“Oh,” I curl my lip, holding her at arm’s length.
She gives me a withering look. “I can still turn towards you.”
“Try me,Easy Bake,” I smirk.
She slaps a sloppy hand over my mouth, frowning. “Don’t make that a thing.”
“Too late,” Alana rolls her lips in, smothering her laughter.
“Alright,” comes an agitating, grating voice behind me.I roll my eyes as the guys crowd around us like our sworn protectors. Atlas is at the head of the group, his arms crossed, but a small smile on his face as he watches his wife. “I think we’ve had enough tonight. Let’s get you home, Short Stack.”
Loxley bunches the bust of my dress in her hand, clinging to me. “No, don’t let him take me!”
I shake my head, giving her a pouty face. “I’m sorry, my love, but you are, respectfully, shit-faced.”
She cries out as Atlas pries her hands off of me. “Don’t fight, baby. You’ll see her tomorrow.” He’s gentle with her as he lifts her into his arms bridal-style, and it makes my chest ache at the sight. In his embrace, she’s safe and comfortable. Something that makes me overjoyed for my friend.
Loxley wraps her arms around his neck before giving him a tipsy smile. “Hey, handsome.”
He smirks. “Hey there, pretty girl. Had fun?”
“Mhm,” she hums in delight. “Not as much fun as I’m going to have once you get me home.”
He chuckles. “We’ll see, Short Stack. How’s your stomach?”
“I’m pretty sure I’m gonna throw up,” she says ditzily.
He nods. “Yup. Let’s get you home.”
“Come on, gorgeous,” Connor says as he opens his arms for Alana.
She slinks off the counter before throwing her arms around his shoulders, and he lifts her effortlessly. “I have so much work to do.” She mumbles into his neck.
“Tomorrow,” he promises as he kisses her temple.
Rowan cocks a half-smirk before offering his arms to me.
I shake my head, spinning my finger in a circle. “I don’t think so. Turn around, Assassin Man. I want a piggyback ride.”
A weak cheer comes from Thalia as she stumbles off the dance floor. “Hell yeah! I want one too!”
“No,” Rowan barks at her. “You’re going home with Atlas and Loxley.”
“Oh, come on!” Thalia whines as Loxley reaches a weak hand out to her. Thalia takes it without argument, tucking my friend’s hand under her arm.
“Too loud,” Loxley frowns, her eyes closing.
“We’re going, baby,” Atlas reassures her before tugging Thalia along.
“See ya,” Connor calls as Alana groans into his neck.
“You came in separate cars?” I ask Rowan with amusement.
He shrugs. “We figured the night would end this way.”
I hop up on his back and wrap my arms around his neck. His hands come up behind me as he cups my ass. He’s subtle as he pulls my dress down, and covers my nearly exposed backside.
“Such a gentleman,” I purr before nipping at his ear.
