Page 152 of Heat & Deceit
“You’re so perfect,” he whispers against my lips, kissing me again. “So pretty when you let me be in charge.”
A blush sweeps up my neck and face while my center throbs and demands a knot. The three of them audibly inhale, and then the clapping begins. A soft approval at first, then it’s loud, every person in the room cheering us on.
“Oh my god,” I groan. I’d forgotten where we were. “Are they looking at me?” I ask Javi.
“If they’re not, they’re stupid.” He smiles and flexes his fingers around my neck before running his hand down the front of my dress. “Ready to face the world as the official Pack Gray omega?”
How is that even a question?
“Yes!”
It’s hard for me to comprehend how many people know my guys. From the rich and elderly to the young and beautiful, the guys have more than enough friends. Though, based on some of the polite and brief introductions, I’m gathering there aren’t many people who are close to my pack. Aside from Georgina and her two mates, there’s a few alphas the guys seem to gravitate toward.
I’m doing my best to hold my own, but being so new to this world, I feel a little out of my element. The guys are amazing. Anytime I get too nervous or quiet, they end whatever conversation they’re in the middle of and make an excuse for us to be alone for a few minutes. I’m flattered by how responsive they are to my needs, but I’m starting to feel like a burden.
“Do you mind giving us a few minutes?” Ly asks two alphas that seem to know the guys the best.
“Actually,” I cut in, “I’m going to grab some water. You guys keep talking.”
Politely smiling at people, I shift through the crowd until I reach the bar. The bartender nods at me while finishing a drink. They’re attractive in a way that I wish I could embody. Strong facial features but a slight, lithe frame that hints at solid, cut muscle. The sleeves of their white top are rolled up to reveal smooth forearms. The bartender moves with swagger and confidence, and I force myself to look away to keep from staring.
So many unfamiliar faces, but they’re all here for the guys. No one has really made me feel out of place, though maybe that’s because I’ve been with the guys all night.
Now that I’m on my own, that might change.
“All right. Sorry about that. What can I get you?”
I face the bartender, taking in the short sweep of black hair. “Just water.”
“Not drinking tonight?” They arch an eyebrow.
“Not drinking ever,” I say with a shrug.
Ly isn’t drinking, and Rome and Javi have been casually sipping on their whiskeys for a little over an hour. I’ve been offered a few flutes of champagne, but I’m not going to indulge. Indulging means risking a relapse, and that’s not the sort of life I want anymore. I’ve come to really love what I have going on. Drinking and slipping back into more dangerous habits won’t add anything but pain.
I’m good.
“Oh, I got you.” The bartender nods and grabs a cup. “What about a mocktail? I can make something amazing with cranberry juice, OJ, and maybe a little lemon-lime soda. Just because you’re not drinking doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy what you’re sipping on.”
“You know what? That sounds so good.”
“Cool. Give me a minute.” The bartender gives me a lopsided grin.
“Looks like you found yourself a cozy little setup,” a voice I never expected to hear again drawls.
Turning, I brace myself. Tabitha has never been kind. She’s on the arm of an alpha I recognize, though I can’t place where I know him from. Her nails are painted bright red, and her tight dress is showing off her nearly perfect body. Tabitha’s rich red hair is pulled into an elegant chignon. She’s so pretty. Too bad she’s a cunt.
“Tabitha.”
“How do you like my leftovers?” she says with a wicked grin. “I’m sure Ly misses what we used to have.”
The alpha bristles. “You slept with him?”
Tabitha releases a condescending laugh, but before she can respond, my guys appear.
“More lies, Tabitha? Here, I thought you’d learn your lesson after stealing from us. Should I reconsider calling the cops?”
“No,” Tabitha grinds out between clenched teeth. “I didn’t take that much.”
