Page 58 of The Truth of Our Past

Jayce releases my shirt but moves closer to say something, trying to intimidate me.

Von has had enough. He reaches over my shoulder and puts his spread palm on Jayce’s chest to halt his forward momentum.

My best friend is being an asshole, and her husband is a caveman, but I’m giddy with Von’s reaction. No one has ever stepped in to fight my battle with me. Not even Cole.

My heart’s bursting and the only thing I can do is lean in and kiss Von. “Thanks, Viking.”

Von kisses me but continues to glare at Jayce. It’s so motherfucking hot I’d risk doing him right here in the hallway.

“What’s happening?” Madyson screeches. She hates being the last to know something.

“Von doesn’t like it when people mess with what’s his. And that’s me.” I’m certain of the truth. “I’m his,” I declare defiantly. Von wraps his other arm around my waist. We’re officially out as a couple.

What in God’s name did I just do?

Von

Whatever It Takes by Imagine Dragons

My heart is hammering and I can’t let go of Alec. When Jayce put his hands on him, all rational thought left me. I try to keep my hands off Alec because I’m not sure he wants his friends to know we’re sleeping together. But Alec said he’s mine. My ears are ringing with the possibility of it. I’m afraid if I let go of him, his words will vanish along with him.

Shane vibrates like an overexcited puppy when we return to the table. The man is a sappy romantic. Cole gives me the standard chin raise of approval.

The bar is loud and a couple of drunk women are screeching Adele, trying to get people involved in karaoke. I wish we were in a booth so I could be closer to Alec. Cole’s a half a second away from tugging Shane into his lap, and I will definitely pick Alec up to sit with me. I’ve moved my chair as close as possible, but it’s not enough.

Cole tries to reassure Alec that Em is an adult and will be fine, and he has us to support him if he needs us. Shane gently points out that we can’t involve ourselves unless Em asks, otherwise we’re meddling. The same as Madyson.

Alec sulks and eats another piece of that awful candy. It has a fake sugary tang that flooded my mouth but then tasted chalky. It’s terrible. I could kiss him better, but it would lead to public indecency. That might be something Alec is into. I laugh.

“What!” Alec barks.

“I had a few indecent thoughts and wondered what you would think of them.” My hand is on the back of his neck and I rub my thumb along his hairline.

Alec’s grin is a question. “You’re a tease and a flirt. I’m corrupting you.”

My lips hover over his. “I’m taking you home.” I keep my lips out of reach, standing up.

He smacks my ass. “Lead the way, Viking.”

Chapter twenty-six

Alec

Feel Like Makin’ Love by Bad Company

“You know, my place is closer.” I take Von’s hand and thread our fingers together. “If you’re interested in that.”

I’ve never brought a guy to my place to fuck, but it feels right bringing Von.

“I’m canceling the Uber.” Von uses his free hand to pull out his phone, almost dropping it.

“In a hurry?” My face splits into a wide smile, knowing I’m the one who turns Von from calm and controlled into hot and frenzied. The vein in his forehead is back to normal. When he was on the verge of sparring with Jayce, the thing had a pulse of its own.

Von’s piercing blue eyes light up my senses. “Get us a ride to your place,” he growls.

It’s surreal he chose me. Of all the people in the world, he could have anyone, and he wants me.

“It’s faster to walk.” I lead him across the street in the crisp air and tuck into his side for warmth. I’m doing my best to match his long strides and quick pace. Von lets go of my hand to wrap his arm around my waist, but it slows us down. We silently agree that speed is our goal.

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