Page 16 of Riot

I snort. “No. I mean, I don’t think so”

“Having sex in public places can be exhilarating.”

“Sounds like you know.”

His lips twitch. “Then again, anyone who even dares look at your sexy body would have to lose their eyesight.”

“That sounds needlessly vicious.”

“Not from where I’m standing.”

“So you’re saying my outfit is a hit?”

This gives him pause to glance down at my body once more, his gaze lingering on my breasts. Okay, they are big, and this is a tight top. “If I had my way, I’d never let you leave the house lookin’ this hot.”

I try, I really do, but if I don’t bite my lip, I’m going to scream. “So you have a possessive side? Good to know.”

“Only when it comes tomy Kittenlookin’ hot as fuck and puttin’ her paws on me.”

I waggle a finger in his face. “I see what you did there.”

He glances down, then his eyes meet mine again. “After Mississippi, things were quiet for a while. I didn’t think you were still interested.”

I place a hand on his chest. “I was always interested, but I had to help Star with Tilly. That came first. I’m sorry if it seemed that I cooled off. I had to focus on Star. She’s done so much for me…”

“I know you’re a good friend, that shit with Tilly was rough. As long as I know you’re still interested, that’s all that matters.”

“I am.” I hold my glass to his once more. “Happy Birthday, Myles.”

He grins. “The night is just beginning.”

4

RIOT

Watchingmy kitten dance all night is doing nothing to ease my hard-on. I also know I’ll be the one driving her home so I’ve gotta lay off the drinks at my own party. That’s if we don’t end up upstairs in my room. I used to use it a lot more than I’ve been doing lately, and I rarely sleep here myself, preferring the comfort of my own apartment.

That doesn’t mean to say I wouldn’t take Halo up there in a heartbeat if she was up for it.

She’s been chatting to some of the club girls with Star for most of the night, as well as my sister, plus Jas, Luna and her friend Payden, Summer, Jett's ol’ lady and Indigo, Harlem’s ol’ lady.

Really, any excuse for a party around here is a good one, though, judging by how slow I’m drinking tonight, I may as well be ninety.

I made sure that my sister’s getting a ride home, and I trust Harlem to take care of her if I end up taking off with Halo. He’s the club’s most responsible member and the Enforcer. Nobody messes with him and his large fists. Harlem’s daughter Stella is also here, and the two of them are good friends.

“You good?” Cash slaps me on the back as he sits at the stool next to me. He zeros in on where I’m staring and smirks. “I guess that’s a yes.”

I tip my head her way. “Have you ever been just friends with a woman?”

Cash frowns for a moment, then says, “No, why’d you ask?”

I shrug. “Just interested.”

Of course, Cash is like the I-Ching of fuckin’ relationships these days. The thing is, I’m ready to fall for one woman. I can’t honestly say that I’d considered the prospect until recently, and it’s probably premature. I doubt Halo is thinking anything even close to a relationship.

“So, you’re in the friendzone.” It’s not a question, and I don’t like that tone in his voice.

“Didn’t say that.”

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