Page 74 of Desiring Them

“On?”

“Whether you like me.” Cruz graced me with a sexy-as-sin smirk. “You should come to our gig on the weekend and find out.”

I held his gaze firm. “Why wait? You could give me a performance right now.”

He moved closer to me, and the air between us sizzled. “What kind of performance are you suggesting?”

“Whatever you have in mind, I am down for,” I challenged.

Cruz stopped within an inch and muttered, “I like your brazenness.”

My resolve began to falter. “I have no idea what I’m doing.”

Cruz’s mouth turned upward in a wicked smile. “Is that so?”

“Oi. Easy, Cruz. Don’t you dare fuck with her,” Jeremy growled out.

“So protective, cousin. Shall I let you go first?”

“That’s not up to me.”

All eyes were on me, and for once, I hated being the center of attention. I turned on my heel and stormed off to the back patio, where the cold air stung my cheeks.

“Sienna?”

I closed my eyes and bit back a retort. I could be as snarky with the others as I wanted, but I wouldn’t be with Ruben. My beautiful Ruben was braving the cold to come and check up on me.

“Hey. What’s the matter?”

“I don’t know,” I grumbled.

He took me into his arms and held me against his chest. “It’s all a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?”

I laughed. “Yeah, it is. You seemed to be doing well for yourself.”

“You too.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“I do. You’re the most desired person in the room, don’t you see?”

“No.” It was a complete lie. Why else would everyone in our group be eyeing me? With a sigh, I changed my answer, “Yes. There’s so much pressure. What if I’m not good enough? What if someone gets jealous? The last thing I want is for negative feelings to get involved.”

Ruben rubbed my upper arms. “They won’t. I’m not jealous. Actually, I’m rather excited. But I want you to feel relaxed, Sienna. So if it’s too much for you, then say so, and we’ll go.”

As I gazed up at my sexy nerd, I felt so much love and admiration for him. All he cared about in the grand scheme of things was me. Ruben Ainsley was a treasure. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. A kiss that he deserved more than anyone. He made me feel loved and important, and my heart tripped in its rhythm as he kissed me back.

“I don’t want to go,” I murmured.

“Then we won’t. Whatever you want, my love.”

I took his hand along with a deep breath, and we went back inside, where the heating was welcoming after the cold outside. Then holding my head high, I went back to my circle with determination. “I don’t want sex out of spite. I don’t want it to be all on me. I want things to happen naturally or not at all. Because I am not someone who will be used.” I pinned my gaze on Augustus, hoping to drive my words home to him. “I am attracted to you all, but I won’t be taken advantage of.”

Jeremy stalked over and cupped my face with his large hands. “I would never allow that to happen, and I doubt Ruben would, either, sugar. If anyone fucks with you, they’ll have us to answer to.” He glared at Augustus while placing a kiss on my forehead.

Riva hugged my arm. “I’ll kick their ass too.”

Augustus’ face quivered with anger. “I don’t take advantage of anyone, and I resent the implication put forward here. My relationship with Sienna is heated, yes, but that’s only because of the spark between us. You know it. I know it. The more we fight it, the more miserable we will be, hotness. I know how much I want you, and I suspect the same of you. Am I wrong?”

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