Page 117 of Between Hate and Desire

“Really?” another asks, narrowing her eyes as if she doesn’t buy it. “Your mother never announced it.”

“She must not approve,” Gretchen adds.

“Actually, she very much approves,” I growl, stepping closer to Lennon, feeling the need to shield her from these mean girl wannabes. The vein in my forehead is about to pop. “We’re newlyweds.”

And without waiting for their reactions, I place my hand around Lennon’s neck and pull her in for an earth-shattering kiss, sliding my tongue between her lips and catching her gasps with my mouth. Since these girls want to be catty bitches, I’m gonna give them the show of their lives.

Hesitantly, I pull back and give Lennon a reassuring wink.

“We’re also expecting,” I announce like a proud dad-to-be and turn toward them as all three of their jaws hit the ground. I rest a hand on Lennon’s belly and rub it. “It wasverynice meeting you.”

I give them a fuck-you smile, then grab Lennon’s hand and lead her to another part of the dance floor, swinging her around until she’s plastered against my chest again.

“You sure gave them something to gossip about for the next month.” Lennon cackles, glancing past me before tightening her arm around me. “Ugh. I hate them.”

“Didn’t realize girls acted like that after high school. Geez.” I groan and my jaw clenches at the way they treated Lennon. “Wanna tell me the story?”

Lennon sighs. “They made my life hell without really doing anything.”

“Huh?” We move from side to side, my hand firm on her lower back, feeling so right.

“Their little snide comments about being a pastor’s daughter, little Miss Goody Two-shoes, forever virgin, Little Miss Perfect—just anything condescending and rude. I couldn’t ever do anything about it, so I ignored them.” She shrugs as if she’s embarrassed about it, which I fucking hate.

“Lennon.” I tilt her chin up so she’ll look at me. “Fuck them. Seriously. They’re clearly envious of you, and they fucking should be. You’re amazing.”

She releases a small laugh. “I don’t even know why I still care.”

“You’re human, but don’t waste another thought on them. In fact…” I look over my shoulder and see they’re standing by the picnic tables, still eyeing us. “Wanna give them something to talk about?”

Lennon furrows her brows, tilting her head. “How?”

I smirk, knowing what I’m about to do is half-selfish, half for her benefit. “You trust me?”

“You know I do,” she states matter-of-factly.

Without warning, I spin her body out and then move her back into my chest. Switching hands, I dip her in my arm, and when she chuckles, I lean in and bring my lips centimeters from hers. “You’re so beautiful when you laugh, Lennon.”

She stares into my soul and before she can speak, I bring us back up and cup her face. Our mouths collide, and this time, it’s one hundred percent selfish.

Fuck it.

My thumb arches over her cheek as I deepen our kiss, sliding my tongue against hers. Her hands are on me, in my hair, fisting my shirt. There’s no way she can’t feel this, can’t see what’s been brewing between us for weeks.

I’m a bastard for even wanting her to feel it.

When her breath hitches, I slow our kiss and reluctantly pull apart. This is a family function, after all. Luckily, no one seems to notice in the jam-packed park.

Except for the three girls.

Gretchen’s arms are crossed over her chest as she shoots daggers, and just as Lennon peeks at them, she huffs, and the three of them stomp away.

“Told you,” I say, breaking the silence.

“What?” Lennon asks, her chest rising and falling rapidly as if she still hasn’t caught her breath.

I smirk. “They’re jealous.”

She chuckles, a wide smile splitting her cheeks. “Well, they can shove that up their asses and pout all they want.”

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