Page 11 of Web of Lies
"Because it's true every time," he says. His hand slides lower and pushes beneath the hem of my skirt, tracing the curve of my ass cheek. "You sure know how to drive me crazy."
His lips brush against mine, softer this time, and I'm just about to close the gap when—
"Bennett." A male voice interrupts us, loud enough to be heard over the club's bass-heavy music. Kyle freezes, lets out a frustrated groan, and pulls back to turn toward the source of the call. I follow his gaze and spot a man pushing through the crowd toward us.
"Give me one second, Baby. It's business," Kyle says, pressing a quick kiss to the top of my head before he leaves me at the counter and heads toward the man waiting. They fall into conversation, and I catch a glimpse of the man handing Kyle an envelope, which he quickly puts in the inside pocket of his jacket.
I bring my drink back to my lips and chew on the straw, watching them with furrowed brows. Kyle always tries to draw a line between me and his job. Whenever we go out, he makes an effort to hide certain things from me, like not answering most calls. But moments like this slip through the cracks every now and then. It's impossible to avoid. While Hunt Corp.’s killers clock out at the end of the night and go home, Kyle doesn't have that luxury. To him, his work is part of his everyday life.
Suddenly, a tall, close, and unfamiliar presence appears beside me. "What would it take for you to ditch the guy you're here with and kiss me instead?" a male voice asks, and I take my eyes off the two of them to find a man standing next to me. He's about Kyle's height, leaner, and not as muscular, but he obviously spends time at the gym. A few tattoos peek out from under his sleeves, adding a bit of an edge to his otherwise clean-cut look. He has a sharp jawline, messy blond hair, and an annoyingly confident smile. Despite all this, he's cute. If I weren't already here with Kyle, he might have a chance.
"It depends on what you have to offer," I say with a smirk, entertaining the idea, even though there's no way I would give up a night with Kyle for someone I don't know. Still, it doesn't hurt to keep my options open. After all, Kyle and I are just friends. At least, that's what I keep telling myself. At the thought, a subtle but sharp ache blooms in my chest. I inhale deeply, trying to force the emotion back down.
"The kind of pleasure you've never experienced before. I know how to satisfy a pretty woman like you," the guy says, and it takes every ounce of self-control I have left not to burst out laughing. They're always so cocky and full of themselves.
I'm about to clap back when—
"Hey." At the sound of Kyle's voice, my head whips around in his direction as he walks toward us. The other guy turns and raises his eyebrows. "If you're trying to go after my girl," he says in a low but clear voice, "you'd damn well better be ready to take me on, too. I don't like being left out of the fun."
The guy laughs uncertainly, shifting under Kyle's stare, clearly unsure whether this is a joke and he should go along or bolt. And honestly, I don't know either.
I furrow my brows at Kyle's suggestion, giving him a quick what the hell look before turning my attention back to the guywho looks at Kyle as if he just suggested something from a fever dream.
"What?" Kyle snorts and cocks his head. "Not into threesomes with another man? What a shame. You don't know what you're missing." His smirk widens as he slowly looks the guy up and down, who clears his throat, shifts his weight from one leg to the other, visibly uncomfortable. His eyes flick between us as if he's trying to figure out if Kyle is joking or serious.
"Fuck," the guy mutters as he turns around and stomps off. As if nothing had happened, Kyle steps back beside me and leans against the counter. He slides an arm around my waist, grabs his beer, and takes a sip.
"Was that really necessary?" I ask, leaning into the comfort of his presence. As intriguing as the idea of a threesome may be, all I want is a good night with someone familiar where I can just be myself. No expectations, no performance.
"Why?" Kyle shrugs. "I was serious."
I scoff and roll my eyes so hard that it's a wonder they don't pop out of my head. "No, you weren't."
"I was," he says in a low, unbothered voice, as if it's the most obvious answer. "Threesomes are great, especially with two guys and one woman. Though I usually prefer to get to know everyone involved first." I study his face, looking for any sign that he's messing with me. But there's no teasing glint, nor any hint of his usual smirk. He's actually being serious.
My eyebrows shoot up. "Wait, you've done that before?"
"I have," he says with a dismissive nod. "Though it's been a while since I've been with a man. He was kinda cute. Not my usual type, but we could have made it work if you liked him." He raises his beer to his lips for another sip.
"Wait, wait, wait." I put my hand on his chest to stop him mid-sip, my fingers splaying across his firm muscles. "You’re also into men?"
"Yes?" Kyle looks down at me, completely unfazed, like he just told me he prefers one type of beer over another. "I don't care about gender. If someone's my type and they're fun to be around, then I'm in." He shrugs, his lips twitching into the hint of a smirk. "Why limit yourself when pleasure has no limits?"
My lips part in surprise as I search his face for even the slightest trace of hesitation, but there is none. Instead, I am met with pure confidence, unshakable and unapologetic. Something warm and unexpected flutters in my chest.
"You do not know how much I admire that," I say, my voice softer now, yet more serious, like I can’t help but be in awe of him.
"Oh, yeah?" he murmurs, the corner of his mouth curling up, a mix of amusement and curiosity.
"Yes," I nod and take a step closer, letting my gaze linger on him as I wrap my arms around his stomach. "You're shamelessly yourself, and that's what makes you so magnetic."
"Magnetic, huh? That's a new one." He chuckles, the sound low and rich, vibrating against my chest.
I bite back a laugh and tighten my arms around him. "Let's dance a little more before we go," I say, a smile on my lips. "Then, let's head to my place." I stand on my toes and plant a kiss on his lips.
"That sounds perfect." The corner of his mouth twitches into a smirk, then he wordlessly chugs the rest of his beer. I finish my drink with one last gulp before grabbing his hand, lacing our fingers together, and leading him back downstairs to the main floor.
Just seconds later, we're back in the crowd. The music booms and the lights flicker in erratic bursts around us. Kyle's hands grip my hips possessively, and I wrap my arms around his neck, holding on tight. Our bodies move in perfect harmony, pressed together. Heat and rhythm drive our every move.
