His gray eyes are sharp.“Did she say that to you?”
“She doesn’t need to say it; I can see it just fine.”
It seems they haven’t said the words to each other yet.I haven’t said them to Leah, either—and she hasn’t said them to me.When I was younger, my friends and I threw around “I-love-yous” like they were going out of style.Everyone loved everyone.I loved Nic, Todd, Claudia, Jess, Javi.All the Shinies.Now that I’m older, I hold the phrase closer.It’s more meaningful.I’ve seen it squandered, and I protect it now.Claudia gets to hear it, and that’s all.
But just because I haven’t said it to Leah…well.I’m feeling it either way.I might as well tell her.
Soon.
The benefit isn’t showing signs of winding down, but Leah is.She’s a champ, keeping her head and shoulders up, smiling and laughing when it’s appropriate, graciously speaking to people when introduced.But the night is wearing on her.
At a break in conversation between her and an old guy who is obviously wishing he were young enough to campaign for her affections, I touch her elbow.“I think it’s time to head home.”
“Already?”She stifles a yawn.
I chuckle.“Yes, already.I can see that you’re exhausted.”
“You aren’t wrong.”She blows out a hard breath.“And my feet are killing me in these heels.Where’s Dmitri?”
We find him glowering near the entrance.
“Couldn’t turn off your bouncer persona?”Leah jokes, but there’s a biting edge to her humor.
Dmitri offers her a grim smile in return.“Are we heading out?”
“Yes.”I look between the two of them.He loves her, she loves him.He was an idiot.That’s all I know.That, and whatever he did, Leah will forgive him.“You’re both coming to Leah’s and my place.”
I can see the question flash across Dmitri’s sullen face—who died and made you my top?It says a lot about the trust we’re building when he merely nods.
* * *
Dmitri
The ride back to Gage’s is quiet.I shift in my seat, remembering the things I did to Leah in this car on the way to the party.I promised her more afterward.
I don’t think she wants me to touch her.
Gage is touching her plenty.Asshole has his hand on her thigh.He leans over and kisses her neck.
She’s sitting between us.Nothing is stopping me from touching her, too.
Gage pulls Leah back so she’s leaning against him and facing me.He whispers something in her ear.She frowns.
He says something else.
She tugs down one of her shoulder straps.
He’s flaunting her.
Gage’s smile is half-hidden by Leah’s updo.He reaches into one of his pockets and pulls out something shiny and metallic.A nipple clamp.
“Present it to me,” he murmurs.“And keep your eyes on Dmitri.”
It’s always manipulations and games with this guy.
But fuck me, I can’t look away from our girl.Her deep blue gaze meets mine as she lifts her breast from her dress, the nipple already hard and enticing.Fuck, I want to put my mouth on it, suck her hard while she whimpers and squirms.
Gage rubs the nipple clamp over her.“Now, tell Dmitri what’s on your mind, little girl.”
