Addictive (Houston Defiance MC #2) - K.E. Osborn Page 0,56

sure no one did anything stupid. You know how these guys can get.”

“So, you didn’t relax at all?”

Wraith leans back in his seat and exhales, observing all the comatose bodies lying around on the ground. “Maybe I can now.”

“You’re taking this president gig pretty seriously.”

“Got damn big shoes to fill. Honestly… don’t want to fuck anything up.”

Wow.

I wasn’t expecting that answer from Wraith. I didn’t think he would take on this role so seriously. “You need to let your hair down a little,” I suggest, handing him the remainder of my drink.

He takes my short glass, throwing back the finger of amber liquid left with careless regard. His face scrunches from the burn, and I love that even when pulling a face, he’s still sexy as sin.

“Something funny, princess?”

“No, just glad you’re finally joining the party.”

Wraith’s eyes shift around the area. “Party’s over. It’s time we all went to bed.” He goes to stand, but I reach out grabbing his hand to stop him. He stalls, his eye meeting mine, and I exhale.

“Wraith, sit. Let’s talk for a while.”

“Talk?”

I snort out a laugh. “God, is the concept that foreign to you?”

He huffs, slumping back on his chair. “Hit me. What do you wanna talk about?”

Shit, I didn’t think this through.

“So, no politics, or religion—”

“You’re not supposed to talk about those things on a date, Prinie. We’re not on a date.”

Burn.

“Okay, grumpy pants. Geez. You know that’s not just a dating no-go, it’s a generalized conversation tactic. You’re so defensive tonight. Relax a little, will you. It’s just me.”

“It’s hard to relax around you, Prinie.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re thinking too much. Unwind. Let go of whatever you’re clinging to, and bask in the warmth of the fire, stare at the moon, breathe, Wraith. You’re wound too tight. If you’re not careful, you’re gonna pop a blood vessel.”

He actually chuckles as he sinks further into his seat like he’s following my instructions. “Okay, I’m listening. You know, for someone who’s so uptight all the time, you sure know how to relax when you want to.”

I tilt my head. “Whiskey helps.”

He raises his hand in the air. “Bar wench… another round of whiskey for me and the princess,” he yells, full of sarcasm.

“Did you just make a joke?” I giggle.

He shrugs. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Unfortunately, all the bar wenches are probably in bed.”

“Then we’ll have to get our own drinks. Up you get.” Wraith grabs my arm, lifting me from my comfy chair.

We start walking inside toward the bar where more people are passed out.

“I think we’re the only two still awake.”

“Does that mean we get to draw on everyone’s faces?” He mocks as we dodge over comatose bodies.

“Holy shit! Who are you right now?” Laughter bubbles up from inside my chest.

“Should I get the markers?” He narrows his eyes on me, but I can tell he’s joking.

“You know… when you’re relaxed, you’re actually pretty fucking cool.”

A genuine, happy laugh makes the corner of his lips turn up ever so slightly. A sight very rarely, if ever, seen from him. My eyes widen as I point at him. “Oh my God, you nearly smiled.”

He shakes his head. “No, I didn’t,” he defends.

As we reach the bar, I lean in close. “I bet you have a great smile,” I tease.

Wraith’s face lights up as he tries to fight it, but the corner of his lips turn up, the hint of his perfect teeth shining through. It’s the first time I’ve seen this much of a smile, and it’s fucking dazzling. It’s drawing me in as the energy in the room begins to change. It swirls around me, pulling me closer. I feel it, the happiness in the moment.

We’re in a good place right now, and all I want is to share it with him.

So, I take it.

I lean forward in a rush, pressing my lips to his. I ignite in an insatiable fire, it burns all the way down to my chest. He hesitates, but as I push my tongue inside his mouth, his hand instantly rushes up, grasping my hair. His fingers grip and pull, sending a tingle through my scalp in the most delicious way. He tastes of whiskey and desire as his other hand claws at my hip. He backs me frantically against the bar, our tongues colliding, dancing with each other in the frenzied kiss. My hands run up his back, clinging on, pulling him closer, needing him closer. I’ve wanted this kiss for so fucking long, now it’s