Page 14 of Devour

Vincent nods and his eyes soften. “Not trying to steal her thunder. Always so considerate, Maevy.”

“Sure.” Tristan still doesn’t appear to be convinced. “We’ll talk later.”Looking forward to it.

I take the seat between Maeve and Leo. Never giving Leo a glance, but I feel his eyes burning into me, which means the fun is just starting. If there’s one thing I enjoy more than money and power, it’s playing games.

Throughout the meal, I make sure to accidentally bump him. Ignore anything he says, except to address him by the wrong name. Maeve and I tease each other, laugh, and for a moment, even I forget it’s pretend and get lost in enjoying her company.She does look ravishing in this red dress,especially wearing that red shade of lipstick. I’m surprised by how easily she falls into character.

“Oh Nicky, you have to try this.” She brings her fork to my lips. I’venevereaten after someone. And I sure as hell haven’t been fed. My knee jerk reaction is to refuse, but I can feel her cousins and this fucker Leo’s eyes on us.

I part my lips and am shocked by how intimate the moment becomes. Her eyes stare at my lips before connecting with mine. The fork slides from my lips and then I watch in fascination as she then feeds herself from the same one.

“Delicious?” she asks, her voice turning husky.

“Extremely.”

I find myself wanting to return the favor and feed her. But I want her closer to me – no – Ineedher closer. I slide her chair against mine so our thighs are touching. When they bring the dessert, I immediately take a bite of ice cream and then scoop another one on my spoon.

“Open,” I command.

She doesn’t even hesitate. Her lips part and then close around the spoon. My dick hardens as her eyes flutter closed and she fucking moans. “That’s amazing.”

I give her another spoonful. But this time, I yank the spoon out faster so that I can bring my lips to hers. I taste the ice cream melting between our tongues. The sweetness of both her and it. The contrast between the heat of our mouths and the cold liquid heightens everything. I become painfully hard as I swallow her moans.

Our moment is interrupted by Leo’s throat clearing. It takes all my self-control not to raise my knife and slit it. Maeve’s lips are swollen and her eyes are wild. She turns away from me and busies herself with eating her own ice cream. She doesn’t offer me another bite.

Tristan and Vincent’s parents make a speech. Tristan makes one, as well. Not surprising Mark passes on speaking. Tori gushes and sings both their praises. Now it’s time for Maeve. I give her a kiss on the cheek and whisper against her skin, “You’ve got this.”

And I’ll cut out anyone’s tongue who dares to ruin this for her.

She stands and walks to the front, where they have the microphone. Leo turns toward Tina, and she snickers. I ease the knife from my place setting to bring it under the table. Without looking down or drawing any attention, I press the blade against his thigh. A smile plastered on my face, I lean toward him and whisper, “For every word you speak, I’m going to shove this into your thigh for disrespecting her.”

He straightens in his chair. I nod and turn my head back toward Maeve, but my fist with the knife remains at the side of his thigh, applying a hint of pressure.

Maeve gives a nervous little smile that only enhances how adorable she is. Her chest rises as she takes in a deep breath and then she begins.

“Vincent Goodman has always felt more like a big brother than a cousin. I hated when he and Tristan moved away, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but be excited for their new adventure. Today, I couldn’t be more excited for this new journey as well. Vincent, thank you for always treating me with respect, kindness, and being there for me all these years. I know you’re going to be that and more as a husband, and for that, Alexa is a really lucky lady. I haven’t gotten to know Alexa very well, but for her to win your heart, she’s undoubtedly a special person.” She smiles at Alexa. “Alexa, you’re the definition of a glowing bride. You are simply stunning. I don’t see you as someone who is marrying my cousin, but as a new sister. It’s clear you and Vincent are in love. I wish for you both to have alifetime of love and all the happiness in the world. To Alexa and Vincent.”

Everyone cheers and toasts. Maeve quickly dabs her eyes as she hurries to hug the happy couple.

After the meal and speeches, it’s back to mingling. Leo and Trina couldn’t get away from the table fast enough. I’m just about to try and sneak another kiss from Maeve when her cousins and Mark appear.

“Somewhere we can talk in private?” Tristan asks.

“Gentlemen.” I stand. “Let’s go to my office.”

Eight

Nicholas

Sitting at my desk with the Goodman brothers, Mark Papas, and Maeve Goodman across from me is exactly how I wanted this night to go. I’d hoped they’d be a little more friendly, but we’ll get there.

“What are you after, Deschamps?” Tristan demands.

I feign innocence, of course. “I beg your pardon?”

“Tristan,” Maeve pleads.

Vincent gently squeezes Maeve’s arm. “Not now, Maevy. Let us handle this guy.”

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