Page 38 of Red My Lips

Reaching up to the head of the bed, I pull back the covers to make room for my Jill. “Come here,” I say, helping Jill roll over so I can wrap my arms under her knees and around her back to scoop her up. With one large step, I’m able to lay her down on her pillow and pull the blanket over her.

“Get some rest, you’re gonna need it.”

“I’m still not sorry,” she murmurs, her blinking slowing as sleep threatens to drag her under. She’s about to lose that fight.

“Sweet dreams, baby,” I say softly, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. Her eyes slip closed as she falls into unconsciousness. And just like that, she’s completely dead to the world.

Exhaustion creeps into my body, fatigue dragging at my limbs. I need to sleep, and I’ll be in bed with Jill wrapped around me very soon. But not yet.

Grabbing my discarded jeans off the floor, I pull my cell phone out of the pocket. Falling heavily onto the vanity chair beside the bed as I press the contact and raise the phone to my ear, my eyes trace Jill’s sleeping form while it rings.

“You wanna tell me why you’re calling at four in the morning?” Anders answers on the third ring, his voice rough with sleep.

“Dane is out, tell everyone. He doesn’t step foot into a game or a casino in this city ever again,” I state.

“Shit. What did he do?”

“He touched Jill.”

“Alright, he’s out,” he agrees without hesitation with an adamance that reminds me why he’s my best friend. “I’m assuming he doesn’t have that hand anymore?”

He knows me so well.

“Not the use of either of them, probably ever again. Unless he figures out how to tattoo with his toes, his career is over,” I state, making him chuckle. “Oh, and I cut his balls off.”

“Goddamn,” Anders mutters in surprise. “You cut his balls off? That’s intense.”

“Dane’s lucky that’s all I cut off.” The darkness creeps into my voice. “He touched her.”

“He had it coming.” There’s movement on the other side of the line. “I’ll start making calls. Do you have footage you need wiped?”

“Nah, I got it covered.”

I’ve done my due diligence to cover my tracks. After today, the grabby little weasel doesn’t exist to me, and he’s no longer welcome in my city.

Goodbye, Dane Presley.

Chapter Sixteen

Jill

He’s watching me.

Spending the night at Inferno was Lana’s idea. Working here isn’t my choice, but it’s the best club in the city when you’re looking to party. Since we know all the bartenders and bouncers, it was easy to get in and be served. Maybe a little over-served, but who’s counting?

Not me, I’m drinking for free.

Even in the middle of the crowded club dance floor, and more than a little drunk, I can feel Gage’s eyes on me—I’ve felt them all night. My body hums with awareness as I dance against Lana, the feeling of his attention feeding my growing addiction.

For weeks, Gage has found his way into my life. He’s slowly wedged himself closer and deeper into my every day until he’s part of the inevitable. He’s at my work, on my nights out, and in my apartment. Now he’s even been in my bed. I should be bored of him by now, especially since we’ve had sex multiple times. Usually, I grow tired of a man after spending so much time with him. And yet, I can’t seem to get enough of Gage.

He wants my body, that much is clear. And I have no problem with a mutually beneficial physical relationship, especially with someone as sexy as Gage. But there’s something else too, something that doesn’t feel purely sexual. It’s foreign, I can’t quite put my finger on it. It’s in the way he looks at me, and how he speaks to me. It’s the way every one of his words is backed by action.

Despite the chaos of the pulsing club on its busiest night, Gage’s presence dominates the room. It doesn’t take me more than a few seconds to spot him sitting just off the dancefloor, his muscular tattooed arms crossed, his powerful legs outstretched. He looks irresistible, like a guilty pleasure I want to indulge in. And I’m not one to deny myself a little pleasure.

Lana announces she’s going to the bar when I decide to break away. Strutting over to him, my head swims as I bend down. Grabbing a fistful of his shirt, I pull him into a steamy kiss. Our lips move together, hungry and a little sloppy. He’s a damn good kisser, I could do this all night.

When the song changes, I pull away to continue dancing. Bracing one hand on his knee, I swivel my hips to bring it down low. When I stand back up, I remain bent at the waist and straighten my legs to stick out my ass before tossing my hair back. The movement throws me off balance as my head swims, and I stumble. Big, strong hands are on me in an instant, holding my waist to stabilize me.

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