I took a step back. Finn followed, like a predator stalking its prey. I didn’t like it.
“Me, on the other hand, I don’t mind a bit of a jealous streak,” he said with a smirk. “I like the feisty ones. What do you say?” He tweaked on a strand of my hair. “Want to give me a go instead?”
“Finn, man, what are you doing?”
Zain came up behind me and put his arm back around my waist. He frowned at his friend, who straightened up with a grin.
“Just getting to know the lovely Grace,” Finn said. “It seems she prefers the non-alcoholic stuff.” Finn tipped his glass in my direction like a salute. “Time for me to do the rounds.” He strode off with an easy gait.
“Was he flirting with you?” Zain asked, annoyed.
“No,” I said. “I don’t think so.”
Despite his flirtatious words, I could tell he didn’t like me. He was testing me. Testing to see if I’d cheat on Zain? I would never do that.
Not to mention, he’d almost fallen off a statue and cracked his head open in search of more alcohol. This guy was too much.
“Are you hungry?” Zain asked. “I’m sure we can find someone with a plate of those little sausage pastries. They’re a staple at these kinds of events. That, and those awful mushroom-spinach puffs. Blech.”
His nose scrunched up as he made a face. It was so cute I almost laughed.
“Did you have fun talking with your idols?” I asked.
“It was so great,” he said, his face brightening. “They were giving me advice and stuff. It was amazing.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”
“I did.” He ran his hand up and down my back. “Thank you.”
Zain’s happy expression made my heart flutter, and his touch made my belly tighten.
Sure, he was hot, and sexy, and gorgeous. And sure, he was a rich, famous, talented rock star. But underneath it all, Zain was a guy, like any other. A guy who made me smile and laugh. Who made my pulse race and my cheeks flush. Who made my insides tingle and throb.
His hand settled on my hip, tugging me close until I was pressed against his side. I could smell his oak-and-leather scent. He scanned the room as his index finger drew small circles around my hipbone absentmindedly. My thighs clenched and my toes curled.
This was a guy whose very touch sent my rational mind flying out the window.
I quickly looked at my phone. Ten minutes until the hour. I snuck a glance at Zain. He had been very good so far, and seemed determined to keep to his promise of good behavior.
I sighed.
This was going to be a long night.
Sixteen
Zain
Grace was going to crack before I did.
I’d been towing the line, as much as I could, making sure all my small touches were brief and innocent. I wasn’t going to cave and let her win.
But I knew the effect I had on women, and I was beginning to suspect Grace was reaching her limit. The little squirm of her hips, the slight hitch of her breath, the pink of her cheeks, all of it told me she was looking forward to tonight as much as I was.
If only these damn events weren’t so long.
My phone buzzed in my pocket as the timer went off. One hour exactly. I clenched my fist, debating.
Ah, fuck it.
