Page 7 of Dirty Play

“So, what are we looking at?” Rex asks as he steps up next to me, his eyes following my gaze until they land right on our girls, specifically on Gwen.

Who is definitely not my girl. I don’t have a claim on any of them… but I do care about all of them.

“Wanna share your thoughts with the class, Cade?” Rex says as he looks back at me, a knowing smirk on his face while he sips his Old Fashioned. I’m sure he can read straight through me like he's always been able to. Thankfully, over the years he’s been rather accommodating to how little I like to share. “Or would you like me to draw my own conclusions based on the very obvious evidence?”

Except for now.

“Fuck you, old man,” I growl, earning me both a slap to the side of my head and a laugh from Rex.

“I would’ve guessed right, and we both know it,” Rex says with a little smirk before walking into the crowd toward them.

What was that? What does he mean by that? And then to just walk away while some bullshit response is still bouncing around in my head. He’s already driving me crazy, and it’s only been two point seven seconds since he said it.

Irritated, I take off toward Rex, using my six-foot-four height to my advantage, and push through the crowd. Thankfully, I make it over to him before he reaches the girls because I’m able to grab his arm and force him to a stop.

When he turns around, he’s smirking again, his eyes a little sparkly like he was hoping I'd chase him. What the fuck kind of fairy dust are they sprinkling in these drinks tonight? That shit better not be in my water.

“So, are we ready to share our thoughts?”

“Fuck off, grumpy, old man,” I mutter again as he just shrugs and laughs, walking away for the second time.

Fucker.

As I follow him, I find myself searching for Gwen again, immediately spotting her like always. But this time, I really look at her, really see her.

Her smile is bright—she’s out there giggling while dancing around with the girls, obviously having fun. But the smile doesn’t meet her eyes, and it feels like a punch to the gut. She should be happy, like really, truly happy. She deserves it. Yet the only thing I can see in her eyes is sadness and I hate it.

“What’d you bring us?” Miles asks with a smirk, as we make it back to our table.

“I brought myself a water. Your drink is still up at the bar, waiting to be ordered,” I deadpan, and Miles and Harris both act offended. “Not my fault you were too busy flirting.”

“Miles is always flirting,” Rex jokes, which makes Miles smile even wider. He’s a huge flirt and he knows it.

“We were not flirting,” Harris says, looking up from his phone finally. “We were merely celebrating that we all love music and dancing to that music. Besides, maybe you should’ve been out there with us. A good lay would probably help take that stick out of your ass.”

“Fuck off,” I grumble.

“We came back over here a while ago, just been watching the bachelor party that just showed up. A couple of them were eyeing the girls, but I’m trying just to let the ladies enjoy their night,” Max says with a shrug, before pouring another beer from the pitcher.

“I’m all for letting them live their life, but if those guys get any closer, then I’m going to have to get up,” Rex says, watching Sawyer on the dance floor.

The girls aren’t shy—hell they have no reason to be—they’re just out there having a good time, ignoring everyone else around them. But damn is it a good show. That is, until some of the guys get closer and immediately try to put their hands on the girls and start dancing with them without so much as a hello.

The girls are not having it, though, and it’s actually pretty impressive. If I were on the receiving end of any of their wrath, I’m not sure I’d be as bold as these guys seem to be right now. Is it bold or are they just stupid? Either way, it is rather unfortunate for them. Rex and Max are up first, making their way to the dance floor to grab their girls, who both giggle the second they’re swooped off to dance. Harris and Miles head off to go dance with Natalie, who seems more than happy to have the other guys away from her.

Which just leaves Gwen and I. I’ll be damned if I’m letting that slimeball continue trying to get his hands on her, obviously not giving a fuck that she firmly said no, which only makes my blood boil.

No is a complete sentence in itself. Nothing needs to be said before or after.

Not a single fucking word.

I immediately step behind her, my hands gripping her slim waist, as I pull her back into me—not thinking about the consequences, only that I need her close to me, and only me.

“Excuse me, we were talking,” he says, the slur in his speech evident.

“Actually, she was talking and you weren’t fucking listening. So, if you wouldn’t mind, we’re going to go dance, and you’re going to turn around and leave us the fuck alone,” I snap, feeling Gwen stiffen, but then immediately relax into my hold. Her ass presses against my groin, and I want to bend her over right here, in the middle of the dance floor.

I half expect her to turn around and slap me, saying something about me controlling her, but instead, she just glances over her shoulder at me. Both nerves and excitement flare in her eyes, which just makes me feel more possessive. It’s like she’s daring me to do something, pushing me to make a move. Usually, I give this woman everything she asks for… except for that kiss, but that was for the best.

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