Page 140 of Risky Passion

Holy hell. She is hot!

"Morning, sleepyhead," Whisper said.

"I needed that sleep." Tory ran her fingers through her thick blonde hair as she approached, catching my gaze with a tiny smile that made my pulse skip.

"It's okay. We all know you and Jaxson slept together," Whisper blurted.

"Whisper!" Cody and I protested in unison.

Tory just shrugged, unfazed. "You're right. We did. And it was the best sleep I've had in ages."

"Huh," Parker said. "That's nearly exactly what Jaxson said."

I couldn't help grinning. "Because it's true."

Aria returned to the tables. “Hey, guys. Just got word that Blade will be discharged today. He needs to take it easy, though. Viper had an operation overnight to repair his broken leg, so he’ll be there a couple more days.”

“Phew, that’s a relief,” Maya said.

As Aria sat, a frown drilled across her forehead. “Listen up. I still don’t believe Watts is dirty, so can we please get to the bottom of that? The doubt is killing me.”

The banter faded, replaced by the quiet rustle of papers and the occasional scrape of chairs.

Tory settled beside me with a box of her own, and her shoulder brushed mine. When our eyes met, a small, teasing smile tugged at her lips, and it took everything I had to keep my composure.

“How’s your wound?” I asked.

“It’s fine,” she replied, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth in a way that sent my pulse skittering.

I swallowed hard, resisting the overwhelming urge to close the gap between us and kiss her.

“Oh, before we get started, I just want to hand these out,” Maya said, sliding envelopes across the table toward me, Parker, and Whitney.

Frowning, I picked up the blank envelope and flipped it over.

“Open them,” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I slid my finger under the flap and pulled out a formal-looking invitation.

“You’re all invited to our wedding.” She beamed like a giddy teenager as she glanced up at Zac. “And we won’t take no for an answer, will we, babe?”

“Absolutely not.” Flashing an enormous smile, Zac draped his arm across Maya’s shoulders.

“We’re getting married at Aria and Xander’s place, and then afterward, we’re going to dance our asses off. Right?” She shot a hopeful look at Aria as if confirming nothing had changed.

“Of course,” Aria said with a warm smile. “I’ve already got my dancing shoes.”

“No need for shoes, baby.” Maya giggled. “Barefoot is better. So jotit down in your diaries. It’s about time we all had something to celebrate. You’re coming, aren’t you, Tory?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it,” she said, smiling.

“Awesome,” Maya said, swiveling toward me with a sassy wink. “Maybe Tory could be your date?” she teased, wriggling her brows for added effect.

Catching Tory’s amused gaze, I asked, “What do ya think?” I exaggerated my accent like a proper bushman. “Wanna go on a date?”

As Tory giggled, her cheeks turned a shade pinker. “When you put it that way, how can I resist?”

Maya clapped. “Perfect! And the same goes for you two,” she said, turning her attention to Parker and Whitney. “Bring a date!”

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