Page 31 of Our Deceptive Heat

Envy and Digs ignore me, but ten minutes later, after Tyr has thoroughly got on my last nerve, Ryn walks in. Her eyes are lined in black, her lips are crimson. I swear to fuck her jeans are painted on, and she’s wearing a t-shirt that is tight and small enough that it shows off just a hint of her mid-rift.

My mouth goes dry, and my cock jumps. I don’t want to perform. Hmm, maybe I can take her somewhere and fuck her brains out. I shoot a furious look at my pack, who ignores me, before turning back to her with a smile. I reach out and brush her hair behind her ear.

“You summoned me?” she says, backing up, her eyes fairly spitting fire at me.

I advance on her suddenly and pull her into my arms. She’s stiff for a long moment and then relaxes.

Tony slams the door shut, stopping any of our staff from gawking at us. I’m grateful, but I’m too busy focusing on her. The confidence is gone, and now she just looks confused.

“Three days you’ve been here but not,” I mutter. “I missed you.”

She groans and tries to pull away, but I slam my lips on hers before either of us can think. There’s a moment of shock, but then it all fades away because I’m kissing her. Finally, Our first kiss. It’s everything I dreamed it would be. She wraps her arms around me, leaning up, moaning into my mouth. I pull her closer, deepening the kiss. She’s all soft curves and this faint hint of something yummy.

She tears herself free from me, putting space between us. She glances wildly around the room, but I ignore the silent outrage from my pack, I ignore everything but the way her eyes sparkle, that lovely shade of red in her cheeks, the way her fingers play with her t-shirt hem.

She is affected. She wants me.

Smug satisfaction has me wanting to pin her to the wall and finish this.

“All right. I’m good now,” I tease.

“That’s all you wanted?” Ryn’s voice reaches a pitch that hurts my ears.

“No, I also wanted to know you were safe, well, and happy.”

Her eyes widen, and I think I see something haunted on her face, hidden in her gaze, but then she flutters those long, dark lashes, and it’s gone.

“I want you watching from the side of the stage,” I demand.

“No-I have things-”

“You have things to do, marketing things, that you’ll be able to see from the stage,” I insist.

Her eyes narrow. “Has anyone told you lately that you’re a pushy pain in the ass alpha?”

“Not today.”

“Let me be the first.”

“We got to go!” Envy says and stalks past us. “Come or don’t come, but he’s not going to shut up.” To me, Envy levels an absolute livid glare.

I just shrug and grin. What are they going to do? It’s done now.

Ryn stands there, stiff and angry. She finally sighs, and I know I’ve won. I take her hand and drag her behind me as we’re led to the stage.

“Sound checks are done. Hair and makeup are done. Everything is checked off, we’re ready to go!” Someone says beside us, and I watch all the sound crew move around like a small army, turning this place into our show.

There are so many people backstage.

I pull her to right where I want her, right where I can see her. “Stay here.”

She rolls her eyes but folds her arms over her chest and nods.

I finally allow the guy who’s trying to lead me where I need to go to do his job. The drums are waiting for me. I pick up the sticks and twirl them around before I shove them in my pocket and pick up the other set. Smooth, clean, and mine. I know them well.

I crack my neck and sit down.

In front of me, Tyr adjusts his microphone, while Envy and Digs pick up their instruments.

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