Page 37 of The Game

“And who says I will?” I spit back, defensive now. Like this asshole needs an ego boost. He laughs, smoothing his fingers over his jaw as he looks away.

“You’re defensive of the things you like. Pretty sure I fall into that category now.”

“Well at the moment, not so much. I don’t like cocky assholes.”

Now he really laughs, dropping his arm to squeeze me to his side affectionately. Again, he leans into my ear, warm, minty breath pushing aside my hair as he speaks softly, voice that husky rumble I love so much.

“Dirty little liar.”

And as my thighs clench, I know he’s right.

CHAPTER20

Alice

The bar is stuffy and packed, but Teddy absconds me to the back before I can get a good look around. Fingers laced, he doesn’t release me until we show our IDs to two bouncers who clap Teddy on the back like they’re the best of pals. They eye me with suspicion and a dash of lust, but I can’t linger on that as I’m dragged into the tiny-ass dressing room that was probably once an old maintenance closet.

“Hey! Speak of the devil!”

Teddy spreads his arms wide and gives a little bow.

“And the devil shall appear.”

Three men lounge in the space, one tuning a guitar, one spinning drumsticks around, headphones plugged into his ears as he bobs his head to the music only he can hear. The other takes a shot of clear alcohol, winces, then reaches for another.

I suddenly feel very out of my element, nervous, and so I stand in the doorway as Teddy greets his friends. After a few minutes, he seems to remember I am there, and he waves me forward as the first friend gives a low whistle.

“Damn, Tedster. Bout fuckin’ time.”

Teddy grins wickedly, pulling me to his side reassuringly, long fingers curling around my waist in a calming gesture. I lean into him again, needing his comfort in this strange environment.

“Careful, Cash. Bunny has teeth.”

He holds his palms up, grinning good-naturedly at me. He’s handsome, tall and muscular, colorful tattoos painting his skin in varying scenes. His chocolate eyes are kind, darkened by his thick, perfect brows, his hair tousled casually. He sticks out his hand to me, not bothering to stand with his reddish guitar.

“Cash. Yes, named after Johnny. My parents are cool as shit and knew I’d be a degenerate.”

“Alice.”

His words make me smile, and I lean in, shaking his warm, calloused hand. Teddy nods to the other two, who wave as he tells me their names.

“Ace on drums, and Alec on bass.”

“So you sing?” I whisper, shocked. He smirks down at me.

“And that’s surprising why?”

“Because you’re good at everything,” I hiss indignantly. Cash chuckles, plucking at his guitar.

“You’ll get over that. Fucker is a prodigy and a jack of all trades.”

Alec checks his watch.

“We go on in twenty. Let’s get going.”

Teddy pats my side, standing straight. “I’ll meet you out there. Gonna get her settled with Ricky.”

They all nod as Teddy ushers me out and through the dense crowd, women squealing as he stalks by, not paying them any mind other than a few curt nods and smiles that don’t touch his eyes. Although he doesn’t give into the temptation of busty women who seem right up his alley, I still feel that jealousy, that part of me that says he is somehow mine, even though he isn’t. Why that makes my stomach sink, I don’t care to think on at the moment. I want tonight to be fun, not filled with guilt and rampant emotions.

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