Loving War(30)

She grins while leaning over and brushing her lips against mine. In this tall corner booth, it’s hard for anyone to see us. “Still want me to stay with you tonight?” I ask her, hoping she says yes.

“Actually, I was hoping we could go to your place. You’ve invaded my space, so I think it’s only fair that I invade yours.”

I grin while pulling her closer for a much better kiss, and she melts in my arms while kissing me back, not complaining about the fact I’m a little drunk, or the fact that I’m practically mauling her in the booth. She feels so right like this.

“I’m good with that,” I say when our lips break apart.

“I should go say hey to Rain before she comes looking for me. Can you behave in front of them?” she asks me, leaning over to kiss my neck.

I groan while trying to get her in my lap. I’d fuck her here in the booth if I knew no one would see us. But someone would see, and I’d rather they not get that image in their head of my girl. I’d hate to have to go to prison after killing someone.

“I can behave, but not for long. We can get out of here whenever you’re ready.”

Her lips twitch in amusement before brushing mine again. “Just let me say hey to my sister. I’d wish Maverick a happy birthday, but it looks like it might have been too happy for him.”

Her eyes land on Sleeping Beauty, and I snicker while nodding.

She climbs out of the booth first, and I squeeze her ass once, earning a quick hand slap. But she grins over her shoulder at me, letting me know she’s just as into me as I am her. It’s a reassurance I wasn’t aware I needed. Apparently chasing a girl who was chasing my brother for all those years has done a number on my ego.

But Tria isn’t chasing anyone but me. She came here tonight and didn’t hesitate to climb into the booth beside me. I’m the first person she came in to find, and her mind was focused on only me. It makes me want to kiss the hell out of her in front of everyone, but I know that would cause all sorts of problems. Especially if she found out the truth about that fucking letter.

Damn. I really wish that terrible thought hadn’t just crossed my mind. Why the hell did I ever try to split Rain and Dane apart? I should have left it alone. Then I might have noticed Tria a little sooner instead of uselessly pining for a girl who was completely unobtainable.

It’s not until we reach the others that I see her smile slip, but she quickly puts it back in place. The alcohol has dulled my senses, so I didn’t notice how forced that pretty grin was. But now I see it clearly.

“I’m too tired to keep standing,” I say to the group, but it’s intended for Tria to step in.

“Someone has to drive you home,” Rain says quickly. “You’ve had way too much to drink.”

“I’ll drop him off. I’m still tired from having the girls over,” Tria says, stepping in like the angel she is.

Corbin groans, apparently sensing something is up, and he narrows his eyes on me. I just shrug, acting bored with the whole scene, when really all I want to do is get the hell out of here and find out what’s wrong with Tria.

“Tria, you don’t have to do that. We can call a cab and one of us can go,” Dane says, looking around for someone other than himself to take me.

“It’s fine. Really. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

As she hugs the group, Corbin grabs me at my elbow to drag me toward the door, stopping when we’re a safe distance away.

“I seriously hope you’re not fucking around with Tria to get at Rain. I can’t believe I didn’t catch on sooner. Dude, you’re going to destroy your relationship with your brother if you’re trying this shit.”

I knock his hand away, and then I take a very menacing step toward him. I’m so sick of this shit.

“I get it. I fucked up. Dane deserves to be pissed, but what I’m doing or not doing with Tria hasn’t got a fucking thing to do with Rain.”

He tilts his head, looking more curious than intimidated. All this alcohol must be making me lose my edge.

“You like her,” he says simply. “That’s why you—even though you’ve got too much liquor in your system—never touched a girl tonight. Well, I’ll be damned.”

His taunting grin takes over his scowl, and I curse myself for revealing anything to the dick. Rolling my eyes, I take a step back. Before I can respond, Tria is at my side, and my arm drops to land on her shoulders.

“Take care of him,” Corbin says with his wry grin. He winks at Tria before pushing off from the bar and heading back toward the others.

Tria doesn’t acknowledge him as she helps me out the door. Well, I let her think she’s helping me. I’m plenty sober enough to walk, but she might not have let me keep my arm around her in front of everyone if I wasn’t faking a stagger.