Page 118 of Pretty Thing

“Then why aren’t you out there?”

Bold.

I cock my brow at her, irritation flaring hot.

“Because I’m not feeling well.”

“Oh.” She looks over her shoulder as if she can pick Eden out. “That’s too bad.”

“Not for me.”

She screws up her face at the insult but doesn’t seem to know if I mean the dancing or her. I mean her.

With a huff, she walks away, and I focus on Eden once more the girl already forgotten.

When her energy starts to wane, I know that she needs me. I slip from my hiding spot, sticking to the wall and shadows until I’m at the front entrance.

Pulling back my hood, I unlock my phone and call Eden.

Eden reaches into the front of her dress like it’s a magical pocket and pulls out her phone. For a heartbeat, I wonder if she won’t answer, but she does and my pulse races faster.

“Hey,” she yells, pressing her hand to her other ear.

“Hey back,” I yell as well. “Where are you? I’m here, but I don’t see you,” I say, craning my neck.

I watch her from the periphery of my vision while looking in the opposite direction. Eden glances over, sees me, and her face lights up. She sticks her hand in the air and waves it back and forth. I look over and smile.

“I see you now. Stay there. I’m coming to you.”

I waste no time weaving through the crowd to get to Eden. The whole way, I can feel Kyle’s glare, but he isn’t worth my attention.

As soon as my arms slip around her waist, the wild fury that’s been burning in me for hours simmers. Tilting her chin, I kiss her deeply, making sure that Kyle gets to watch the entire show. It’s not a hardship kissing my Pretty Thing, but his jealousy is the cherry on top of an already sweet sundae.

“What are you doing here,” Kris asks, ruining our moment.

“My night ended early, and I thought I’d swing by. Eden said it was fine for me to come, is it not?”

Kris presses her lips together and then smiles. “No, that’s totally fine.”

Perfect.

I lean in close to Eden’s ear and whisper, “I’m going to grab a pop. Do you want anything? A slippery nipple, screaming orgasm, or sex on the beach perhaps?”

She laughs and blushes, warming me from head to toe.

“Sure, I’ll have one now that you’re here.”

Her words mean more than she can ever understand. She feels safe with me, and that is pure gold to my soul. I kiss her cheek and head to the bar.

Eden is not leaving my sight for the rest of the night. She said it herself…she needs me.

thirty-three

​. . .​

Eden

A little buzzed, a whole lot sore, and very tired, I say goodnight to Kris. She can barely remember her own name, let alone mine. I wave while Kyle puts her in a taxi.