“I have so many questions, but I’ll refrain… for now.” Ember grins. “Something tells me you’ve got stories.”
She and Wren talk for a few minutes longer, and Journey and I simply watch and soak up the fact that our girls are getting along so well.
Our girls. My girl. My Em.
Because it’s not an open party, it doesn’t take long to introduce her to everyone else. She’s friendly with each of them, even the club whores. I should’ve known she would be. Ember is the embodiment of kindness and acceptance. One thing she’s never been is judgmental or nasty to someone who is different from her.
Two hours later, I’m nursing my third beer, and she’s on her fourth. I’m learning that she’s a lightweight when it comes to alcohol, but as long as she’s safe and having fun, I couldn’t care less. I’m just happy she’s letting loose and not worrying about my mom or that fucking note.
“Please tell me you’re not gonna let her get away again.”
I turn to face Crow as he takes the stool next to me, both of us watching as Ember, Addison, and Wren dance to the music.
“We’re just friends.”
“Bro, your lips say one thing, but your eyes say something else entirely.”
I arch a brow. “And what do they say, oh wise one?”
“They’re screaming ‘mine’,” he says, chuckling, and then his gaze shifts to the left of the girls. “Aw, shit. Better claim her before that gets outta control.”
My vision blurs as I watch Python crowd Ember and wrap his arms around her waist to pull her against him. I’m off the stool and across the room in seconds, yanking him away from her.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I snarl.
“Dancin’, bro,” he counters. “What’s it look like?”
“Looks like you want my fist down your fucking throat for touching my woman,” I seethe, gripping his cut and getting in his face.
“Didn’t know you’d claimed her.”
Of course, he didn’t. Because I haven’t.
Fuck.
“Um, Ghost,” Ember says, her voice registering through the haze of rage. She rests her hand on my chest, trying to urge me away from Python, and I let her, dropping my arms. “He didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Bullshit,” I snap. “He touched you.”
“Okay, but?—”
“But nothing.” I lift her into my arms, and she wraps her legs around my hips. “You’re mine, Em,” I growl possessively. “You hear me? Mine.”
Her tongue darts out to wet her lips, and she squirms against me. My cock thickens, and I’m so horny that I could fuck her right here, right now. But she’s drunk.
“I’m yours,” she says softly.
“Hear that, everyone?” I shout to be heard over the thumping bass. “Ember’s mine. Touch her and answer to me.”
Cheers erupt around us, but I ignore them. The only person existing in my orbit now that I’ve made my declaration is the woman in my arms.
“I thought we were just friends,” she says as I carry her out of the main room toward my bedroom.
Her statement causes my steps to falter. “Is that really what you want?”
Ember rocks her hips. “Right now, I wanna get naked with you.”
Groaning, I shake my head. “Em, I want that too, but not like this.”
