Page 38 of Redemption

“I’m telling you, edible panties will go a long way in her forgiving you,” I yell to his back and am given a middle finger as a response before he slams the door behind him.

Kelsey tilts her head to the side and furrows her brows together. “Edible panties?”

“It’s sweet and sexy, thus making it the perfect gift.” I reach out and interlock our fingers together, pulling her closer to me. The softness of her skin is a welcome contrast to mine. Mango fills the air between us. The sweetness makes my mouth water for a taste. I’m seconds away from saying fuck it and dragging her ass back upstairs, but then she smacks me on the side of the head and walks off leaving me standing there with my dick in my hand.

“Idiot.”

“What did I say?” My head whips in Zane’s direction.

“I’ll let you figure that one out all on your own, baby brother. Something tells me it’ll be more fun to watch.” He shakes his head and walks out the front door.

Every step painful, but it’s worth it if she’s my prize at the end of the night.

* * *

Kelsey’swhole body tenses the second we walk inside Orphic. The purple lights flicker, lighting up the crowded club and for a week night, there are much more people here than I thought would be. I’m sure it’s only adding to her tension. It doesn’t help that the last time she was here was when she was kidnapped.

My hand goes to the small of her back as I lean down and speak in her ear loud enough for her to hear me over the music, “You sure you’re okay?”

She’s frozen in place, taking the scenery all in. A sea of black furniture with splashes of purple trim line the walkway. Aside from a few more tables, the place looks exactly the same. “I need a drink.”

“That we can do.” With a look, I send Zane off to get us some drinks. I’m sure he’ll be coming back with a whole bottle of whiskey for himself.

The rest of us take over a table that’s near the bar, but gives us an open view of the dance floor and the back area where the restrooms are. After last time, we’re leaving nothing to chance.

As I guessed, Zane comes back with some fruity shots for the girls, a Bud Light for me, and a bottle of whiskey for him and Asher. A few more rounds of drinks come and go and the more alcohol Kelsey downs, the less tense she becomes. It isn’t long before she and Charlee are itching to hit the dance floor. With a quick wave of a hand they desert us, but the view is fantastic. That ass is mine later.

I lean back against the booth and take in more of the dance floor, which isn’t that hard to see in this club lighting. A sea of bodies grind to some peppy dance song I don’t know and don’t care to know. Kelsey likes that shit, not me and it’s obvious by the way her and Charlee are smiling. Then a certain face catches my attention.

“That her?” I lift my chin towards a group of girls that are dancing near ours, but it’s the petite brunette that has my full attention.

Asher’s eyes bounce from his phone and back to the group of girls. “Yup, that’s her.”

Toned pale legs lead up to a red tight strapless silk dress as long dark hair hangs down her back and blue eyes glisten from under a pair of black rimmed glasses. “She’s hot. Like sexy librarian type of hot.”

“Ax.” Zane kicks my leg under the table making the beer bottles rattle together.

“Relax, Z. I have my own woman. I’m just saying you could do much worse than that.” There’s no stopping the smile that appears on my face. Zane needs this and I’m only happy to do my baby brother duty by giving him as much shit as possible.

“Explain to me why Axel isn’t the one doing this again.” He toys with the empty shot glass in front of him as he glares at Asher, but I’m the one that answers him.

“Because I took one for the team last time and I’m still paying for that, asshole.” I take a sip beer and dare him to argue.

“You’re the only one of us that’s single.” Asher cocks his head to the side as he too takes Kennedy in.

“That too.” I smirk.

“Total bullshit.” Zane grunts like a little bitch and it only makes me want to goad him further.

“You know, getting laid might actually put you in a better mood.” I say to him, but my eyes keep landing on Kelsey. She’s bending and twisting her body in ways that has my head spinning with ideas for later and judging by the way her eyes hold mine, she’s doing it on purpose.

Next to me, Zane’s face hardens, but there’s no missing the way his eyes keep drifting in Kennedy’s direction. He leans forward and scratches his beard. “How am I doing this then?”

“Let me put it into simpler terms for you. Hunter,” I point to him with the tip of my bottle and then back to Kennedy, “Prey.”

“Wiseass.” Zane steals one of Asher’s shots of whiskey and downs it. He’s no doubt finding his balls to approach her.

As usual, Asher doesn’t even acknowledge our bickering. “Wait until she goes to the bathroom and accidentally bump into her. If I have to guide you on what to do from there, then maybe I should send Axel in.”

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