Page 76 of Séance

I’m not sure if I want to nut punch him for interrupting our first kiss or breathe a sigh of relief. Since I’m desperate for any crumb of affection, I’m not sure I could have controlled myself if she kissed me right now. My emotions feel wild and dangerous. I thought I buried them with my sister, but they are returning with a vengeance.

They are dangerous and addicting, and I want more.

Jace touches my back, and I still as he begins the arduous process of applying the transfer, my mind falling into a trance as he picks up his needle. With Rue near, I barely feel anything but the touch of her concerned gaze. As her mark is inked into my skin for everyone to see, I feel fucking thrilled.

No matter what happens, no one will take that—or her—from me.

I won’t let them.

Chapter Twenty-four

RUE

I’m not sure how long I watch Jaceson ink Gunner’s skin, finding the entire process fascinating. It’s a skill that not many can do well, and my fingers twitch with the need to try it.

Only, I can’t risk fucking it up, so I keep my mouth shut.

The sound of raised voices catches my attention, and Gunner grunts then nudges my knee. “Why don’t you go with the guys and find something to eat?”

I open my mouth to protest when Jaceson lifts his head and peers up at me from under his lashes. “It would help,” he murmurs so quietly that the others won’t overhear. “They are having trouble keeping James occupied. I don’t think they can keep him contained for much longer. He’ll listen to you.”

I waffle with indecision, not wanting to leave them, but Gunner waves me away. “Go. Eat. This will take at least another hour or two. We’ll still be here when you get back.”

As if agreeing with him, my stomach growls, and I grimace. “Are you sure?”

Jaceson nods, casting a sharp glance toward the front of the store. “It will allow me to concentrate more, and I will worry less when you’re with him.”

My eyebrows lift in surprise, and I can’t resist teasing him. “You think I won’t join him in his mischief?”

Jaceson pauses, and both guys look at me with speculation. Gunner appears like he wants to join us, most likely to keep us out of trouble, while humor curves Jaceson’s lips. “I think my brother would do anything to keep you safe. He would never risk you getting hurt. He’ll be on his best behavior…well, for him anyway,” he says ruefully, his light blue eyes sparkling playfully. “So even if you get into trouble, it will be mild compared to when he runs wild.”

My chest warms at the trust he’s placing in me. “I’ll do my best.”

Gunner grabs my hand, bringing it to his lips before lightly kissing the back of it. “I would stop and take you myself, but I want your design inked on me. I don’t want to stop and risk not finishing it today.”

Ridiculously pleased by his words and the show of affection, I smile and stand. “Do you want me to bring you guys something to eat?”

Jaceson has already turned back to his project, losing himself as he studiously etches lines into Gunner’s skin. A sheepish smile lifts Gunner’s face. “Once Jace is in the zone, he won’t stop until he’s done. We’re good. We’ll pick something up when we’re finished. Thank you for asking though.”

“Of course!” I hesitate a moment longer, not wanting to leave them, but Jameson must have spotted me.

“Pookie!” He waves me over, flapping both arms in the air like I can’t see him from ten feet away. The only thing preventing him from jumping over the counter is the grip the guys haveon him and Dustin’s fearsome scowl. “Come rescue me! I need you!”

There is something in the tone of his voice that catches my attention, a thread of anxiety, and I decide to be a dork and wave back at him. “I’ll break you from your jailors, then we can run off together and get lunch.”

A smile lights up his face, the thrum of anxiety hovering around him easing. Hicks shoots me a warning glance, but Ellis snorts a laugh, looking relieved at being able to hand babysitting duties over to me.

As I cross the room, I note a spark of mischief dancing in Jameson’s pale blue eyes, and I can’t help but wonder what I’m getting myself into.

My smile brightens, and I pick up my pace.

I can’t wait!

Jameson slips their hold, bounding over to me the instant I step past the counter. The next second, I’m over his shoulder, my breath leaving me with a grunt.

At least it saved me from an annoyingly girlish squeal this time.

I’m almost getting used to being manhandled.

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