Page 181 of Roulette Rodeo
"I guess we have to go celebrate with drinks at the bar," I manage, still holding her against me.
She grins, coming back to herself. "The drinks are on our friendly neighboring Alpha, remember?" She looks over my shoulder. "Right on cue."
I turn, still holding Red, to find Luca approaching with that practiced swagger of his. He's dressed to impress as always—designer jeans, a button-down that probably cost more than most people's rent, his dark green-tinted hair styled to perfection.
"Well, well," he says, that fake smile not reaching his eyes. "Not surprised the cunning omega would use today for her open tab."
Red sticks her tongue out at him with childish pride. "Are you upset my Alpha is the greatest at hanging on?"
She emphasizes 'my Alpha' in a way that makes my chest swell with pride and possession.
Luca's jaw tightens almost imperceptibly, but his smirk remains in place even as something darker flashes in his eyes. He looks like a sore loser trying to pretend he wasn't even playing.
Before he can respond, Poppy's voice cuts through the crowd.
"RED! Get your cute ass over here! Omega event starts in ten!"
We all turn to see Poppy and Malrik approaching. Poppy looks like a vintage wet dream in a cherry-red halter dress with white polka dots, her platinum-and-teal hair styled in elaborate victory rolls. Malrik is more casual in dark jeans and a fitted henley that shows off his lean muscle, those unusual amber eyes scanning the crowd with the alertness of someone who's always calculating exits.
"I'm coming!" Red calls back, then looks at us with an expression of exaggerated innocence. "Gotta go do omega stuff."
"What omega event?" Shiloh asks, immediately suspicious.
"Oh, you know," Red waves her hand vaguely. "Girlie shit. Boring stuff. They're gonna doll us up for the evening festivities."
"That's all?" Talon presses.
"What else would it be?" She bats her eyelashes. "You'll see when we're done."
We all exchange glances, collectively deciding we don't quite believe her but knowing better than to argue.
"Well, at least you ain't riding a damn bull," Shiloh says.
Red laughs, bright and delighted. "Now why would I do that?"
Rafe groans.
"Because you're someone who would, if tempted. So don't tempt her."
"Hey!" She huffs, reaching out to poke his chest.
He catches her finger and pokes her side in retaliation, making her giggle and squirm.
"Nooooo," she squeals, trying to wiggle away from me to escape. "I'm ticklish!"
"Noted for future reference," Rafe says with a smirk that promises trouble.
"I'm running away now!" Red declares, and I finally set her down.
She presses a quick kiss to my cheek, then does the same to each of the others before darting toward Poppy and Malrik.
We watch her go, the white dress fluttering around her thighs, her laughter carrying back to us as Poppy immediately starts talking her ear off about something that has both omegas gesturing wildly.
"Keep playing house," Luca's voice cuts through the moment like a blade. "It's only a matter of time before reality forces you guys to wake up and smell the coffee."
There's something ominous in his tone, a threat wrapped in casual words.
But before any of us can respond or I can demand to know what the fuck he means by that, he walks away.
