Page 15 of When Sinners Rise
“See, now you're flirting, darlin’. I told you, no fucking.”
She looks away briefly. “I’m just sucking the lime.”
“You sure about that?” She smiles. I smile. “Anyone would think you’re busy getting dirty in that head of yours.”
“Again!” one of the girls shouts. I wish she’d die somewhere about now. I'm ready to see this girl naked and fuck. But I do what needs doing and back off, ready to refill and make everyone think I’m some nice guy they’re having a great night with. It’s the only way I’m getting Miri on her own without forcing it, and, fuck it, I’m gonna at least enjoy myself while I’m here. Might as well get trashed.
Tossing my jacket on the seat, I top up the glasses again and, this time, do the same round of flirting with one of the friends. Miri’s back in my face after the third round, linking her own arm through mine first. She pulls me in and smiles, a big, wide one this time, as she moves to the music.
“You about ready to make this party a real one?” She nods. “Good girl.”
Three more rounds of tequila get slammed before we’re all out on the dance floor. I don’t get close unless she does. I just live the hours as they pass by, nowhere near drunk enough to worry that I’ll lose her. Besides, I know where she lives, and if this doesn’t go the way I’m planning, I’ll just steal her ass and get it home that way.
She’s more confident after a while, not so timid about getting up close to me. I leave her to it, let her get comfortable with her body up against mine. Doesn’t take long. It never does with these genes running through me and some booze on my side. I’m handsome as fuck, and I know it. Tall, but not overbearing like Dante. Jaw and cheekbones like Mother’s, Abel’s even. Pretty, dark blue eyes that help me seem a damnsight less threatening than any of them. And well, fit. You don’t do what I do, and have the brothers I do, and not learn to keep yourself in shape.
She keeps her ass to me, gently moving it on my thigh like she doesn’t really mean to.
I lean into her ear. “You wanna bring that sweet ass in closer? Own it, maybe?” She looks lost for a second; maybe I pushed her too fast, but she slowly grinds her body closer. I groan and put my hand on her hip, pushing her onto my dick so I can enjoy the friction. “That’s hot as fuck. Goddamn, woman.” She doesn’t back away, and I know I’ve got her.
I tip my head up to the lights, watching the neon’s flash by.
Life as a Cortez is feeling really damn fine at the moment.
~
“You are fucking trashed!” Tally says to another one. I chuckle at the look of her hauling the other one towards the door. They all are. Me? Not so much. A Cortez constitution does that. “Jesus, Ade. Peter?” He walks over and shoves Ade’s arm over his shoulder to help walk them out. “You,” she says, pointing at me. “Are a bad influence. Don’t be using those pretty blue eyes on me. You shouldn’t have bought the second bottle.”
I swing my jacket around me as we hit the cool air of the early morning. “Didn’t hear you complaining at the time.”
Miri almost falls into me as she tries putting her coat on. I grab her and help her into it, watching as Peter and the other girl help Ade and Tally into the cab.
“You’ve been really cool, Shaw,” she says, getting her balance. “Thanks.”
“You think?” She nods and looks at the cab. “Good. Maybe we can do it again.”
She looks up at me, all batting lashes and coy glances. “We could go and get another drink now if you like?”
I close her coat around her properly, straightening the collar. “Don’t say that. I might not be able to say no, and then you’ll be taking advantage of me, and I might lose my virginity.” She snorts and keeps staring up at me. “How about I take you out for dinner somewhere instead? Another night. When you’re sober.”
“I’m not that drunk.”
“You’re pretty far along that road, darlin'.”
She giggles as Tally shouts at Ade about something. “Yeah. I suppose I am.”
“Miri? You coming?” Peter calls.
“Give me your phone.” She looks up at me. “I’ll give you my number, and you can call if you want to.” She passes it over and I input the burner phone’s number. “Go get in the cab.”
“Okay.” She doesn’t move.
“If you’re waiting for me to kiss you, I’m not gonna do it.” She smirks about something. “You’ll have to get that the next time we meet.”
“What if I don’t call.”
“Then you’ll miss knowing what it feels like.”
“Maybe it’s not worth calling for.”
