Page 53 of Those That Don't Exist
“He’s gorgeous,” she tells me, but so loud I know he hears. Which is confirmed by the bashful smile breaking across his face.
“Nice to meet you, you must be Bree,” he says, turning to give her his attention.
“How could you tell?” She cocks her head in confusion.
“Rory’s description of you was spot on. Tall, loud and clearly protective.” He gestures at the way she has positioned herself in front of me. I also notice how it's the first time he’s called me by the nickname my friends use.
“Well, she’s been through enough. You better not be using her or I’ll…” I slam a hand over Bree’s mouth.
“Bree!” I admonish. I quickly remove my hand when I register the warmth of her skin under my palm.
“What?” She looks at me like I’m crazy. “He needs to know now I’ll kick his ass if he hurts you.”
I shake my head, trying to laugh it off. Ty seems amused too. We both know that even though Bree is nearly a full Fae she would not be expecting the formidable opponent of Ty’s true nature. Fae are strong but in a one-on-one I think Ty would have the advantage over my friend.
“I would expect nothing less,” he reassures her.
Seemingly satisfied she links her arms through both of ours, dragging us further into the group. Ty gets introduced to Claire, which goes well thankfully, and to most of Bree’s ballet group, half of whom I don’t even know the names of. After a few minutes of slightly awkward conversation Bree’s date pulls her attention back. Ty replaces his hand on my waist, pulling me into him to move to the music once more.
Our spat over text still lingers in my mind, but I like the feel of his body against mine so I choose to drop it for now, and enjoy this moment of having him here. And he can really dance.
“I need some water,” I tell him after several tracks, before walking off the dancefloor towards the crowded bar. There’s plenty of bartenders serving the crowd down here so I don't make the effort to go upstairs to get a drink. It won’t take long to reach the front.
I didn’t think about the fact Ty would follow me until his arms wrap around my waist from behind, enveloping me in his scent. I lean back into his chest as we slowly move towards the front of the queue.
I notice how he subtly shifts every time someone walks past us, or is at risk of jostling me. He isn’t allowing anyone to brush up against me.
My earlier anger resurfaces as I realise he’s making sure I don’t touch anyone. Does he not trust that I can control myself? Is that why he really came tonight? Maybe he didn’t want to see me, he just wanted to make sure I protected our little secret.
Thoughts sinking my mood, my earlier excitement is gone.
I get further annoyed at the way my body erupts in sheets of goosebumps every time he brushes against my back and my ass as we jostle through the queue. Liquid heat starts pooling in my belly at the slight friction between us.
“Do we need to get out of here?” he asks against my ear as he moves again to stop the guy next to me brushing my arm. Ty’s chin brushes my bare shoulder as he speaks, I practically shiver as the feel of his short stubble ratchets up my temperature further. We may as well be in an empty club for all the attention I’m paying anyone else at this moment. It’s not blood I’m thirsting for right now.
“I’m good,” I squeak, my throat dry.
“I can feel you getting tense,” Ty replies. “Don’t try to fight it if you’re struggling. We can leave.”
“I’m fine,” I retort, keeping my teeth clamped. I’m anything but fine, especially as Ty’s hand splays on my stomach.
Maybe him saying he wanted me last week wasn’t what I thought. My lust must be one sided or he’d know what is the real cause of my reactions. If I was having the same effect on him I would surely be able to feel the evidence against my ass. No, he’s definitely holding me firmly in case I suddenly launch myself at the nearest artery.
His thumb moves, making me hyper aware it’s sitting on my lower ribs, just below the underside of my breast. One little wiggle and he would caress it.
“You’re practically panting,” Ty whispers in my ear, his lips against the shell of it in the barest of touches.Holy gods, how does he not recognise he’s the problem right now.
“It’s not fresh blood I want right now, and can you cut it with the overprotectiveness already?” I try to shrug off his nearness but it makes him hold me tighter.
Ty’s chest expands against me as he takes a deep inhale. He stiffens behind me, making my eyes dart around, looking for whatever has him spooked.
“Whatever you’re thinking about, stop it,” Ty warns in my ear, his voice raspy.
“For the last time it’s not blood I want.”
“I believed you a moment ago. I meant whomever you’re lusting over needs to stop now.” He pauses to clear his throat. “With that dress you're wearing I can scent certain things.”
My cheeks flush crimson as I register what he’s telling me - he can smell the physical effects of my arousal. My thighs instinctively clench.
