Page 41 of Revenge & Truth

“Apology accepted, and I reserve the right to make a judgment on your character at a later date,” Ivy stated, then turned, grabbing both my hands. “You and I are going dress shopping tomorrow, so clear your afternoon. I’ll take you to all the best places in the city because this gala is going to be important.”

“I know why I think it’s important, but why do you think that?” I questioned.

Giving me a wink, she started toward the door. “What’s the fun in telling when you can figure it out yourself? See you tomorrow, Astin.”

We all stood there a moment in a state of shock and awe after Ivy left. “Is she going to do that to me every time I hang around her?” I asked no one in particular.

Hound appeared in front of me, grinning like an idiot before he slipped the flash drive out of my hand. “You know, it’s cute to see you on the other end of what you do to us all the time. Tell me, Luna, how does it feel to be swept away by another woman’s charm?” he asked, holding the flash drive like it was a microphone.

I shoved his hand out of the way and dropped into the chair next to his. “Let’s go, Mr. I.T. I wanna see what’s on that flash drive.”

“I see how it is. You only keep me around for my talents, don’t you? God, I just feel so used all the time,” Hound whined as he plugged in the drive and slumped on his chair. “You know, Luna, I used to believe there was something more between us, but I don’t think there’s anything you could do to make me think otherwise.”

Grabbing the armrest on his chair, I swiveled him to face me. “Please tell me you haven’t been taking pointers from Braxton. There is only room for one melodramatic person, and he’s claimed that spot.”

“Hey,” Braxton grumbled. “Not cool, Astin. I’m not melodramatic. No, this guy is prime time, and I’m not talking about Lifetime drama, either. Uh-uh, I’m top notch can’t-stop-watching-because-their-life-is-a-train-wreck, Desperate Housewives level here. Being called melodramatic is just insulting.”

Looking into Hound’s eyes, I pointed toward Braxton. “See what I mean… don’t be like that. It’s cute for a little while, then you just want to smother him with a pillow.”

“If you switch out the pillow for your pussy, I’ll happily suffocate,” Braxton interjected.

Jace raised his hand. “I second that unless I get to watch and steal you away for our own fun when he passes out.”

The absurdity of it all got me laughing so hard I was crying. It wasn’t just what those two were saying, but adding in the mental picture of the scene happening just put the cherry on top. What made it even better is I’m pretty sure neither of them were joking.

Large, rough hands cupped my cheeks, and the next thing I knew, Hound was kissing me. There was no doubt it was him with the cool feel of metal from the hoops he had wrapped around his lower lip. Having caught me off guard still laughing, I discovered he also had his tongue pierced. It was a new and interesting sensation to feel as he deepened the kiss once he knew I wouldn’t reject him. Hound was like Jace—when either of them wanted something, they took it, damn the consequences. Lucky for them, I was more than willing to give them what they asked for.

Hound pulled back first, and I was caught in the red and black swirl of the contacts he chose to wear today. This pair seemed to be a favorite, but one day I wanted to see their true color under them. They were part of his look, and I loved he did what made him happy, not giving a shit what the rest of the world thought. It was amazing to watch, and I’ll admit I envied him just a little.

“Watching you laugh like that, I couldn’t help but steal some of the beauty for myself,” Hound whispered. “And just maybe you do want me for something more than my skills.”

“You are more than aware of that fact, so don’t paint yourself to be that dumb,” I warned, keeping my voice low since this conversation was just for us. “Now, if you’re done marking your territory, can we see what Ivy brought us?”

“Oh, Moonflower, I haven’t even begun to mark my territory. Trust me, when it happens, you’ll know, but I don’t think you’re ready for it just yet,” Hound shared, giving me one more searing kiss before turning his attention to his computer.

fourteen

My throat had gone dry, so I looked around for a glass of water to cool the fire Hound had started in my body. Finding nothing, I got up, walked over to the wet bar, and mixed up a lemon soda water. Sucking down half the glass, I finally felt like I could calm the very eager sex drive that had recently been awakened.

Jace leaned back against the bar, watching me with a knowing gaze but didn’t say a word. Taking the time he gave me, I refilled my glass before giving him my full attention. “Yes?”

“I wanted to ask if you’d go out to dinner with me tonight?” Jace asked, the request coming totally out of left field.

“Excuse me?” The words popped out of my mouth before I could stop them.

Jace simply smiled and shifted so we were standing face to face. “Would you. Go out with me. For dinner. Tonight?”

“Are you asking me on a date?” I questioned. “I’m not trying to be difficult, Jace. I just want to be clear about your intentions.”

“Yes, Astin. I’d appreciate the honor of taking you out on a date tonight,” he confirmed. “Unless you have a meeting or something I missed on your schedule.”

“No, I’m free,” I assured him. “Sorry, this wasn’t what I was expecting you to say.”

Jace nodded and poured himself a finger of whiskey. “Let me guess. You thought I was going to come over and tease you about getting hot and bothered concerning Hound getting all alpha on you? See, the thing is, I already know, with the right person…” Jace paused to sip his drink, holding my gaze intently, “… you like to be told what to do.”

The calm I’d managed to regain went flying out the window. All I wanted to do right now was to sneak off somewhere out of sight and let Jace have his way with me. However, I knew that wasn’t going to happen—this time.

“Yes, dinner sounds great,” I finally managed to answer.