Lola giggles, the sound is too high and too fucking wrong. It sounds fake as fuck. Playboy’s jaw tenses, but he doesn’t say anything. The look I give her has the laugh tapering off while she tries to play it off.
Unconvincingly.
Snake just rolls his eyes and doesn’t say a word before he heads across the room. I fall into step with him and Playboy follows behind like a fucking eager as hell puppy. I swear histongue is about to loll out of his mouth. When Sidewinder joins us, I barely stop myself from rolling my eyes.
Sidewinder and Playboy pull a table up to the table in the booth, giving the space more room. I’m grateful when I pluck Ezra out of her seat and sit with her in my lap in a chair. It’s where she belongs and it wouldn’t have happened with just the booth seats.
“What are you doing?” Ezra’s question is filled with amused scorn.
“Joining my woman and our friends for a drink,” I tell her honestly.
She huffs, “I was talking more about this whole picking me up and putting me where you want me thing you’re doing.”
I nuzzle into her neck and whisper, “You like it when I put you right where I want you.”
The way she shivers in my lap has my cock hardening. I was already struggling, but with her in my lap? I’m fucking done for.
Snake took a page out of my book and has Graycie perched on his lap. His large hand slides over her belly and, fuck, I can’t wait until I can do the same to Ezra. When Snake catches my eye, the knowing smirk on his face tells me I’m more transparent than I thought.
Oh well; fuck it.
Lola puts a beer down in front of Playboy with a little too much force. I have no doubt she did it just to get everyone’s attention. And she does get it.
Eyes swing toward her as she drapes herself over Playboy’s back. His jaw flexes, but he doesn’t push her off.
“Oh, Ezra,” Lola’s voice drips with disdain, “I heard you were around the clubhouse. I guess I should say welcome.”
Ezra tilts her head slightly as she looks Lola over. “Lola, right?” When Lola nods, my woman grins. It’s not a nice grin, though. It’s pure warning. “Thank you for such a warm welcome,” the sarcasm is easy to hear in her voice.
Lola freezes for a moment, but she covers it with a lilting laugh that’s so fucking fake I almost roll my eyes. “It’s just so strange that you’re even here,” she says the words like she’s offering a gift, “considering you’re the sheriff’s daughter.” A look of fabricated concern crosses her face, “I hope you’re not here just to gather information for your dad.”
My eyes narrow as I look at her. No, she really didn’t say that shit. Did she? Sidewinder’s gaze sharpens on Lola, and I can see he wants to say something.
“What the fuck, Lola?” Playboy sounds annoyed and horrified.
Lola’s eyes widen as she looks at him. “What? I’m just saying what everyone is thinking.” She shrugs like she’s not showing her ass. “Prez,” her voice turns seductive, “let me know if you need me later.”
I look down at Ezra. She doesn’t seem bothered, but there’s no way in the fucking world that I’ll allow this shit to continue.
“Lola,” my voice is deep and dark. She freezes and stands up straight.
When she looks down at Playboy, he’s shooting her a disappointed looked and shaking his head. “That was royally stupid.”
Lola’s eyes go big and round. It’s almost funny how quickly she puts on the act.
She thinks it’ll fool us. I don’t think it fools Playboy half as much as he wants her to think it does.
I stand up slowly while keeping Ezra in my arms. My steps are measured as I walk around the table toward Lola. I keep my eyes locked on her and I know my gaze contains zero warmth. She starts to shrink back, but she doesn’t run.
I’m not sure if that’s bravery or lunacy.
Maybe both.
When I set Ezra on her feet, she doesn’t say a word. She just looks at Lola. Maybe she’s waiting. I certainly don’t want to disappoint her.
The quiet spreads like a wave through the room. It heightens my senses and sharpens them.
My hand slides around Ezra’s waist and I pull her back flush against me. I lean over her, my voice a deep rumble, “Who do you think you are to speak to anyone like that, let alone my woman?”
