I grab her hand. “I’m happy you’re in his corner, and I’m happy I have him, for however long that might be.”
Sonny walks out carrying a bottle of champagne and three glasses, her hair securely glued in place. “Girls, let’s get this party started.” She pops the cork and we all scream. “To Becky, and what a badass she is. Congrats!”
CHAPTER 64
JACK
Kade and I arrive at the art gallery together. I scan the room, finding Jessi. Our tether tightens whenever she’s around, so it’s an easy task. The way she smirks when her eyes find mine makes my heart explode. She is stunning. I saw the dress she had chosen when she tried it on, but with her full makeup and hair done, she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Fuck. Can I actually keep my hands off her tonight?
I prowl to her and tow her to me, claiming her as mine. “You’re the most beautiful thing in this place. I always thought my sister’s art was amazing, but you make it look dreary standing next to it.” I kiss her, ensuring every motherfucker in here knows she’s with me.
“Stop it. You are so handsome yourself. Who knew you’d look so good in a tux?” She bites her lip and her eyes darken.
I catch her hand in mine. “I want to leave early, so make sure to grab some finger foods.”
She giggles. “Finger foods? I never thought I’d see the day you’d discuss finger foods but, noted. Why are we leaving early?”
I bend to her ear and graze my mouth against her neck, basking in her lilac scent. “I can’t wait for dessert, since I know it’ll taste even better than it looks.”
She glances around to check if anyone heard me. Her eyes spark with lust and her nipples pebble beneath her dress’s thin satin fabric.
Laughter from across the hall makes me snap out of our bubble. For the first time all night I truly take in what my sister has accomplished. The white marble floor pops against the black high-top tables scattered around the room. Becky’s artwork is everywhere, and each piece glows in a halo of light shining above it. There’s a bar near the back and waitstaff wander around offering fancy-looking appetizers. I don’t have a clue what any of it is, so I won’t be trying any of it.
“Ladies, you all look lovely,” I say as we wander up to our group.
Kade taps Becky’s shoulder. “Becky, you’re beautiful.” She fidgets with her fingers. “Your artwork is also amazing. So fucking awesome.”
My eyes narrow on Kade.What’s he up to?
“Thanks!” Becky squeals. “Thank you all for being here and supporting me. It means the world to me.”
We walk around admiring all her pieces then let her mingle with the other guests. She’s always made beautiful art, but these recent pieces show her growth. I’m so damn proud of who she’s become despite all she’s been through.
Sonny spends the rest of her night talking to multiple men. Becky chats with everyone with Kade by her side. Jessi might be correct in thinking Kade has a thing for her. Most of my attention, as usual, has been on Jessi. Watching her take in the art, concentrating on what it means. She’s locked in a trance.
My heart swells when she catches me checking her out. “What?” she asks.
I brush my lips against her cheek. “Just thinking that I’m one lucky bastard.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because I get to call you mine.”
She quirks an eyebrow. “Am I yours, though? I know the girlfriend title was thrown around, but we haven’t discussed labels.”
I guide her toward the back of the gallery, to a dimly lit area deserted of people. Then I push her against the wall. “At what point did I not make it clear that you were mine?”
She avoids my gaze, a blush creeping over her. “Well, we never talked about it, like if we would have titles or make things official.”
My fingers graze her neck as I rest my forehead against hers. “Jessi, you are mine and I’m yours. Girlfriend and boyfriend seem too lax a term for what we are, but if that’s what you want, I’m fine with it. You can give us any title you’d like or no title at all, and my feelings would stay the same.” I comb my fingers through her hair and down until they graze the nape of her neck and stroke her soft skin. “As long as you are mine, I don’t care.”
Her smile fades as her pupils dilate and she moves closer. “I’ve always been yours and will always be yours.”
I growl. “Good girl.” Keeping a hold of her neck, I wrap my other arm around her waist before bowing forward and kissing her, forcing my tongue into her mouth to remind her who she belongs to.
My phone rings in my pocket, but I silence it. It rings again. “Damn,” I say as I break our connection and wrestle the device from my pocket. “It’s Mike.”
“What does he want?” Jessi asks, her voice a whisper.
