Page 15 of Cupid's Naughty Elf

“Tempt or chase?”

“More like anI dare you.” Using the little black straw in my glass, I give the drink a quick twirl before finishing it off. It’s both saccharine and tart on my tongue; the clear use of vodka and rosemary with some kind of sweet citrus makes me hum low in appreciation. There are also cranberries inside as part of the garnish, but what I’m truly interested in is the mistletoe branch sticking straight up.

I have plans for that little trimming.

“Too late, Rutherford. She’s already finished her first,” Miriam calls out. Immediately, Liam’s head snaps in my direction, and his eyes narrow, this time at me. They also fully take in the one piece I’m wearing from the front.

I’m you’re slutty reindeer.

The low cut and sheer in places material of my onesies make me feel both nervous and daring. It’s a long-sleeved leotard with a plunging neckline, front and back, and has three rows of bells that are attached from where my nipples sit covered by two beige hearts in a thicker fabric. The chain rattles as a move, cocking my hip to the side and he follows the length of metal down to my hips.

These are my reins. His to play with.

“Watch it, Cain.” Whatever the younger of the Byrnes brothers said from beside Liam, I don’t know, but he’s annoyed. Not that it stops my cousin from egging him on. Every member of this friend group finds amusement in doing so.

The Byrnes brothers and my cousin. Isla and her twin, Ivy. Even Hugh and Hugo, best friends who are always late and flirt/fuck anything that walks, give him a hard time over his protectiveness.

“Calm down. She’s having fun,” Miri mock-chides, flagging down another waiter making the rounds. His tray has my earlier drink and what looks like Coquito, a Puerto Rican creamy rum-spiked cocktail. A friend from school had me try some last year, and I loved it.

“It seems she is.” That’s all he says, but there’s something dark in his tone. A Warning. Gorgeous in his dark suit with a matching shirt sans tie, Liam steps between us forcing me back a few steps. Then a few more. I match his pace until there’s enough space between me and the group, which I find nerve-wracking yet cute.

Nerve-wracking because being alone with him or this close, makes my heart race and thigh clench, something this outfit can’t hide. My reactions to him are on full display. And cute, because there’s a small hint of jealousy in his actions, and I can’t help but swoon.

Maybe he does like me.

“No more drinks, darling.

“She is right here,” we speak in unison, my tone breathy. A little bit of a whimper.

“You are…” Liam trails off, his eyes perusing me from head to toe, spending a little more time than what’s publicly acceptable on my chest. The two hearts there draw him in; they’re just big enough to cover my nipples and a little cleavage, but the underside and side are clear to see through the thin fabric. His eyes especially linger on the left side where a small tattoo is barely visible below my breast.

It’s impossible to make out what it is in this warm light, but if he knew…

P. C. V. L. R.

Every day,each moment shared, leaves me breathless and wanting more.

A more he’s refusing to give. For over a year, I’ve flirted and hinted, and nothing…

That stops me cold, and everything inside me shifts. I find myself needing space, and without thinking, I blurt out, “I’ll be back.”

I’m walking past him before he can ask mewhat’s wrongorare you okay, grabbing another drink on my way to the balcony on the other side of the room. A few people call out my name and say hello, others whistle or wave, and while I’m polite, I keep moving.

A feeling of being alone envelopes me then as I sip my new drink, and I don’t know how to fight it back. Maybe it’s thesudden realization that I’ve built castles in my head when it comes to Liam Rutherford. Or maybe it’s because I’ve tried to honor my mother by putting all my faith in a man who’s never given me more than appreciative looks.

I’m not vain, but I understand I’m a beautiful woman. Comfortable in my skin, I’m used to being admired, but somehow, I’ve confused his glances for meaning more than they are.

It’s my fault. I’m confused.

Did I really make this all up in my head?

Suddenly, the furry tail on my costume is tugged, and I tumble, stopped from falling by the solid chest pressing against my back. By a strong arm wrapping around my waist seconds before I recognize the scent and the electricity his mere touch ignited within me. Only him.

“Don’t ever walk away from me.” Liam’s moving us forward and the balcony’s threshold, not stopping until my front is pressed against the railing. There isn’t an inch of space between his body and mine, and the outline of his hardness is unmistakable. Thick. Huge. Yet before I can give an experimental roll of my hips, I’m turned around and facing him.

“W-what the…?”

His face lowers to mine, our lips inches apart. “You don’t walk away from me, Piper. Do you understand?” I’m too shocked to respond, but do manage a nod. “Good girl.”

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