15. Whiskey, Warnings, and a Wall Kiss
Whiskey, Warnings, and a Wall Kiss
Braden
M y hand clutches Mina’s as we wind our way back through the hotel. Yes, I’m hurrying, because I have one destination.
Our hotel room.
After the last few hours, I’ve realized something. I’m tired of fighting this attraction to Mina.
Tired of pretending she doesn’t light up my world. Sick of worrying about her age, or lack of experience, or her extended family.
Mina chose me to pose as her fiancé. She did that for a reason, and I’m ready to play that part to the hilt.
“Hey, look who’s finally returned.” I stifle a groan when Leo calls to us from the lounge.
“Be nice,” Mina whispers, delivering a soft elbow to my ribs.
“Yeah, yeah.”
Look, Leo seems like a decent guy, but let’s get real. He was Mina’s partner in every sense of the word, and despite Mina’s claim that he’s no longer her type, that belief doesn’t carry over to Bitsy .
The woman made it very clear that Leo was her choice for Mina and I was nothing more than a tattooed heathen, mussing up her picture-perfect family portrait.
Trouble is, I don’t know how involved Leo is in Bitsy’s plan. Is he an innocent bystander, or is he actively plotting against me, too?
This cloak-and-dagger shit is exhausting.
If Leo notices my rigid stance, he doesn’t mention it. Instead, he waves us toward them as he calls over the server. “A couple of drinks for my friends. Whiskey and champagne, right?”
“Actually, I’ll take a glass of port, please.” Nothing like mixing liquors to ensure the only thing seeing action later is the toilet bowl.
“Same.” Mina gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “We won’t stay long.”
“It’s fine.” Actually, it’s not, but my dick will just have to sit down and shut up for a while longer.
After all, this weekend is about Mina. She has to mingle with Bitsy, even if I’d rather endure surgery without anesthetic.
And her aunt is the queen of fake smiles as Mina and I settle into a couple of upholstered chairs opposite her.
Oh boy, this is going to be fun.
Bitsy wastes no time, either. She sips her liqueur and fixes me with a mocking gaze. “Leo was telling me stories about his university days with Mina. It’s such an important time in a young person’s life, especially when you surround yourself with like-minded individuals.”
“That it is.” What else does she want me to say? I know her ploy, trying to knock me down peg by peg, but she’s about to realize I’m not some dumb schmuck from the country.
“Did you attend school, Braden?” She laughs and shakes her head. “I guess it’s hardly a necessity for a tattoo artist.”
Strike one .
“Actually, I did. I went to art school.”
Mina leans over, placing a protective hand on my arm. “He’s a brilliant artist, Aunt Bitsy.”
She sniffs, peering down her nose at me. “Tattoo artists aren’t real artists, Mina. In fact, many of them are felons or former gang members.”
And there’s strike two.
My brows raise and I tap my foot against the floor, desperate to rein in my anger.
This is for Mina. Bitsy is an asshole. You’re better than this. Don’t stoop to their level.
I swallow half my glass before answering.
“Although that might be the rumor around the country club, it’s a ridiculous fallacy.
Every artist working at Black Lotus has a degree in art, from an accredited school, I might add.
And tattooing is far more difficult than many other artistic mediums. I would know, since I’ve sampled them all. ”
“And yet, you chose to work in a tattoo shop. Tell me, was it because you couldn’t cut it in the real art world, or do you prefer being among members of your own kind?”
Strike three, coming in hot.
“Aunt Bitsy—” Mina gasps, but I hold up a hand to silence her.
If Bitsy wants to fight, we’ll fight.
“My own kind?” I release a laugh, low and dark, rumbling through my chest. “I suppose I prefer their company. They’re honest, loyal, and kind—all personality traits I find sorely lacking amongst the well-heeled crowd.”
Bitsy arches a single brow and smooths an invisible wrinkle from her blouse, like she’s brushing off my entire existence. “Are you intimating something?”
I lean back, finishing my wine as Bitsy and I lock glares. “No more so than you are.”
Bitsy chuckles, her facade momentarily cracking. “I simply want what’s best for Mina. Leo knows that, too. He understands her needs better than someone… like you.”
I didn’t think there could be four strikes, but this bitch managed it.
“Uh,” Leo interjects, shifting in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the topic of conversation. “Why don’t we take advantage of this beautiful dance floor? Mina, would you do me the honor?”
“I don’t think so.” My words emerge as a growl, my eyes narrowing at Leo. “She’s with me and you’d do well to back off.”
Mina’s family and ex believe me to be some feral beast, so I’m about to show them one.
I stand up and offer Mina my hand. “Dance with me.”
I’m not asking her. I’m demanding it.
Her eyes widen as she takes my hand, my fingers closing tightly around hers as I lead her onto the dance floor and pull her close.
Thankfully, it’s a slow song, so even the most inexperienced dancer can bumble their way through.
Besides, the floor is full of future grooms, all struggling to master anything beyond the side-to-side sway learned during middle school dances.
Mina rests her hands on my arms, her gaze expectant and a bit confused. “You said you don’t dance.”
I shrug, inching her closer. “For you, I’ll make an exception.”
“I’m sorry about Bitsy.”
“Shh. Don’t want to talk about her, and I especially don’t want to talk about Leo.”
“What did Leo do?”
She can’t be serious, right?
“He’s trying to wedge himself between us.”
She shakes her head, waving off the accusation. “I don’t think so. He’s just reminiscing about our dancing days.”
“You sure that’s all he’s reminiscing about? ”
Her cheeks flush as she ducks her head, fingers toying with the collar of my shirt. “You don’t think he still has feelings for me?”
“Honestly, I don’t give a shit if he does. You’re mine now.”
Mina bites her lip, the blush crawling across her face in the most adorable fashion. “Is this some over-the-top possessive role you’re playing, or… do you mean it?”
That’s it. I’ll show her just how fucking serious I am about everything .
Backing her against the wall, I lean into her, wrapping my hands around her hips to edge her closer.
Her breath hitches, but I don’t give a damn who sees us.
In fact, I hope the whole place gets a piece of the action.
“Do I mean it?” I whisper the words in her ear, nuzzling the soft skin of her throat. “Mina, I’ll strip you down right here and drop to my knees to taste you in front of everyone. And I won’t stop until you’re screaming my name. Until you know just how good I can make you feel.”
Mina digs her fingers into my arms, her entire body trembling. “Braden?—”
I shake my head and press a finger to her lips. “Don’t you dare rush me.” I nip her neck and grab her ass, hauling her flush against my erection. “I’m going to savor every inch of you and it’s going to take all night.”
Her head rests against the wall, her breathing shallow and panted, her cheeks bright with color.
She’s primed and ready, but I need to know she’s fully on board.
I grasp her face and hover my lips next to hers. “I’m giving you a chance to walk away, Mina. Because if not, we’re going to cross a line, and we are never going back. Do you want me to stop?”
She meets my gaze, her eyes wild with desire. Then she says the one word that changes it all. “Never. ”
That single word breaks me. Breaks the chains holding me bound.
Most of our kisses were gentle. Restrained.
Not anymore.
I wrap my hand loosely around her throat as I possess her with a savage kiss. My tongue slides against hers, demanding a response, while my other hand dips down to cup her ass.
Gasps of surprise rise around the ballroom at our blatant public display, but I don’t give a shit.
I’m right where I want to be, with the only woman I want to be with—and she tastes sweeter every time.
But tonight, I’m tasting all of her.
Mina is an active participant, falling into the kiss and offering herself to me.
This time, I’m taking everything. When I’m finished, there will be no memory of any other man or any other time.
Fuck that. She belongs to me.
With every second, the kiss grows more frantic, more urgent, as Mina inches closer, her desperation echoing my own.
As much as I would make good on my threat to lick her right here, I’d prefer somewhere private.
I pull back, drinking in her bruised lips and pink cheeks. “Time to tell them goodnight.”
I don’t apologize for my actions.
In fact, I’m never apologizing again for laying claim to my woman whenever and wherever I choose.
Mina nods, releasing a shaky breath as she smooths her hair. “Okay.”
We stroll across the dance floor, and I’m keenly aware of two things—the murmurs of the fellow guests and the seething tension radiating from Bitsy as we approach.
“What was that?” Bitsy hisses when we get within earshot.
“That was me enjoying my fiancée.” I drape an arm around Mina’s shoulder, daring Bitsy to say something. “Now , we’re heading upstairs so I can enjoy her the rest of the night.”
Leo chokes on his drink at my brazen statement, but I’m done caring. I tried playing the part of the staid partner, and Bitsy handed me my head on a platter.
Might as well lean into the whole ruffian bad boy angle. It’s a hell of a lot more fun and by the end of the night, Mina will agree with me.
“I have never seen such a display.” Bitsy fans herself.
I bite back a laugh. “That’s a shame for you.”
Maybe if she got off more often, she wouldn’t need to get off on playing games with her family.
Either way, I’m done playing tonight.
Bitsy turns her gaze to Mina, who’s currently wearing an expression halfway between amusement and disbelief. “Are you honestly going upstairs right now?”
Mina looks at me, a grin dancing on her lips. “Yes. I am.”
She leans forward, giving her aunt’s shoulder an affectionate squeeze. “I’ll see you at breakfast.”
“But… we need to talk.”
“Not now.” My words emerge short and clipped.
Here’s the thing. Bitsy has had the upper hand all damn weekend. It’s time for me to regain control.
She clicks her tongue against her teeth before offering her niece a kiss on the cheek. “Be safe.”
But when she leans forward to me, it’s not friendly. “I’m warning you, Mr. Hammond. You will regret your impetuous actions. Mark my words.”
Forcing a smile, I back away from her. “Goodnight, Bitsy.”