“With you, yes, I am,” he says, but he sounds dead serious.
Lily grins, standing with her eyes bouncing between the two of us, watching our interactions. “Nice to see you, Mable. Text me.” She glances at Wells, then back to me one last time. “And call me if you need anything.”
“Thanks,” I tell her before she disappears into the crowd.
“What did she say?”
“That you’re intense and possessive.”
“She’s observant.” His hand splays across my stomach, making his words all the more true. I glance down at his hand, and it hits me. We had unprotected sex. I’m not on anything either. “What else?” Wells asks.
I hesitate, not sure if I should say anything. I haven’t experienced firsthand anything actually rude from Cordelia. Even if she is right now talking to Wells’ mom and they look chummy as hell.
The music shifts to something slower, couples beginning to drift toward the dance floor. “She also warned me about Cordelia.”
Wells stiffens slightly. “What about her?” His brows pull together, concern taking over.
“That you two are getting married and it was planned years ago.”
Wells shakes his head. “That’s old gossip people make up. Ignore it.”
“Either way, I don’t think she much cares for me.” Wells follows my line of sight, still watching Cordelia and his mom, now laughing.
His eyes search my face. “Why do you think that? Did she say something to you?” I shake my head no because she’s only been kind to my face, and I do not want to be the girl that doesn’t like another girl because of jealousy over a man. I also don’t want Wells to think I can’t get along with any of the women in his life.
“I think...” Cordelia slightly turns toward us, her perfect smile still fixed in place. “I think she touches you like she has every right. And you let her.”
Wells blinks, genuinely surprised. “I don’t?—”
“You do.” I pull back slightly, creating space between us. I can tell instantly he doesn’t like that. “You didn’t pull away when she grabbed your arm. But you wouldn’t let me walk ten feet to talk to an old friend without a countdown.”
“That’s different.”
“How?”
He stares at me. “Because...” He drags a hand through his hair. “Because Cordelia is... she’s harmless. She’s been in my life forever. She’s like family.”
“Family doesn’t look at you like that.”
“Like what?” He’s either a great actor or he genuinely doesn’t notice it. I suppose that really goes to show me that to him she is platonic at least.
“Never mind.” I don’t want to start an issue. I haven’t met all of his family. I don’t want everyone thinking I’m full of drama when that’s the opposite of who I am.
He kisses my forehead, my nose, and my mouth. “Let’s go make it real clear to everyone who we’re with tonight.”
Before I can ask what he means, he’s pulling me toward the dance floor. The music has shifted again, slow and romantic, and he pulls me into his arms. All those watching eyes, all thewhispered conversations, and Cordelia’s piercing glare from the edge of the dance floor remain trained on our every move.
Wells ignores them all. He looks only at me. I do the same. I’m not here for any of them. I’m only here for him.
“Put your arms around my neck,” he says softly.
I do; he’s too hard to resist. He pulls me closer until there’s no space between us. His hands settle low on my waist, possessive and deliberate, and he begins to move. I can feel the hard outline of his cock pressing into my stomach.
“What are you doing?” I whisper.
“Showing them,” he whispers against my hair. “Showing everyone the rumors are bullshit. I have never danced this way with anyone before. You’re the one I want. The only one.”
He dips me suddenly and dramatically, and I gasp, clutching his shoulders in surprise. He holds me there, suspended, and kisses me. Not a polite press of lips—a real kiss, deep and claiming, in front of everyone.
