
I allow myself a slow, arrogant smirk.
Game, set, match.
TWENTY-ONE
MARA
My heart is still hammering from that kiss.
