Page 63 of Timeless
It was the quiet thrill of being wanted and craving every part of him in return. Every stolen glance, every indulgent, deliberate touch: a fingertip trailing along my spine, a hand brushing my hip—it felt like a promise.
It was slow, smoldering, and impossible to resist, even with the noise around us.
“Can I have everyone’s attention for a moment?” Jaxon spoke over the music once everyone had a glass in their hands. “As the best man, not only is it my duty, but it is my distinct honor to toast to our happy couple. Boden, Lakelyn, as we celebrate you, in the city of sin, just know that what happens in Vegas won’t stay in Vegas, but it will stay between the eight of us. Boden, you’re my ride or die, my family, and by extension, that extends to you also, Lakelyn. I heard something years ago that really resonated with me. You don’t marry someone you canlive with, you marry someone you can’t live without.” Jaxon lifted his whiskey glass high in the air. “May your love provide an anchor, comfort, and always show you the way forward. A toast to the happy couple.”
“Cheers,” we all echoed in unison, followed by “thank yous” from Boden and Lakelyn.
“Since we’re already raising glasses, how about we raise the stakes? Play a little game, shall we?” Arizona asked with her eyes hinting at mischief over her glass.
“What do you have in mind?” Lakelyn asked, nudging Arizona’s shoulder.
“We love you guys and all,” her eyes drifted to each of the men, “but us ladies need some girl time away from all your alpha-ness.” She gestured with a wave of her hand.
“Our what-now?” Coughed an amused Jameson.
Arizona side-eyed him. “Oh, don’t even pretend for a single second you don’t know what I’m talking about, you all have protective instincts, and while that’s hot as fuck and all, us girls are going to go hit the dance floor and dance like no one’s watching, without a care in the world.”
Jaxon’s hand tightened over my knee, a squeeze that felt halfway between don’t drift too far, and remember I’ll be nearby as if he sensed my unspoken nerves.
“So, here’s what’s going to happen: first guy who cracks and tries to claim his girl has to act out a sexy scene or fantasy of our choosing in one of the private back rooms.”
Ohmygod, what?That was my first thought.
Followed closely by,she’s fucking crazy!And she wasn’t even drinking.
“Red, we’re all going to pounce in two seconds flat if that’sthe dare.” Jameson shook his head, as if to say, game-the-fuck-on-where-do-I-sign.
“Oh, I’m aware. But I never said who you’d be acting it outwith.”
I watched Jenna lean closer to Cameron, who already had a sweet yet protective hold on his beautiful wife, wearing a gorgeous little black velvet dress paired with strappy red-soled stilettos.
Jameson slammed his glass down on the table, causing me to jump next to Jaxon. “You’re out of your goddamn mind if you think any of us are?—”
“Exactly,” she cut him off. “It’s how we’re going to keep you men in line. As you very well know, the plan tonight wasn’t originally a combined outing, but we ladies agreed we didn’t want to be far from you cavemen, and then you went and upped the ante by bringing us here. So, let us have our fun, and if you can abide by that rule, I know I speak only for myself here, but you, Mr. Jameson Fisher, will be rewarded handsomely.”
“Oh, this is going to be fun,” Lakelyn cooed.
“Or a trap,” Cameron voiced.
“Only if you lose control.” Jenna winked at her husband.
“I think we both know I’m always in control. Challenge accepted, my love.” His hand curled around the base of Jenna’s throat as he sealed his mouth over hers with an assertive hunger that was both claiming and sinfully possessive. It was primal.
Both Lakelyn and Arizona were equally lost in their own love-drunk bubbles, each leaning into the lustful buzz in the air, thick with the unspoken promise of exploring “more” if the men played by the rules.
But my thoughts kept coming back to Jaxon.
Tonight wasn’t about holding back.
Tonight was straight-up gasoline and a lit match.
And I was about to happily dance straight into the flames.
As if Jaxon could hear my thoughts, he captured my chin between his thumb and forefinger, seducing me with a look that spoke louder than words before I just acted, crushing my mouth against his.
Edges blurred as desire took the reins.
No hesitation, all hunger.
