Page 6 of I Am Lioness

And then he flashed me this damned killer smile and my knees almost gave out.

I am so screwed.

I gulped.

Knox’s smile widened, clearly taking notice in my reaction. He proffered his hand but kept it closer to his body than entirely necessary, making his intent clear as day. I saw the challenge there; the mischievous gleam in his eyes, how they all but screamed at me tocome get it.Oh, I wanted to get it, alright. The man was sin on a stick and I was ready to sin my way into next week if it meant I could sample a taste.

Slipping away from Reyna’s grasp, I took the bait and slid my hand in his.

“Mr. Carr.” I smiled, quite seductively I might add.

Large, ink-decorated fingers clasped around my hand causing a fresh wave of goosebumps to instantly break out along my skin. He tilted his head enough for our eyes to meet, that wicked grin of his set firmly in place.

“Mr. Knox.Steel.Carr, actually. It's nice to meet you, Miss. Perry.”

The way he purred my name, so decadently in this smoky, intimate voice, was a direct connect to my libido. I would’ve dropped to my knees if it meant he’d say it again. Every last drop of blood coursing through my body rushed straight to the now heated space between my thighs.

Luis’ abrupt laughter cut through our moment. “Mr. Professional over here, whipping out the middle name.”

“Shut the fuck up, dickhead.” Knox barked at his friend, setting my hand free.

“Ah, there he is.Thisis the real Knox. Don't let that proper shit fool you.” Luis snickered.

Reyna giggled behind me and I couldn't help but follow suit. Knox was practically glaring a hole through his friend’s head but judging by Luis’ carefree smile, he didn't seem affected in the slightest as if this type of banter was typical between them.

My phone rang suddenly, bringing the conversation to a screeching halt. Three sets of eyes focused on me as I pulled it out from my back pocket and silenced the call. It was Jason, wondering I’m sure as to what the hell was taking me so long. Or what he would consider long anyway.

“Unfortunately, I’m gunna have to get going,” I said reluctantly. “I’ve got three hungry and probably very grumpy men waiting on me.”

Reyna rolled her eyes. “Ugh, they’re savage beasts when they’re hungry.”

“Tell me about it.” I agreed.

We shared a laugh and I sensed there was something she wanted to say but the words never came to be. Instead, she wrapped her arms around me in a hug and I stilled, completely taken aback by the simple, friendly gesture. I almost panicked. All too soon, though, the anxiety washed away and I found myself hugging her back.

“See you in Vegas?” She asked, easing back.

I nodded and flashed her a proud smile in return. “Obviously.”

Luis was next to say goodbye. He squeezed me in tight side hug and promised I’d see him around throughout the season due to Reyna having issues with her coach. Apparently he needed to “keep that fool in check.” His words, not mine. Then Knox made his way over with this natural swag in his step and my heart rate doubled in speed once more. He slipped an arm around my waist and pressed his soft lips against my cheek. When our eyes met, he was grinning from ear to ear.

“Miss Perry, it’s been a pleasure.”

My stomach fluttered. “It has indeed, Mr. Carr.”

I offered them one last wave before sauntering off toward the front doors, still feeling the effect of his kiss burning my cheek.

Hustling down the steps onto the sidewalk, I found Jason posted up against the SUV with his hands stuffed in his pockets.

“What took you so long?” He questioned, seemingly irritated.

I stopped a few feet away and scrunched up my face. “Five minutes is hardly considered long, Jay.”

“Considering it’s totally out of character for you, I’d say it’s plenty long.”

“How is it out of character? Reyna congratulated me and I stayed to chat.”

“My point exactly. When have you ever stopped tochatwith Reyna or anyone else on the League for that matter?”

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