“They all got it bad,” she teases as we enter the private bathroom. Wyatt only made the main-level restrooms available to everyone, but we have keycard access to the ones upstairs.
“Maybe a little,” I joke, closing the door to pee while she’s in the powder room. I can hear her laugh when I finally admit what she’s been telling me for weeks now.
I flush the toilet and wash my hands before stepping back into the room. Shay finishes fixing her makeup and then goes to the bathroom herself.
Once she’s out, we exit the bathroom when her phone rings. She looks at the screen and tells me she needs a minute, “It’s Brendan. He must finally be here.”
I smile, excited to finally meet the man she’s been gooey over. Then I step outside to give her some privacy, walking down the hall to ensure I don’t overhear anything.
“Fancy meeting you here.”
My eyes snap toward the smooth tenor of Sebastian’s voice.
“Are you checking up on me?” My tone is somewhat accusatory. I told the guys I’d be alright. I was only going upstairs, and security was every damn where.
Sebastian steps out of an alcove I didn’t see when we first walked in. “Actually, I was here before you,” he states, walking over to stand beside me. “So, I should be asking,” Sebastian leans in and whispers in my ear, his breath tickling my neck, “are you following me, Ariah, because that could be dangerous for you.”
An involuntary shiver tracks up my spine. Goosebumps rise at every spot his words touch along my skin.
“No, no,” I stutter, “I was coming to cool off.”
I nearly jump out of my skin when his chest presses against my back, and he trails his knuckle down the back of my exposed nape, my head leaning into the sensual touch.
“Such a shame. I would have loved to show you what happens when I have you under my control,” he sing songs, gently pressing his lips along the back of my neck.
My breath hitches at the feel of his soft lips on my now-heated skin. “You keep talking, but that’s all it is, isn’t it? Conjecture? I’ve seen nothing that says otherwise,” I retort, finding my voice.
His hand trails up my exposed thigh, resting on my hip. “Keep it up, Ariah.” He groans when I push my ass into his hardening shaft before spinning me and pinning me to the wall. “And soon, I’ll forget my rules and teach you just how far you can count.” Sebastian nips my jaws before he presses his lips lightly against my parted ones.
I open my mouth to ask him what he means when the bathroom door opens. “Ry,” Shay shouts from down the hallway,
“Until next time,” he murmurs, leaning in and kissing my forehead.
The feel of Sebastian’s presence disappears, taking all of his warmth with him, leaving me bereft. I turn, seeking him out, but he’s already disappeared into the corner he appeared from.
“Ry.” She tugs at my arm, refocusing my attention on her excited expression. The gleeful look on her face pushes the moment with Sebastian to the back of my mind. “He’s here! Let’s go.”
I move quickly as she drags me down the stairs. The music’s volume increases as we approach the main area of the party. As the room comes into view, I see a tall man standing off to the side. He’s in a long sleeve black button-down collared shirt and dark wash denim jeans. His onyx-colored dreads are styled into a giant braid that hangs over his shoulder, hitting him mid-chest.
Shay drops my arm and rushes for him. I smile as I watch him catch her and wrap her in his muscled arms.Brendan is hot.It’s the only way to describe how handsome he looks. His beard is shaped up and well-groomed. He beams down at her, lowering his lips to hers for a quick kiss.
He plants her back on the ground as I approach. “Brendan, this Ry. Ry, this is Brendan.” Shay introduces him, and I give a quick wave.
“Hello. I’m Ariah, but Shay just said that,” I say.
My back prickles with awareness as I feel them before they arrive.
Shay confirms their presence. “And these territorial idiots are her men.”
“What’s up? Nice to meet you all.” Brendan chuckles, extending his hand to greet each heir. Even Sebastian found his way from upstairs to sayhello.
I roll my eyes as Wyatt pulls me back into his arms. “You’ve been gone too long, Love.”
“Sebastian was keeping a watchful eye on me, weren’t you, Seb?” I jest.
Sebastian clears his throat when my gaze flits to his cerulean blues. My eyebrow arches in challenge.
“Is that right?” Owen asks, quirking his lip.
