Page 32 of Savage Loyalty

I shrugged her off, my focus laser-sharp on Delilah as she moved toward the bar, her laughter cutting through the noise like a blade. Her group followed the guy leaning in too close, his hand brushing against her arm.

That was it. My breaking point.

I shoved off the booth with enough force to make the blonde stumble, her drink sloshing over the rim of her glass. I didn’t bother with an apology. My boots hit the floor with purpose, the crowd parting instinctively as I crossed the room.

The guy—whoever the fuck he was—was saying something, his hand lingering near Delilah’s waist. Her smile widened at whatever he’d said, and that was the final fucking straw.

“Delilah,” I called, my voice cutting through the noise like a whip.

She froze mid-laugh, her head snapping in my direction. Her eyes widened briefly before narrowing, her body stiffening as she turned to face me fully. The guy beside her glanced between us, his expression shifting to wary confusion.

“Ryder,” she said, her voice steady but tight. “What are you doing here?”

I ignored her question, my gaze flicking to the guy next to her. “Who’s your friend?”

Her glare was immediate. “None of your business.”

“Everything about you is my business, kitten,” I shot back, letting the nickname linger just long enough to make her bristle. “Especially when you’re in my bar.”

The guy’s brow furrowed, his posture stiffening as he finally seemed to catch on. “Look, man,” he started, his tone cautious, “we’re just here for a few drinks?—”

“Then take your drink and walk away,” I interrupted, my voice cold and final.

He hesitated, his gaze darting to Delilah for direction. She didn’t offer any. Her shoulders were squared, her glare locked on me, but she didn’t say a word.

Smart man. He muttered something under his breath and backed off, disappearing into the crowd without another word. Her other friends lingered awkwardly, their gazes shifting between us.

“Go,” Delilah told them, her tone sharp. “I’ll catch up.”

One by one, they drifted away, leaving us alone at the bar. The tension between us crackled like a live wire, the noise and chaos of the room fading into the background.

“What the hell is your problem, Ryder?” she demanded, stepping closer, her voice low but seething.

I didn’t answer. Not with words.

Instead, I grabbed her arm—not hard, but firm enough to leave no room for argument. Her eyes widened in surprise, but she didn’t pull away. I didn’t give her a chance to argue, to spit another sharp retort. My grip didn’t falter as I led her through the throngs of people, weaving past tables and bodies without looking back. The room seemed to shrink around us, the noise dimming into a dull roar as we moved.

She didn’t say a word, but I could feel the tension radiating off her, the heat of her anger and something deeper simmering beneath the surface.

The cool night air hit us as I shoved the back door open. The sound of muffled music spilled out briefly before the door swung shut behind us.

Without a word, I slammed her against the rough brick wall of the alley. Her eyes widened in surprise, lips parting to speak. I crushed my mouth to hers before she could utter a sound, kissing her hard and deep. My hands roamed down her sides, fingers digging into her hips as I pressed my body flush against hers.

I grabbed the hem of her little black dress, dragging it up her thighs. My hand slid higher, expecting to encounter lace or silk. Instead, I found only smooth, bare skin.

"Fuck," I growled against her neck. "No panties.”

I yanked her hair, forcing her head back. Our eyes locked, mutual loathing crackling between us like lightning. Her pupils were blown wide with arousal, belying the contempt twisting her features.

“I bet you're usually too busy on your high horse to get any action," I snarled, hitching her leg around my waist. The rough denim of my jeans scraped against her inner thigh as I ground against her.

With fumbling, urgent movements, I unbuckled my belt and yanked down my zipper. Delilah's breathy moans spurred me on as I shoved my jeans and boxers down just far enough to free my cock. In one swift motion, I hoisted her up, pinning her between my body and the wall.

I thrust into her warm, wet pussy in one fluid motion. Delilah gasped, her nails digging into my shoulders. I groaned at the exquisite sensation of her tight walls gripping my throbbing cock.

"Oh god, yes," she panted, wrapping her legs around my waist.

I pulled back slowly before slamming into her again, setting a frantic pace. The sound of skin slapping against skin echoed in the small space. Delilah's breasts bounced enticingly with each thrust, and I ducked my head to capture a nipple between my lips. She cried out, arching her back.

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