“He hit the floor like a sack of potatoes,” Jax stage-whispers. “Pretty sure Claire has it on video somewhere.”
“That video better miraculously disappear,” I warn, with no real heat behind it. The way Noia is laughing, eyes bright, makes it impossible for me to stay annoyed.
“I’d pay good money to see that,” she teases, running a finger down my arm.
The simple touch has me leaning in, lips nearly grazing her ear. “Keep touching me like that and I might have to whisk you off into a dark corner somewhere, kitten.”
Her breath catches, but she recovers quickly. “Promises, promises.”
“We should go get another round,” Sasha announces, grabbing Jax’s arm. “You two want anything?”
“We’re good,” I answer, eyes still locked on Noia’s.
The moment they walk away, I slide my hand around to the small of her back. Tucking my fingers into the lower part of her dress, I tug gently on the hem of her panties. “Dance with me.”
With a shiver, she nods and allows me to guide her to the dance floor where the DJ has slowed things down.
THIRTY-FIVE
noia
The moment Ryder’sarms wrap around me, everything and everyone else in the room disappears. His big hands settle on my hips, pulling me in close. As we sway to the music, the heat from his body seeps through the thin fabric of my dress, making my skin tingle.
“You’re playing with fire wearing this dress,” he murmurs, breath hot against my ear.
I tilt my head back to look at him, trying to maintain some semblance of control even as my body melts into his. “Maybe that’s what I want.”
His gray eyes darken, and his grip on my hips tightens. “Careful, kitten. You’re about to find out exactly how hot things can get.”
The song shifts to something more sensual, and Ryder pulls me even closer. My breasts are smashed against his chest, and I can feel the rapid thrum of his heartbeat. His hands drift lower, fingers tracing the edge of my ass, making me shiver.
“You’re not playing fair,” I pant.
“Neither are you,” he growls back, his lips brushing against my temple. “The way you look tonight should be illegal.”
“A little heavy on the cliché’s tonight, aren’t we?”
But he just keeps looking at me like I’m the only woman in the world as everything around us fades away.
“Rye,” I breathe, not sure what I’m asking for.
“I know,” he says, and I know he can hear the need in my voice. “Not yet.”
The song ends, but he doesn’t let go. Instead, he takes my hand and leads me off the dance floor, past the bar and into a quieter corner.
“Having fun?” he asks, voice tight.
“More than I thought I would,” I admit, smoothing down my dress with shaky hands. “Your friends are great.”
“They like you.” He takes my hand and starts tracing circles on my wrist with his thumb. “Pretty sure Claire has already come up with a plan to adopt you.”
My laugh comes out breathless. “She’s protective of you.”
“Yes. They all are.” His expression grows serious. “This…” He gestures between us. “…means something to them—to me.”
Before I can respond, Sasha reappears with Jax, both looking slightly disheveled and grinning like a couple of teenagers.
“Having fun?” Sasha asks, though her attention is clearly divided between me and the tall, dark-haired man beside her.
