Page 12 of Riot

I almost send myself into a frenzy when he reaches us and I catch a whiff of his cologne. He smells like pine needles, smokeand ash with a hint of citrus. Something so exotic and forbidden that it makes me squeeze my thighs together when we stop.

“Lace?” He pulls his sister into a hug and I’m jittery when his eyes fall on me over her shoulder. His lips part as his eyes travel down the length of my body and I don’t know what he sees.

Does he like it?

Does he not like it?

Should I have worn something a little less racy?

Not that I’d ever let a man tell me what I can and can’t wear, especially one I’m not even dating, but my need to please him is ruling my decision making right now. And I don’t know if I like that. It’s not somewhere I’ve ever been before.

Mind you, my confidence after my last few boyfriends was shot for a little while. I’m not gonna lie and say I’ve not struggled with my weight, but I’m happy at the size I am now. I work out. I’m healthy. I’m just thick-thighed and have breasts the size of Brazil and a butt that you could park a bicycle in. Sue me.

“Surprise!” Lace laughs. She turns to me and Hope; a girl I just met out in the parking lot. “He hates surprises.”

“When did you get in?” he presses.

“Last night. I’m staying with Hope for the weekend until I can find something.”

Riot’s eyes shift to Hope but they don’t linger long.

“Hey.” Hope waves. “Happy Birthday.”

“Thanks.”

Hope just moved back not long ago too; she’s already told me her life story as we were making our way to the clubhouse doors. I also know she’s Priest’s sister and they’re close.

I shift nervously from one foot to the other when Riot’s gaze finds mine.

Then I do what I always do, I wave and say, “Hello, Riot. Happy Birthday.”

I see heat in his eyes immediately, and it does nothing to quell the beating of my runaway heart.

“Ooh, yes, presents!” Lace claps her hands excitedly. She pulls out a small envelope from her back pocket. “It’s a gift card.”

“You didn’t have to do that.” He frowns. “Should be savin’ your money for an apartment.”

She rolls her eyes. “You’re welcome.”

He slides it in his back pocket.

I shove a present in his face. “This is for you.”

He takes my present, shaking it. “What is it?”

“Something silly.”

His eyebrows knit together. “I doubt that if it's from you.”

Suddenly, Lace grabs Hope by the arm and says, “I think we’d better leave these two alone.”

My cheeks flush.

Riot turns and says, “Wait for me at the bar, don’t talk to anyone.”

Lace just laughs. “You’re hilarious, Myles.”

Myles?

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