Page 54 of Forgotten Monsters
The intimate way he slurs her name crawls under my skin. “I don’t care how much time passed or what happened in Faerie. I won’t let you use my sister.”
“I love your sister.”
“Err—” I grip the skirt of my dress and brace myself on his chest so I don’t topple over.
He whisks me out to the outskirts of the dance floor, glowering. “Carefulwith the dress.”
I lower my voice to a mere whisper. “Even if I believed you, she’s not going to leave Cole for you.”
“Who says she has to?”
Heat spreads on my cheeks at the loose wink he throws my way. Fae have never preached monogamy. I know that, yet his answer shocks me. It’s uttered with more confidence than I expected.
“You guys have already slept together?”
He shrugs nonchalantly. “I don’t kiss and tell.”
I roll my eyes at the falsehood. “Ugh, please. How is that going to work?”
“We’ll figure it out. Isn’t that the whole point of relationships?”
“You’ll always be the third wheel…” I trail off, still trying to grasp what the fuck happened in Faerie.
Flynn’s forehead creases. “You’re worried about my feelings?”
“No, I—” I slap his chest. “Shh—Melanie is coming this way.”
He squeezes my hand in his. “Follow my lead, and whatever you do, do not speak to her.” He pulls me to him and plants a long, devious kiss on my neck. I close my eyes, playing along, and emulate the look of wonder and pleasure I saw on many girls’ faces when Flynn Verinos used his wicked tongue to arouse them.
Melanie slows down as she draws near, and Flynn releases me.
The vampire looks about to walk right past us before she crosses her arms. “Verinos, I see you’re still obsessed with witches.” She drags her eyes up and down my body, and her face crumples in question.
I bite my tongue not to reply, reacting as Flynn’s date would, raising a brow at him, but the way Melanie stares at me sparks a flash of adrenaline in my blood. She’s too close, and the mask only hides so much. We’re screwed.
Flynn’s radiant smile brings a blush to my cheeks. “Mel, I heard congratulations are in order. I can’t believe that, after all these years, you’re still fine with being second-best.”
She flashes her canines, her interest in me gone. “What are you implying?”
“I heard Osbourne had his eyes set on a different political treasure…”
Mel growls. “Watch your filthy tongue.”
I press my lips together not to grin. I know he’s doing it to draw attention from me and rattle her to a point where her brain melts and she just wants to punch his face, but gods it feels good to see Melanie Darkwood squirm.
“Don’t lie, Mel.” Flynn’s voice is low. Intimate. “You’ve always loved my tongue, along with the dirty, mind-blowing orgasms that came with it.” He grazes her hip.
Almighty Melanie stutters. “I’m—I’m engaged. And you’re with the barbie doll.”
He throws me a loving smile before picking an imaginary lint off Melanie’s dress. “She loves to watch. What do you say? We could visit the pool later…”
My cheeks heat up at the offer, and I wasn’t even on the receiving end. I know it’s a trick, a ploy to push Melanie off-balance and stroke Flynn’s ego at the same time. Win-win.
But gods, she looks about to say yes.
Whispers and gasps buzz through the crowd, interrupting our conversation. All eyes turn to the front of the ballroom. Cole and Brie make their entrance, and even the most passionate dancers stop to stare.
Mel gapes, and Flynn wraps an arm around her shoulders. “You remember Cole, the King of Faerie?”
