Page 50 of Caught Stealing

“Thought so,” he mutters. “Now, why don’t you go back to Kason and dry hump some more on the dance floor?”

I’m still reeling as I watch him cross the space toward the back hallway.

Something snaps me out of it, though, because I’m quick to follow as he disappears around the corner, heading toward the bathroom. Either he’s genuinely oblivious to me being behind him or doesn’t care, but regardless, he doesn’t see it coming when I grab his arm and drag him toward me.

His chest collides with mine, momentarily stunning him as I back his body against the drywall.

“Get off me, Holden,” he snaps, his dark eyes appearing pitch-fucking-black in this lighting.

I shake my head, alcohol and confusion swirling together as I stare at his pink lips and dark lashes, truly hating myself for noticing just how…beautiful he is.

My words come out in a harsh whisper; an angry, desperate plea for reprieve.

“What are you doing to me, Nix?”

“You’re the one pinning me up against the wall of a club,” he growls. “So I’m not the one doing a damn thing.”

“Not what I meant,” I bite out, inching in closer. “What are you doing to my head?”

“Someone finally getting sick of the mind games?”

“Yeah, I am.” My attention shifts, dancing between his eyes and mouth. “And I’m sick of knowing how sweet you taste, when in reality, you’re not sweet at all.”

He scoffs, and it’s filled to the brim with all the hatred and contempt he’s been trying to keep under wraps since we made it down here. But it’s all there now, pouring over the surface.

“Because people always want to be equated to a Sour Patch Kid, right?”

I can’t help but laugh, shaking my head. “See what I mean?” I implore, my hands fisting against the wall. “So. Fucking. Abrasive. It’s driving me insane.”

“You don’t think you’re making me feel just as crazy?” He shakes his head, equal parts disdain and desire laced in his tone. “I wish I’d never met you.”

His words instantly sober me, a slow smile creeping over my lips.

“You remember that thing I said about your eyes and your mouth not matching?” His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows before he gives me a slow nod in response, and I can’t help the smile that curves my lips. “Well, you’re doing it again.”

Phoenix’s eyes flare with resentment. “You’re full of shit.”

“I’m full of a lot of things. Hormones, lust, alcohol. But I know a lie when I see it, Nix.”

He scoffs, but there’s not the usual snark to it. And the same goes with his words when he says, “You’re sex-starved, drunk, and delusional.”

“I’ve already admitted to the first two, but the only one acting delusional here is you.”

I crowd in closer to him, my body nearly enveloping his against the cool drywall. We’re chest to chest, every inch of our bodies plastered together, and I know he has to feel my cock pressed into his hip.

I sure as hell can feel his.

“You want me, you’re just too loyal and proud to admit that not having me is killing you.”

“Like I said. Delusional.”

Avoidance has been his forte far longer than should be allowed, and I’m done letting him off that easily. It’s why I catch his jaw between two fingers and turn his head to face me again.

“You sure about that?”

He smacks my hand away, irritation once again bubbling to the surface as his demand comes out in a growl. “Touch me again, Holden. I fucking dare you.”

“Oh, you’ve got teeth,” I murmur, not at all affected by his venom. “Feel free to use them on me later.”

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