Page 92 of Easy Out

“I thought you might like it since that’s apparently the nickname you’ve given me.”

“You don’t like it?” I tease. That earns me a glare. I sit on the edge of her bed and pull her between my legs. I’m eye level with her breasts and I would love nothing more than to bury my head there. I would die a happy man.

“Hart, why did you call me a witch that night? Was I mean to you? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be. That whole night had me on edge. If I did anything…” Her voice trails off and she stares down at the space between us. Too much space. I yank her closer to me.

I hate that she is apologizing to me. She didn’t do anything but make me want her in a way I’ve never wanted anyone before.

“You are the sweetest person I know, cariño. You didn’t do anything that night except make me fall for you." She sucks in a breath at my confession. I palm her upper thighs.

“I don’t date. I don’t allow myself to get wrapped up in wanting a woman. But you enchanted me without even trying. The moment I saw you I wanted you. And the only explanation for my intense feelings is you.” I kiss the top of her cleavage. “Are.” I skate my lips across her neck. “A witch,” I say then rest my forehead against hers after kissing her gently.

“And cariño. What does that mean?“ Lauren’s voice is a low rasp. Her fingers brush through my hair. Her touch is tender, but it makes me anything but soft.

“It means a lot of different things,” I say looking in her eyes. “Honey, sweetie, darling. It means I care about you. It means you’re my sweet, little cariño and I claimed you as mine.”

“But you’ve been calling me that for months. The first night at the library.”

“Lauren, I hate to tell you this, but you’ve been mine since you stood next to me at The Warehouse.”

“Good. I love being with you.” Lauren maneuvers herself onto my lap. “I love the way I feel when I’m with you.” She rocks her body against mine and the quietest whimper escapes her lips.

“Stay with me tonight, cariño. Come home with me.“ Lauren’s lips caress mine. Her lips are possessive yet sweet. She takes her time exploring my mouth. Our tongues tangle together as we taste each other.

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be than with you, James.” My body tremors at her words. Lauren is so far under my skin, in my heart. I love her. And if I can’t tell her how much I love her, I’m going to show her.

I kiss Lauren one more time before lifting her off my lap. I squeeze my dick to relieve some of the pressure and readjust it.

“So, you really like my costume?” Lauren asks peeks over her shoulder.

“What do you think?” She glances down at my hand palming myself. Lauren moves my hand out of the way and takes over. Mierda. I will never get used to how good it feels when she touches me.

“I’d say I can’t wait until tonight and I can show you some of my magic.”

“Brujita,” I growl and chase her out of her bedroom with her giggling. Lauren stops short when she sees Sydney and Koa in a staring contest.

Enzo catches my eye. I stand behind Lauren and wrap an arm around her chest. I don’t know what his fucking problem is, but I’m going to get to the bottom of it tonight.

He’s been a dick since the first time he met her.

“Absolutely the fuck not,” Koa bellows dragging my attention to him. He is standing toe to toe with Sydney. “Nash will lose his mind if he knows you’re wearing that.”

“Good thing Nash isn’t here, and you aren’t in charge of me. Everyone ready?” Sydney pushes past Koa, but he grabs her elbow.

Sydney narrows her eyes in a dare. She isn’t dressed any different than the other girls. If he continues to make a big deal out of it, he will be showing his hand and giving Syd the advantage.

“Come on bro, let’s get out of here,” Wyatt encourages Koa.

“Fine.” Koa drops Sydney’s elbow but it’s clear he isn’t happy about this.

I drop my hold on and Lauren and exchange it for her hand as we walk out the door. Lauren gives me a light squeeze and nods toward Syd. I let her go and she rushes ahead to catch up with the girls.

“Did Lauren refuse to change too?” Koa asks me quietly.

“I didn’t ask her to. She looks amazing. I’m going to enjoy watching her all night.”

“Along with every other guy,” Enzo adds.

“They can look all they want. Lauren is mine.” Enzo bristles at my statement. “She can handle herself too. She’s proven that time and time again.” Lauren doesn’t need a knight in shining armor. She’s more than capable of saving herself.

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