“What else would we use?” I smile.
People cheer, and the chaos of gambling begins. Dice roll, coins clink, laughter punctuates the music. Leander doesn’t join, but he’s close, eyes flicking to every move I make, tracking every flirt, every laugh. I catch him swallowing, jaw tightening. The tension is a live wire, and I love it.
The room is thick with the smell of alcohol, faint smoke from some joints, and the heat of bodies packed too close together. I keep the pace high—drinking, gambling, flirting—but my attention never leaves Leander. I feel it every time he shifts, every subtle tightening of his jaw, every exhale too sharp to be casual. I feel him wanting to step in, to grab my attention, to pull me back—but he doesn’t. Not yet.
I let my hand brush lightly against Leander’s shoulder as I pass, just enough to remind him I’m here. He stiffens, and I smirk, catching every flicker of reaction.
Alison leans into me again, playful, daring, and I let her. I feel Leander’s eyes on us, sharp and hot, jealousy radiating like a living thing. I turn just slightly, wink at him, and see his muscles tighten under the thin layer of his shirt.
Alison’s flirtation escalates just enough to keep the fire lit, and Leander’s attention is trapped in a vice of desire and frustration. I glance at him, smug. Every twitch of his jaw, flare of his nostrils, and subtle tightening of his stance is a drug I can’t get enough of.
Then Jax makes his move.
He sidles up next to Leander, close enough that Leander can feel his presence, voice low and teasing. “Hey, you really think you can just sit there looking all broody? You’re supposed to join the fun, not mope in the corner.” His hand brushes lightly over Leander’s arm, playful, and there’s a flicker—just a flicker—of a smile tugging at Leander’s lips.
I notice immediately. My chest tightens, a thrill and something darker coiling at the pit of my stomach. Jax is goodat this—too good. He leans closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I swear, man… you’ve got that smolder thing going on, but it’s wasted if you’re not in the game.”
Leander stiffens for a heartbeat, jaw tightening, then smirks just slightly, trying to mask how he responds. The blush creeping up his neck doesn’t fool me for a second.
I step closer, letting my shoulders bump his, letting him feel my heat, my presence. The tiniest spark of challenge lights in my chest. I’m not about to let Jax steal the spotlight, but I’m going to watch the play unfold, and I don’t miss a beat of Leander’s reactions.
Jax leans in even more, hand now brushing the side of Leander’s waist under the guise of steadying him during a laugh.
“Lee, man… about earlier this week, I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have pulled a stunt like that.” He’s laying it on thick, hand on his shoulder, leaning close.
“It’s alright, man. I get you were just playing around.” Leander smiles at him, and my pulse spikes.
Leander glances at me, sharp eyes meeting mine briefly before darting away, icy but betraying just a hint of something.
Jax continues, oblivious to the storm he’s stirring. “Seriously, I was an idiot. Can I make it up to you? Coffee? Dinner, maybe?”
My teeth grit as a wave of possessiveness rolls over me. I don’t like the way Leander is having to look up at Jax.
“It’s really okay, Jax,” Leander laughs, the alcohol making him bold.
“Come on, man, just coffee. How about tomorrow? I want to make it up to you.” Jax’s eyes drag across Leander’s face.
God, where is a spoon to scoop out your best friend’s eyes when you need one?
Leander’s eyes flick to mine, sharp and hot, and I catch that tiny hitch in his breath. Oh, he notices. He noticeseverything,and he fuckinggrins.
I let my hand brush lightly against Leander’s shoulder, pressing just a fraction, and his jaw tightens again. Alison is oblivious to my not listening to her endless chatter.
The green of Leander’s eyes sharpens, burning with restraint and something unspoken. He’s caught between responding to Jax’s charm and trying not to completely lose his cool in front of me.
I step back slightly, letting Jax lean in closer, and the dynamic shifts like a live wire. I can feel the tension crackling between us—Leander’s body, rigid and tense, trying to resist the flirtation, and yet clearly affected.
Alison notices too, giving me a sharp, playful look. “Wow, I thought I had your attention.”
I ignore her. “Lee, can’t do coffee tomorrow. We have plans.”
Leander laughs. “I don’t think so, Locke.”
My hand slides across his back, gripping his hip harshly so Jax can’t see. “Yep, we rescheduled it.”
And what does my Leander do? He smirks like he’s having the best time in the world. “Oh, you’re right. Maybe another time, Jax.”
Jax, too high to notice the tension in the air, smiles. “Yeah, another time!”
