Page 131 of The Pact

He’s wearing a steel colored suit with a white button up beneath it. It fits his body perfectly. I know what’s under that shirt and it makes me rethink going tonight. Momentarily. My hand travels up his sculpted torso until I reach the skin peeking out from the buttons he’s left open near the collar.

“Love, you look absolutely stunning. How’s Cassie supposed to compete with this?” He takes my hand from his chest, lifting it high. I give him a spin.

“There’s no competition. She’ll be just as gorgeous,” I state confidently.

Taking a couple of steps over, I’m in front of Sutton.

He’s in a deep forest green suit with a black button up. His is my favorite. Maybe it’s because we’ve chosen nearly the same color. My fingers trace over his jaw and I guide him down for a quick kiss. “You’re so handsome.”

Sutton shakes his head. “I don’t even have words, baby. I’m convinced I’d do anything for you. Just ask me.”

I laugh at his words. He’s always had a way with them.

“Thea, I’m entirely serious. Tell me anything you need, want, or desire. I will crawl on my hands and knees across nails, glass, coals, whatever it takes to make you happy.” My chest tightens and my smile fades. I swallow hard. How do I respond to something like that?

He pushes a curl from my face, his eyes taking in every detail of me, as I do him. I forget that anyone else even exists. It’s only Sutton and I.

“Jesus, are the theatrics necessary?” Damian grates out the question, pulling me back to reality. I give Sutton a kiss before moving on.

He’s wearing all black. Damian pulls off the color so well. Most of his tattoos are hidden. However, peeking out from beneath his cuffs, I see two familiar ones that can’t be covered. Both hands are disguised, one looking like a skeleton’s and the other like a robot’s. Then, where the top button of his dress shirt is undone, I see more ink. I’ve only glimpsed the edges of it a handful of times.

Damian isn’t smiling. He isn’t staring at me with lust, affection, or anything else I expect. Whatever’s churning in him feels a lot like impatience or anger. But I don’t know why. The last time we were together it was wonderful. Something about his bad mood is starting to rub off on me.

Sutton nudges him. He only says, “You look beautiful. Let’s get on the road.” My smile and confidence falter. What the hell did I do wrong?

We pile into the limo that’s parked out front. As I sit between Wesley and Sutton, I stare at the back of Damian’s head. He keeps his gaze on the divider that separates us from the driver. My eyes bore into him as I wonder what his problem is.

Sutton leans over. “Don’t take it personally. He’s had a bad day. Major issue with a client and some other stuff.”

Taking a few deep breaths, I try to let the frustration go. I’m going to have fun tonight. Who knows, maybe I can lift Damian’s spirits. If not, I won’t let him bring mine down.

By the time we arrive at the hall Anthony’s rented for the party, we’ve finished a bottle and a half of champagne. I haven’t eaten in hours, so it hits me hard.

I’ve all but forgotten about Damian’s pissy mood. It was easy with Wesley and Sutton distracting me. They doted on me—pouring me drinks, showering me with compliments, running their fingers over me, and kissing up my arms and neck.

Now, I’m thoroughly hot and bothered getting out of the limo without a way to satisfy my need.

Inside, I find Cassie easily. She’s surrounded by friends, ones I don’t know, who wish her a happy birthday and hand her presents.

“Birthday girl!” I scream out as I try my best to run to her in heels. I throw my arms around her affectionately. She returns it and I know she’s had a few drinks too.

Cassie points out a closed off booth and table that she’s reserved for us. She tells us to enjoy ourselves—even giving each of my guys a hello and a hug. I’m jumping up and down inside. Things are changing, I can feel it.

Wesley wastes no time flagging someone down to bring over a bottle of tequila. Two shots later and Sutton pulls me to the dance floor. Cole follows shortly after.

The alcohol takes over and my body moves to the rhythm of the music pumping through the speakers. It’s something dark and sultry, exactly what Cole would listen to.

Putting his hands on my hips, Sutton brings our bodies closer. My arms snake around his neck. I feel the cool metal of his lip rings brush against the sensitive flesh of my ear. “If you planned on being the most beautiful woman here, mission accomplished,” he whispers. I grin stupidly. I don’t know how he does it, but Sutton has a way of making me feel like I’m the only one he’s ever had eyes for.

Our hips sway together and I can’t help the heat from earlier returning. Then there’s a hand on my lower back. Cole. He wants some attention too.

I break away from Sutton, backing up a step so that my ass presses against Cole. My hips move in slow, calculated circles as I reach up and wrap my hand around his neck. My fingers push into his curls. I enjoy the feel of his silken hair against my skin.

Twisting my head, I stare up at him. “Thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t have all of this.” My eyes shift to each of his brothers.

“You’re welcome.” He gives me a soft smile and a kiss on my head.

I’m lost to the beat as my lids fall shut. Cole holds my hips as he grinds into me. My eyes open and I see Sutton devouring us with his gaze.

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