Page 10 of Tamed By You

Kate has clearly had one too many because she sways slighting and lifts her hand to high five me. “Amen, sister,” she slurs.

I chuckle and high five her and drain the remaining contents of my glass. Kate recently broke up with her long-term boyfriend, so I plan to make her my wing women at the bachelorette weekend. One way to get over one man is to get under another right.

“I’m off to get another,” I announce holding my glass in the air, turning on my heel I come nose to nose with someone and from the scent of bergamot and the wall of muscle I fall in to, I know who it is.

“Fuck me,” I mutter under my breath, stumbling back to get away from his close proximity.

“I’m trying.” He grins arrogantly. I look up to meet his eyes and glare.God, why is he so ridiculously gorgeous and yet gets right on my damn nerves?

“I heard your comment. Me and my tongue are available this evening should you need a date.”

I look behind me, grateful the girls have walked off elsewhere and can’t hear our exchange.

“Why are you still here... bothering me?” I huff, rubbing my temple, feeling a headache coming on.

“You know you can be a real bitch when you wanna be, but luckily for you, that shit turns me on.”

“Please stop speaking to me,” I deadpan.

“I’m just trying to make peace between us.” He lightly strokes the top of my arm with his fingers, skin tingling under his touch, and for the briefest of moments I lean into it, enjoying the way it feels. Quickly snapping myself out of this trance he’s put me in, I shrug away.

“Listen here, one thing about me, H. I’m no man’s piece , so let’s just keep our distance, and enjoy our evening.”

“H… giving me a nickname already. I like it. You know you’re hot when you are all riled up.” He dusts the back of his knuckles over my cheek and it’s like a direct line to my core, because that ache, the need for more, returns. But I shake it away, annoyed at my body for being so responsive to his touch.

“My little pocket rocket.” He winks and I slap his hand away.

“Dear god, where is Jolene when you need her? I need her to come, take you and give me a break,” I say, looking around the room.

“Aww, are you calling me your man, Ali Cat?”

“You would be so lucky. Excuse me.” I push past him and head for the bar. Yep, I’m gonna need a few more cosmos to cope with him tonight.

A couple of hours go by, and I somehow manage to avoid him or at least not engage in conversation. It's no secret we hate each other, so it doesn't come as a surprise when we aren't seen together. The night is filled with laughter, speeches from Jack,his dad, and of course, Harry. The dickhead couldn't pass up an opportunity to be front and center.

“… now, please raise your glasses for the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Lawson.” everyone in the room raises their glasses and Harry scans the room, locking eyes with me, his mouth lifting into a little grin. “This is the start of something beautiful… cheers.” And then the bastard winked at me.

The word cheers echoes around me, and I watch as Harry brings the champagne flute to his lips. I lose the ability to work my limbs, nearly letting the glass fall from between my fingers. I’m snapped from my fantasies when Gabby reaches for the glass, catching it before it hits the hardwood floor.

“Ali, jeez, have you had too much to drink?”

I hadn't, not nearly enough.

What the hell was that about?

“Sorry, I… erm… I need the bathroom,” I mumble.

“They are down the hallway on the left,” she says pointing towards the exit.

I nod, hurrying towards the door, desperate to get out of this room and figure out why my heart is thumping in my chest.Why does he bother me so much?

I push through the doors of the private room we are in and head down an empty, narrow corridor.

“Ali… wait,” a familiar male voice calls. “I need to talk to you.”

“I have nothing to say to you.” I pick up my pace, but a hand wraps around my arm tugging me sideways through a door.

I take in my surroundings, noticing we are in a bathroom with white marble flooring and walls with a black ceiling and a floral scent filling the air. Harry turns the lock on the door and stands in front of me.

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