For The Win (Gamer Girls, #6) - Auryn Hadley Page 0,118

too."

"It's cute."

Those words changed something in him. Psyc's hand lifted to her cheek and he stepped closer, bending toward her - but he didn't kiss her. His face was so close. His forehead almost touched hers, and she could feel the chemistry simmering between them like electricity.

"He's better for you," Psyc whispered, letting the crowd around them keep this moment private. "I get that. I just want to keep you safe, Rhaven, and the fact that KoG is after you scares the shit out of me. Use me. Let me shield you, because they don't want to hurt me."

On impulse, she lifted her chin and stretched that one inch to press her lips against his. Psyc froze, clearly stunned, and then he pulled her head even closer. Her lips parted and he was right there, his tongue diving between her teeth to explore her mouth without hesitation. People wandered around them. She could hear a few even laugh, but none of that mattered.

All she could focus on was him. This sweet, amazing guy who'd stood by her since the start. The one who always had her back when she needed it most, and he was kissing her. Her! He wasn't cautious. Psyc kissed her with passion, taking over, and she gave him complete control. Their mouths tangled, their tongues danced, and her heart was racing. When he finally pulled his lips away, she was panting. Slowly, Rhaven lifted her hand to touch her bruised lips, only to have Psyc chuckle.

"Uh..." And he wiped at the corner of her mouth. "I ruined your lipstick."

"You're also wearing it," she pointed out.

His lips split into a grin. "I'm actually ok with that." Then he turned her toward the gaming hall again. "I think there's a bathroom on the way so you can fix that."

There was, and she did. Then she reapplied her lipstick, thankful that she'd brought it with her. On the upside, it hadn't been too bad because she'd just had lunch, but there was still a magenta tinge to Psyc's lips. He didn't bother wiping it away. In fact, when they walked into the gaming hall, the man lifted his chin just a bit, guided her to her side of the table, and then took his own chair.

"Bro," Murder said. "You got a little something on your face."

"Looks like a little Rhaven at the corner of your mouth," Void added.

Knock, however, leaned toward her. "Everything ok?"

"Yep," she mumbled.

He rubbed her back gently. "Good. If they aren't, I want you to know that I push around Q's horses now, so I can shove around a gamer geek."

"Don't," Rhaven breathed, looking over at him. "Please don't be sweet right now, Knock? I'm... I mean, my mascara..."

"I'll get you the name of mine," Riley said. "Kitty picked it out because it's water-and sweat-proof. Then you won't have to worry about these guys being big sweet lugs."

And then the emcee began talking, making it clear that she was running late. That hot little kiss had happened when she was supposed to be getting ready for the third round. Rhaven quickly logged in and hit the gamer lobby. Of course, the chat was going crazy.

[MaterHead] grow up, you idiots. If someone else's life triggers you, then you have bigger issues.

[M1sEr] Explains why the faggot took me out. And here I thought he was trying to impress the girls.

[MURDER] He is, Miser. Or do you get confused by boobs? Maybe because you have some?

[QQ] That's the same dumbass who was hiding in the corner at one of the last events.

[VOID] Not even good enough to be a camper? No wonder he's pissed.

[M1sEr] like you're one to talk, Void. You threw a match to get your dick wet.

[VOID] Kinda didn't and I've got the streams to prove it. Got my dick wet because I kicked her ass.

[QQ] Face it, M1sEr, you're just pissed because you're bad.

[M1sEr] I'm gonna fuck you up so bad, you stupid badass.

[KNOCK] LOL! Stupid badass?

[M1sEr] That's not what I typed!

[KOHL] The chat filter has been engaged. Deviant does not tolerate verbal abuse.

[IceMan] Well played, Dez. Well played.

[ToyBoy] That's Destiny Pierce?

[Bamarama] Holy shit! I love you, Dez! Monster game next!

And it kept going like that, making Rhaven chuckle. Clearly, Dez had put a little thought into her word replacement, and it worked. "Stupid badass" didn't really feel degrading. Granted, she could guess what word should've been there, but she wasn't sure. It also didn't matter. That one little change made her realize just how much