Page 30 of Only for Tonight
When I get out and stare at my reflection, the marks on my neck are darker. Purple blooming across my skin. Evidence of last night written on my body.
They marked me. They want everyone to know.
I should cover them. But something stops me. These marks are proof that I was brave. That three incredible men wanted me enough to leave evidence.
I trace one gently with my finger, remembering the moment Leo’s mouth was there, the way James whispered “gorgeous” against my skin, how Luca’s teeth scraped just right. My stomach flips at the memory.
Maybe I don’t want to hide that. Maybe I want to own it.
I go to my suitcase and pull out the dress Sienna convinced me to buy. The one I said I’d never have the confidence to wear. Burnt orange wrap style that cinches at the waist and shows just enough cleavage to be interesting. Hits mid-thigh.
I pull it on before I can talk myself out of it.
It fits perfectly. Hugging my curves in all the right places. The V-neck shows the marks on my neck without being obscene.
Fuck it. Let them see.
Makeup. Hair down in loose waves. Book-themed earrings again. The VIP pass around my neck.
Twenty minutes until I’m supposed to meet Leo. I grab my tote bag with my books to be signed and head for the elevators.
The lobby is packed with convention-goers. Lanyards and tote bags everywhere. But I don’t see Leo.
Then I spot him near the coffee shop, talking to a group of women. One of them laughs and touches his arm, leaning close.
Oh.
My stomach drops. Of course there are other women. Look at him in that fitted black t-shirt and those jeans. Why would he be waiting for me when he could have anyone?
I should leave him to it and make my way to the VIP line. Or turn around and go back upstairs.
Then his eyes scan the lobby and find me.
The smile that breaks across his face is brilliant. Genuine. Like he’s been searching and finally found what he was looking for.
“Rebecca!” He calls out loud enough that people turn to look.
He pushes past the women without a glance. “Excuse me, my girl is here.”
My girl. He called me his girl in front of everyone.
Oh my god. Oh my GOD.
The women stare at me. Some curious, some clearly jealous. But Leo’s already moving, crossing the lobby in long strides headed straight for me.
When he reaches me, he pulls me into a hug that lifts my feet off the ground.
“Hi, sweetheart,” he says against my ear, just loud enough for me to hear. “You look fucking incredible.” He sets me down, cups my face, and kisses me right there in the lobby. Not a quick peck. This is claiming, possessive, his tongue sliding against mine briefly before he pulls back. “Been dying to do that for the last hour.”
“You—there were women?—”
"They just recognize me from other conventions. Luca's fans, mostly." His thumb brushes my cheek, eyes locked on mine. "But I only have eyes for you, sweetheart." His gaze travels slowly down to my dress, then back up. "Fuck, this dress. You trying to kill me?"
"Is it too much?"
"It's perfect. You're perfect." His fingers trace one of the marks on my neck, satisfaction clear in his expression. "And you didn't cover these up."
“I thought about it.”
