***
The rest of the meal is mostly quiet, thankfully. Just small talk about how they’re doing, trying to keep the mission out of the conversation as we eat. I’m thankful for that. Hunter and Kameron talk like old pals while Marcus only replies when addressed, not talking more than he needs to.
Hunter brought out another bottle of wine out halfway through dinner and Kameron poured another scotch for me without refilling his own.
Marcus and Hunter look unaffected by the amount of wine they’ve drank, whereas I could feel the lightheadedness and warmth in my belly even before Kameron gave me a second glass.
By the time I finished the new drink, our plates are empty and my stomach is as full as it's ever been since arriving. I sit back in my chair, feeling lighter with the scotch in my system and for a moment, I allow myself to feel calmer. So much so that when I glance at Marcus, I let my eyes wander to really look at him. He seems so tense all of the time, like a gear that’s wound too tight.
I allow my eyes to drag down his warm and golden skin, watching how he lifts the wine glass to his lips. His tongue swipes along his plump bottom lip, catching a drop of wine from it.
Why does this look so hot? Okay…no more scotch for me.
The last thing I should be doing is gawking at MarcusfuckingFlores. I take a louder-than-intended inhale as my core coils from the sight. The sound catches the mens’ attention and I feel themlook my way all at once. My heart beats at a rapid pace with the spotlight on me and a giggle escapes my lips from the nerves.
Kameron’s arm wraps around my waist, “That scotch has you giggly.” My cheeks warm as I look up at him, “It’s cute.”
“Cute?”
“Yeah, cute.” He says, tapping my nose.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I see Hunter watching Kameron’s hand on my waist before his eyes snap to meet mine. I move my gaze from his fierce stare but am quickly met with dark eyes staring just as intensely. Marcus does the same head tilt he made earlier, but this one feels different, like he’s questioning himself instead of me.
36
Kameron
You can’t stay the night.
Not yet, you lovestruck idiot.
Get it together.
I know I have to leave but it doesn’t make it any easier. I want to keep her in my arms. I want her to fall asleep next to me again. I want to stay and keep her safe and show her that I can.
But the mission isn’t over. I don’t get to stay.
I have my car running as I lean against the driver's side door, holding Elliott a few moments longer. After dinner, Marcus stomped to his room, of course, and Hunter had to take a call from his assistant. All of which gave me a little more alone time with Elliott before I had to go back to the cesspool that was Everton.
“You gonna miss me?” I tease as I kiss the top of her head. Her arms are wrapped around my waist as she lays her chest against me.
She pulls away, giving me a sour expression, “I already do and you know that.” I giggle as she slaps my chest, “You just like hearing it. That ego of yours always needs to be fed now, doesn’t it?” I hear a slight slur in her words, probably from the scotch.
Fuck, she is adorable tipsy.
“My ego’s always starving for you to stroke it.” I wag my brows at her, she tries to hide the grin that curves at the corner of her lips but I see it. I love seeing her smile, the carefree side of her peeking through the hard exterior she’s been building around herself. I love being the person she feels comfortable around enough to be herself.
“Kam.” Hunter’s voice interjects from behind me.
I watch Elliott's eyes look around me to Hunter. Her pupils dilate and I take note of the reaction. Just as I take it all in, she looks back at me, but not directly.
Does my girl have eyes for Hunter?
God, the thought does things to me, things she would not understand right now.
I know she doesn’t completely know the past and present of Hunter, Marcus, and I. And I want to tell her everything, have her understandus, but that would have to wait. I turn towards Hunter standing on the front porch. His eyes are still on Elliott but snap to mine with a fire in them I know all too well.
Oh,he likes my girl for sure.
