Page 99 of Running Winter

"This is Leigh. My bodyguard," I announced, exhaling before I sipped the champagne.

It was bitter and cheap, but it would do the job.

"Goddamn, I need a bodyguard," Jael purred, stroking Leigh's arm.

"Sorry, beautiful. I'm here on business," Leigh drawled, his grey eyes stalking the occupants of the room we were in.

It was busy, but I didn't see anyone odd.

I walked forward, and Leigh put his hand on the small of my back as we moved.

"Hands-off, beautiful," I snapped, pushing his hand away.

Leigh dropped it slightly, allowing it to graze against my ass faintly.

"Someone’s jealous," Leigh smirked, and I cut my eyes at him in response.

"If you want to fuck my friend, be my guest. I'd appreciate the breathing space," I retorted, pursing my lips.

"I don't want to fuck anyone. I'm working."

"God, you're boring."

Leaning against a kitchen counter, my eyes fell on a tattooed arm as it took the top off a bottle of beer. My eyes trailed up said arm, my heart lurching when I realized who it was.

"Excuse me," I muttered to Leigh, who watched me leave.

I crossed over to where Jared Herrod was stood, talking to a group of his buddies. I lightly let my fingers dance on the back of his neck before peering around to see him turn towards me with surprise.

"Mr. Herrod," I purred, my eyes dropping down his broad chest.

His eyes widened, and he swallowed the beer in his mouth quickly. He was speechless for a brief moment, and I noticed his friends whispering to each other.

"Miss Deacon, you look...delicious."

My stomach tightened when he spoke, his tongue wetting his lips as he glanced around the room suspiciously.

"Are you here on your own?"

"Not exactly," I replied, aware that his hand had moved to my waist while still clutching the beer bottle between his fingers. I moved towards him, loving the fact he was so broad and tall. I had to look up at him, and despite knowing this guy and my brother hated one another, I knew that I had to have him.

"Uh oh, that sounds like you're here with a guy. So who do I have to fight to be with you tonight, Miss Deacon?" Jared teased, pulling me closer to him.

Rafe would kill me, but fuck Rafe.

This was about me.

"No one," I whispered, making sure to widen my eyes and press myself against him.

My arms laced around his neck as I tilted my head to the right, my core tightening when his eyes filled with understanding.

Jared moved his head the opposite way, and before I knew it, he pressed his lips against mine.

I was surprised to taste cigarettes, but strangely I liked it. I closed my eyes, and he wasted no time in urgently exploring my mouth with his tongue.

In my mind's eye, I knew Leigh was watching, but for some reason, that only turned me on more.

I’m a sucker for attention.

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