Page 93 of Into the Woods

“You can spank the insubordination out of me later,” I teased with a wink.

His look went from amused to hungry in half a second. “I fucking plan to.” The slight growl in his words made my belly swoop. He kissed me hard, his tongue sliding into my mouth and dominating mine until I was breathless and achy for more.

“Court—”

A banging on the bedroom door had us both turning.

“You two need to get out here,” Rook called, his voice all business.

I exchanged looks with Court and quickly finished drying off before tugging on my bra and a shirt. I searched for my panties under the leggings he’d brought. “Where’s my underwear?”

“Gone,” he replied with a shrug. “You don’t need them.”

“What? Yes, I do,” I insisted, but I was already rolling the leggings up. Luckily I’d pulled my hair into a messy bun for my bath, so other than a few damp pieces clinging to my neck, it was dry.

“You really don’t,” he replied, following me out of the bathroom and through the bedroom. I yanked open the door to see Rook waiting with a worried look.

“What?” Court asked for both of us, his hands landing on my hips. I leaned against his chest without thinking, absorbing his heat and strength into myself.

A sad smile played at the corners of Rook’s mouth before he looked at Court. “I’m happy for you guys.”

“But not everyone will be,” Bishop called from his seat on the couch. He turned, holding up my phone. It was ringing, Eric’s name showing as the caller. “Fifth time he’s called. I think he’s having separation anxiety.”

I frowned. I’d texted him yesterday with the story that we’d worked out—me being back in California to straighten out my graduation status—and I’d pretty much ignored my phone after that. Why would Eric be blowing up my phone?

“Maybe something’s wrong with Cami?” I wondered, glancing back at Court.

“Your mom or grandparents would’ve called,” he pointed out, shaking his head.

“Okay, maybe something’s wrong with Alex, and Eric can’t get ahold of Cami?” I tried. My brow furrowed as I tried to work out the urgency.

“Dude, it’s almost two in the morning in California,” Bishop wondered aloud. “Why is he calling now?”

“He’s been calling, like, every hour. Now he’s upped it to every minute.” Rook’s lips twisted to the side.

“You said he only called five times.” I gaped at Bishop.

He shrugged. “He’s only called five times this hour.”

That made zero sense unless someone was dead. “But—”

Court snarled a little. “He’s fucking obsessed with you, princess.”

“I’ve barely known him a week,” I argued, utterly mystified.

“Not sure that matters to guys like him,” Rook murmured, rubbing the back of his neck.

I bit my lower lip. “I should answer it.”

“The fuck you should,” Court spat.

“I kinda agree with Bex,” Bishop offered.

Court turned his annoyance to his brother. “You would.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Bishop demanded, his normal easygoing nature dissipating.

“Enough,” Rook snapped, shutting them both down. He looked at me, his expression softening. “I think you should talk to him. The last thing we need is him spooking and calling off the auction. This is the closest we’ve been in months.”

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