Page 49 of Triple Power Play 3
We gather the bedding while Ethan and Jax stock up on candy and drinks from the lobby gift shop.
Aurora tosses the pillows down and faces me, her mask dropped and eyes full of suspicion. “What’s going on?”
She’s smarter than they think, no longer a naive girl. It’s entirely possible she caught bits of conversation, especially Ethan’s booming voice. Unfortunately, I promised them I wouldn’t tell her anything about Kyle or the threat.
I reach out and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, tracing the length. “Jax is struggling with the case, that’s all. He’ll get through it. He has you and Ethan.”
She steps closer, and my heart rate kicks up a notch. There’s only a sliver of space between us. Then, she encircles my waist, and the air catches in my lungs. It feels like forever since she randomly hugged me. Her body is pressed to mine, reminiscent of the dream I had, and I have to beg my dick to behave in these gym shorts.
I hesitantly wrap my arms around her. “What are you doing, princess?”
Her eyes sparkle with mischief. “I’m hugging you. I used to hug you all the time. You don’t like hugging me anymore?”
“You know very well I like hugging you. Too much. What are you doing?”
The temptress grins. “I wanted to say thank you for defending me earlier.”
She’s lying and not even trying to hide it. It’s written all over her devilish face.
“I’ll always defend you. Now, your husband will be back soon, and I don’t feel like losing my balls tonight. Tell me why you’re tormenting me.”
A silent laugh rumbles through her. “I’m just happy you’re here.”
I tangle my fingers in her hair and give a little tug. “You’re a damn liar.”
She bites down on her bottom lip in an attempt to hide her smile, and my body ignites like gasoline thrown on a bonfire.
“Aurora…” I warn.
Her eyes soften, and the tension between us intensifies.
“I’m not lying. I want you to stay.”
My throat goes dry, and I force myself to swallow. “Why?”
Does she want me to stay as security? More? I’m staying anyhow, at least until the threat is resolved. Does she think because something happened, I’ll be returning to LA, like when Kyle died? Is she worried I’m leaving?
My thoughts are a mess.
“You’re good here.” She shrugs. “You seem good with Jax.”
Jax.Not the answer I wanted.
My palms are sweaty, her head cradled in my hands. She feels too close, and I slide my fingers free from her hair and step out of her embrace.
Things were rough while I was gone. Ethan and Jackson were fighting. Aurora and Ethan were fighting. Aurora was alone, and she hates being alone. Tonight, despite everything, we’re all getting along. Does she thinkthey’rebetter with me here, or doesshewant me here?
She’s touching me, giving me looks that go beyond friendship, and my mind instinctively bristles at the sheer impossibility of her genuinely wanting me.
There’s no way. It’s unfathomable, and my confidence shakes.
My face heats, and I ball my hands into fists at my sides. “I’m not here to manageJax. Don’t use your body against me. I’m not your plaything. I’m a person withfeelingsyou’re messing with.”
What the fuck is wrong with me?
I’m still bitter.
That’s the only explanation.
