Page 48 of Pucking Obsessed

I don’t have to scan the room to find her, because I’m not exaggerating when I say my eyes have not left her one time this evening. She’s stunning, draped in that light dress that clings to every curve. Not to be dramatic, but I deserve some kind of medal for not dragging her out of here and peeling it off of her. Her hair cascades down her back like some ethereal goddess, and every time she moves, the silk catches the light, making my fingers twitch to run over every part of that damn dress. I reach into my pocket and let my fingers run along the pink ribbon Iborrowedfrom her. It’s not the same as touching her skin or wrapping one of those silky blonde waves around my fingers, but it’s just enough to take the edge off.

We’ve already gotten through the contrived speeches and the menu so fancy no one really knows what was served so I’m ready to head out. At the very least Madison should be on my lap, but I’m sitting here like an idiot while Aunt Margaret, with her loud laugh and even louder opinions, monopolizes my girl’s attention. I swear, if I hear her bellow about her cat, Muffin, or her kids… I can’t be bothered to remember their names… one more time, I might go get my hockey stick and just start swinging at whoever is closest to me.

Madison hasn’t so much as glanced in my direction in the last three minutes, yes I counted, and every second that her eyes aren’t on me feels like I need to fuck someone up. The fact that someone had the opportunity to get so close to Madison is adding to my irritation. Whoever it is has access to either the box or the dressing room, and that’s too fucking close. My suspicion spares no one. The staff, every guest, even my own father, grandmother, and especially Aunt Margaret. I wouldn’t be shocked if fucking Muffin is in on it at this point. I scowl, wishing I could be doing something useful, like hunting down the asshole who got away from us. Or, better yet, getting Madison alone so I can bury myself inside her until all the noise in my head quiets.

My sister drops into the chair beside me, breaking my thoughts. “You need to fix your face,” she says, pulling a flute of champagne toward her. “People are going to think you’re a psycho.”

I take a slight break from brooding at Madison for ignoring my very existence to glare at my sister. “I am a psycho, and people should know that.”

She rolls her eyes like I’ve just proven her point. “I should still be giving you the silent treatment for picking Madison over me, you know.” Kirsten huffs when I don’t respond. “They could have killed me right in front of you.”

I ignore her, my eyes locking on Madison across the room. She’s leaning over to talk to my grandmother. Her laugh carries over to my table, and the sound of it loosens something in my chest and tightens something lower. Kirsten follows me as I walk over to the empty bar. I need a drink, and if tonight is going to go according to mine and Ramsey’s plan, so does Madison.

“The silent treatment sounds nice,” I say dryly, still not looking at Kirsten. I quickly order three drinks. One for Madison and two for me.

My sister’s stupid purse thing connects with the back of my head, and she breathes out dramatically. Kirsten steps in front of me, completely blocking my view of Madison. Oh, she wants me to put a pillow over her head while she sleeps tonight, I see. My fingers twitch with the urge to shove her out of my way, but I grit my teeth and force myself to stay calm. The night’s almost over and I’m not going to do anything to stretch out my stay at this awful event.

“You’re such an arrogant prick,” Kirsten snaps. “Are you even concerned that Bethany is missing? I still can’t get a hold of her. I know you’re all wrapped up in this stupid little romance with the poor girl you feel like you saved, but what happens when you get tired of her?” Kirsten’s voice grates in my ears, each word sharper than the last. “You’ve alienated everyone who should come before that bitch. You’ve known my best friend for years–”

I lean forward quickly and that’s enough to shut my sister up. My back molars grind together, and my jaw flexes as I glare up at her. “Let’s get a couple things straight. You have been a fucking annoyance since the day I was born, and if there was no Madison, I still wouldn’t give a fuck what happens to you or your little sidekick.” In my, not so humble, opinion, Bethany isn’t important enough to be a target. She’s not kidnapped by our tormentors. Who would pay the ransom to get her back? No one. She’s probably taken a page out of my sister’s ‘how to be a maincharacter’ book and fucked off somewhere to see who would come looking for her.

Kirsten’s face flushes red, and I can tell my words hit their mark. Good. At least someone is as miserable as I am right now. My older sister’s eyes glisten with angry tears, not the kind that make you feel sorry for someone. She raises her hand to slap me, but I catch her wrist mid-air, holding her still. My grip isn’t harsh, just enough to stop her. “You’re so far up that prissy bitch Madison’s ass that you?—”

“Careful,” I say, towering over her. My voice is calm, deadly. “You saw exactly how much I value your life in the woods that night. Keep her name out of your mouth unless you’re ready for an encore.”

We stare each other down, her anger radiating off her in waves, but I’m unfazed. I see movement in the corner of my eye, and I know Madison’s coming over to us. It’s only when Kirsten’s glare shifts that I let go of her arm and turn to face Madison.

“Is something wrong?” Madison’s voice is soft, her concern obvious as her gaze flickers between us.

Kirsten doesn’t answer, just glares through her tears, but I lock eyes with Madison, and everything inside me softens. It’s like something switches and I’m no longer angry.

“Not a thing,” I say smoothly, holding out my hand to her. “Dance with me, princess.”

She hesitates, looking over at Kirsten, and I feel a flicker of irritation that my sister is still there. “Eyes on me,” I command, my tone demanding but gentle.

Madison’s eyes snap back to mine, and I’m instantly hard at her immediate obedience. Fuck. She has no idea what that does to me. Completely ignoring my sister, I guide my girl out onto the dance floor. My hands splay across her bare back, pulling her flush against me as we sway. I’ve never danced with anyone before, but it can’t be that fucking hard. We’ll figureit out. Madison’s body melts into mine, and I let out a low groan, leaning close enough to breathe her in. She smells fucking delicious.

One of the delicate straps of her silk gown slips off her shoulder, exposing more of her smooth skin, and my hand slides up to fix it. My fingers linger as I brush the fabric back into place, and I can’t stop myself from murmuring, “You’ve been spending a lot of time with my grandmother.” I don’t realize how petulant I sound until the words are already out.

Madison giggles, and I glower down at her because it’s notthatfunny. “Are you jealous of me spending time… with your grandma?” Her tone is teasing, and I know she’s making fun of me. That means I’ll be teasing her tonight when she’s begging me to let her come.

Instead of answering, I dip her low, her laughter turning into a squeal of delight. Her long hair spills over my arm as I hold her there, and I can’t resist dipping my face to hers, brushing my lips against hers in a light, teasing kiss.

“I’ll fuck that old lady up if I have to,” I growl playfully, and Madison swats at my shoulder as I pull her upright.

“You can’t fight your grandma, Hayden,” she says, rolling her eyes, but I just shrug like it’s not entirely off the table.

“I’ve been watching you all night–” I start, and she gasps, feigning shock.

“Are you stalking me, stepbrother?” Oh, she really wants to go there?

I pull her in close and whisper, “If it makes you feel better, I was stalking you way before you were my stepsister.”

Madison’s body stiffens in my arms, and I immediately turn to see what’s caught her attention because I know it’s not the thought of me and my grandma squaring off in the parking lot. My eyes land on Kirsten and Madison’s mother, both glaring at us from across the room like we’ve personally ruined their night.I hold Madison closer, swaying with her as if they’re not even there.

“I guess we’re going to be the topic of the family group chat,” Madison says, her lips curling into a smile that tells me she’s nervous about whatever the two of them are planning.

I brush my lips over hers, savoring the sweetness of her breath against mine. “Let them talk,” I murmur, keeping my voice low enough to make her shiver in my arms. “They’ll never know what having something like we do is like, and that will eat in them until they’re bitter.”