An entire body shiver runs through me. I try to cover it up so Xander doesn’t know how his words affect me, but he doesn’t miss my reaction and gives my butt a gentle tap. “Good girl,” he says quietly before he steps back, leaving me sagging against the counter while my pussy aches.
He can threaten me all he wants, but he can’t be serious about me letting him know I’m leaving my apartment. That’s… unhinged. Red flags galore.
So many pretty red flags.
Fudge.
“Steaks are done,” Kian announces as he walks back into the kitchen with a tray full of meat.
I barely hear him, though. Or anything throughout dinner because I’m too busy squirming in my seat while thinking about Xander making good on his threat to spank me again.
“That was so good,Quinn. Where’d you learn to cook like that?” Beckett asks when he comes into the kitchen with the last few plates.
I smile and shrug as Jordyn and I stand at the counter, rinsing dishes side by side. “I love experimenting with food. I learned at a young age how to make something delicious out of whatever scraps were in the refrigerator. I never mastered baked goods, though. Keep me away from anything involving dough. I always mess it up.”
Heat spreads over my cheeks as I realize I’ve said more than anyone here needs to know. No one in the Savage family has gone a day in their life wondering where their next meal would come from.
Beckett nudges me gently with his shoulder. Slowly, I look up at him, expecting to see judgment or something, but there is none. Instead, he smiles at me. “Well, if you ask me, I’d say you have real talent.”
Then he walks out of the kitchen, leaving me with Jordyn. I’m not sure where the rest of the guys went. Jordyn told them to get lost so we could do the dishes. It was pretty funny watching her boss them around. I don’t think that woman is scared of anything.
“Is Beckett always so nice?” I ask, handing her a dish.
Jordyn laughs. “Beckett is just… always Beckett. He has a good heart, but he loves to start shit. Especially with his brothers. I can guarantee Beckett’s already made Xander lose his shit over you.”
I let out a huff of disbelief. “I don’t think so. Xander isn’t interested in me like that. It’s just casual, or whatever, between us.”
Even as I say it, I don’t really believe it.
There is nothing casual about the way I feel about Xander.
That’s the scariest thing of all.
Because even if all the stars aligned…
I refuse to be with someone who isn’t in control around drugs and alcohol.
And I’m not sure he has control over his drinking.
Only the lastfew shadows of the sun give the sky the slightest glow by the time Jordyn and I head out to the patio. We sat inside and ate bites directly from a seven-layer chocolate cake that was absolutely divine. The entire time, we’ve laughed and talked like we’ve known each other for years. It’s always a pleasant surprise when people in power are down-to-earth and genuine. Unlike Mike, who is a fucking snake in the grass.
“Your home is so beautiful,” I tell Jordyn as we make our way out to where the guys are.
Xander is sitting in a chair facing the pool that overlooks a cliff with the most beautiful view of The Strip lights on the horizon. It’s breathtaking. If this were my backyard, I think I’d be out here every night to watch the sunset.
“Thank you. I can’t take total credit for it. My husband has great taste,” Jordyn answers as she goes over to where Cash is sitting and climbs into his lap.
They’re so at ease with each other, and it’s almost as if Cash relaxes completely when Jordyn is touching him. Kind of the way I feel whenever Xander has touched me.
“As much as we’d love to hang out and be the third wheel tonight, we’re going to a club instead,” Beckett says while he and Kian start walking toward the house.
Kian chuckles and lifts his chin at me. “Night, Quinn.”
I wave at him and smile. “Bye.”
Jordyn and Cash rise and quickly follow the men, leaving me alone in the night with Xander.
The first few buttons of his shirt are undone, exposing the intricate ink on his chest going all the way up his neck. In one hand, he’s got a glass filled with amber liquid, resting it on one of his spread thighs. He looks dangerous, his eyes locked on me like I’m the prey he’s been hunting.
