Page 53 of Trust My Bodyguard

I’m about to stop him but I restrain myself as the others cheer, on board with his shenanigans. This means they’d be spending more time here, reducing my chances of getting Ivy alone.

Sera and Nick distribute the glasses and pour out a drink for everyone.

While we’re all seated, Nick stands and gives a speech. “It’s been a grueling couple of weeks, for some more than others.” He looks between Ivy and me and a few titters go around the table. “But we’ve managed to work together to bring our first case to a satisfactory conclusion for everyone involved.”

Sera starts off the applause and we join in.

“Now, thank you Ivy and Iris for being cooperative. Thanks to Sera for being the best receptionist ever always going above and beyond.”

She smiles and tips her glass up. Zane doesn’t try to mask his eye roll but thankfully, Sera doesn’t seem to notice.

“And thanks to Brody for keeping the sisters safe instead of... you know”—he makes a slashing sign across his throat—“one of them.” Nick winks and a couple of chuckles break around the table.

I know he’s going to beat me and Ivy’s running feud to death tonight. If only he knows there’s another way I want to tousle with her.

I stare at her until she looks at me. Her dark green gaze is heated. She doesn’t shy away, looking down to where my fingers cradle the stem of the glass. Fingers that I had inside her. Her mind is still on what we started and couldn’t finish. Good. That means I’m not the only one. I wonder if she’s still wet between her legs. If she’s creaming up her panties as she thinks of theways I could be having her right now if the guys didn’t show up. She gulps and resumes looking at Nick.Bet she is.

“Thanks to Zane’s genius and expert tracking abilities we were able to follow internet trails we wouldn’t have managed without him. And thanks to my charm, wit, and suave ability to blend in, not forgetting my expert investigative abilities, my crazy-good intuition—”

“Get on with it,” I gripe.

“No, go on. I really want to hear how much praise for himself he’s able to cram into one sentence,” Ivy says, pulling a few laughs.

“Thank you, dear Ivy.” He clears his throat. “Where was I? Oh, yes. Good intuition, my great interpersonal skills, and excellent physique...”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Iris murmurs.

“We were able to solve the case,” he concludes.

I sigh. “Thought you’d never arrive at the point.”

He raises a finger. “But we also must not forget my—” This time, there’s a collective groan from everyone. “Just yanking your chains, you rascals.” He raises a glass. “To us and what we’ve accomplished.”

“To us,” we echo.

Glasses clink and the drinking begins. Nick discovers the surround sound stereo that Ivy, Iris, and I have rarely used during our time here. He puts on an upbeat pop playlist, furtherenlivening the gathering. Even Zane doesn’t look as tightly wound as he normally would in a noisy setting.

The treats the ladies bought at the store come out, making it a real party.

I should participate. HEY has closed its first case. We have proof that we can do what we’ve set out to accomplish. Yet, I can’t concentrate long enough to enjoy this victory.

My eyes follow every move Ivy makes. She’s all smiles, engaging in conversations with the rest. I’m selfish as fuck wanting her in my arms, all to myself.

Her eyes meet mine. She’s been catching my eyes all night. But this time, they hold.

“I’m getting tired,” she announces. “It’s been a long day.”

“Oh, poor you. You didn’t get to nap when we came home.” Her sister pats her cheek.

No, she didn’t. She didn’t need a nap. She was begging to be fucked.

“You want to lie down for a bit?” Iris asks.

“I think that’s best for me right now. I’ll just lie in bed and get some.” Ivy keeps her eyes on me. “Thank you, guys.”

She places her glass on the table and heads upstairs. Midway up, she looks back and meets my eyes again. She’s sending a message. And if I’m receiving it right, she wants me up there with her.

After her exit, everyone gathers around the table for a game of cards. As I play the first round, my mind races thinking of how I can extricate myself from this without drawing attention to myself. Then it clicks. I lose intentionally.

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