Page 24 of King of Hearts

“Okay, Ann-dy,” she drawled, the alcohol we shared clearly affecting her. “Your turn. Tell me how you stay so invested. How do you make sure that as the captain you lead your team, play the game and still look as good as you do.” She gestured up and down with her pointer finger, before taking another sip of her drink.

The compliment washed over me, and I sat a little taller, finding I liked that she unapologetically found me attractive. It was reciprocal, evident through the fact that each time we met, I couldn’t seem to stop myself from touching her, however slight that was.

“I guess there’s no choice. I don’t give myself one. For me, football has always been my life. Which means, it’s just part of my daily routine to get out and train, be at the club and work with the boys and coaches. If that means I’m there for ten hours running drills, then so be it.” I spun my glass in circles, looking up at her when she didn’t immediately respond. She was staring at me assessingly, as her straw rested on her plump bottom lip, before she leant towards me, awakening my entire body.

My heart began to hammer in my chest, my breathing increasing. My own gaze flickered from her eyes down to her mouth – that plush fucking mouth.

Fuck, was she going to kiss me? Did I want her to kiss me? Right here in the middle of a restaurant?

Her hand reached around my neck and gently touched my skin, her eyes glued on mine. I took a deep breath, focused on the way my skin ignited under the soft pads of her fingers and wondered if she also felt as out of control as I currently did.

She was so close, our heavy breaths mixing as I again memorised the sight of her mouth, wondering how she would taste. How it would feel to nip at her bottom lip, to press my tongue into her mouth and take.

“Your tag is out.” She whispered, her fingers now softly moving beneath the collar of my shirt.

She didn’t move away though. We were frozen.

What if, what if, what ifbeating through the air.

She was all I could see, a small smile lacing her lips, her clear eyes framed by dark lashes as she looked up at me suggestively. I contemplated moving – in what direction I wasn’t sure, but before I could decide, fast consecutive flashes sliced through the moment, snapping us from what could have been.

Chapter Fifteen

Arna

If it wasn’t for the look of pure horror on Andy’s face I might not have reacted so astutely to the flashes in our direction.

On any other night I would not have registered that it reflected someone taking photos, and that those photos would be of me. An ignorance that was clearly a luxury. Until now.

One moment I was ready to lean that little bit further, to feel the brush of his lips against my own, and then I was hoisted from the near moment and thrust into a cyclonic mess.

“Fuck!” Andy snapped, shielding me from the direction of the cameras with his body. “Arna, we need to leave now.” He commanded, looking directly into my eyes.

Fervency dripped from his tone and was accentuated by tightly balled fists and a glacial look in his eyes. Grabbing my purse, I nodded before Dale seemingly appeared from nowhere looking just as shocked as I felt.

“I’m so sorry, bro. I didn’t realise anyone saw you come in. Follow me, we have another exit.”

Glancing over Andy’s shoulder, the burst of light erupted again and Dale reacted instantly, directing us the opposite way. I couldn’t see anything beyond Andy’s large body which towered over me, but the feeling of urgency was an encompassing mist making it hard to breathe.

Ho-ly shit. What the actual hell was happening? One minute we were enjoying a meal and the next –

“Gloss. Gloss. Who is the pretty lady?” Indistinguishable voices shot out around us, invisible bullets slicing through our bubble, and I felt myself tense at the intrusive nature of their tone.

“Fucking vultures.” Andy muttered. Sensing my uncertainty, he moved in closer instinctively putting his arm around me and I innately reached for him. Grabbing hold of his shirt I craved his security and Andy’s gaze flicked down to my fist before he looked at Dale.

“Dale. Get us out of here before they get any more fucking photos of her.” I loosened my grip feeling the warmth of protection, the stentorian authority in his voice enough to remind me why he was the leader of his team.

Taking advantage of the feel of his arm around me, I lent in a little and breathed him in. If there was any positive to the sudden pivot of the evening, it was this moment. Only a minute ago I was pushing the boundaries and very nearly gave in to the desire he elicited from me, seeking the knowledge of whether his kiss was everything I imagined it would be. I could no longer deny the voracity of my thoughts. Even his arrogance was starting to call to a hidden craving which would see him devastate my body in the best way.

Turning me around to walk ahead of him, his hands gripped my hips and I internally swooned, my body betraying me as my nipples hardened. Either the role of damsel in distress was a subconscious desire of mine or I was clearly boozed, because I was finding this James Bond style of protection sexy as hell.

Just up ahead Dale stopped at a door, the manic voices left behind. “Your car is just outside. Sorry again, Andy.” He looked genuinely apologetic, and I felt bad for the kid.

“All good, not your fault. Appreciate it, bro.” Andy said, shaking his hand with the arm not still claiming me like I was a prized possession.

His grip was firm, his hand splayed tight on my hip. Should I step out of his grasp now that we were fine? Did I want to?

I remained tucked into his embrace as we approached Sergio, but clearly this was an anticipated move as two men came sprinting over, cameras at the ready. I raised my hand to cover my face, the light blindingly bright against the darkness of the alley.

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