Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80451 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80451 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Trey’s voice is warm against my ear. “He doesn’t seem opposed.”
I laugh softly, though it comes out a bit breathless. “No, he’s not.”
The heat of their bodies is cataclysmic, the rhythmic press of hips and thighs a slow, sensual dance that has my heart thrashing in my chest. Part of me wants to break free and rush to Lincoln’s side—to bury my face in his shirt and pretend this never happened. But another part, the one that’s been exploring a daring new side of herself ever since we arrived here, finds the boldness of the moment exhilarating. I can practically taste Lincoln’s stare from across the room, and it’s like fuel to the fire licking at my edges.
Vera slips a hand down, brushing the fabric of my dress near my hip, almost like she’s testing how far she can go. My breath catches. The entire time, Trey’s body remains at my back, his hand steady on my waist, guiding the subtle shift of our movements.
I risk a glance at Lincoln. His arms remain folded, but he’s no longer leaning on the column; he’s standing straight, tension radiating from every line of his body. My gaze locks with his, and a jolt of pure electricity snaps between us. I see hunger in his eyes—raw and undisguised. And though guilt nudges at me for letting Trey and Vera get this close, a thrill I can’t deny flares in my belly. I like that Lincoln’s watching, that he’s seeing me test these waters. A question forms in my mind: Is he as turned on as I am?
Judging by the dark intensity in his stare, I’d say yes. The realization sends a shiver through me. The music slows even further, the beat throbbing like a pounding heartbeat through the speakers. Vera’s body shifts, and before I can process it, she loops her arm around my shoulders, pressing her cheek to mine in a friendly but charged gesture. It’s a move that’s both comforting and provocative, and it draws me deeper into the dance.
My entire body feels like it’s on fire. I can feel Trey’s chest rise and fall with his breathing, and Vera’s soft hair brushes my face. The lights overhead seem to swirl in my vision, or maybe that’s just the rush of blood in my head. Every muscle is taut with anticipation, half expecting one of them to take it a step further.
But I find myself leaning back slightly, letting Trey’s arm support me, all while my eyes remain locked on Lincoln. He hasn’t moved closer—hasn’t stepped in to interrupt—but I can tell he’s battling himself. His fists clench at his sides, his jaw is set, and he looks like he’s debating whether to yank me away or let this play out. The idea that he might intervene sends another spike of excitement through me. If he does, it would confirm just how possessive he can be when it comes to me.
Vera tilts her head, pressing her lips near my ear. “You okay?” she murmurs, her tone gentle despite the warmth of the moment.
I swallow, my mouth suddenly parched. “Yes,” I manage to say, my voice low. “Just… new to this.”
She gives a reassuring little smile. “You’re doing great.”
Trey’s chuckle rumbles against my back. “Definitely. Such a good girl.”
I catch my bottom lip between my teeth, trying to harness the swirl of emotions. The last thing I want is to lose my nerve in front of them—or in front of Lincoln. So I keep swaying, letting the music guide me, letting the sensation of multiple bodies press close. My heart is a drumbeat in my ears.
Finally, the song fades to a soft close, and the lull between tracks leaves my head spinning. Trey and Vera ease back a step. Vera’s grin is playful, eyes shining. “Well, that was fun,” she purrs. “We’ll have to see if your husband’s willing to share you a bit more next time.”
I bite down a shocked laugh, my cheeks ablaze. “We’ll see,” I say, trying to keep my tone flirty.
With that, they slip away, melting into the crowd in search of another couple, another dance, or maybe something more. I’m left standing there, heartbeat still pounding, sweat dewing at the nape of my neck. And then Lincoln’s there, crossing the floor in a handful of purposeful strides.
“You okay?” he asks, his voice tight with concern as he reaches me.
I nod, forcing an unsteady grin. “Yeah. Just… dancing. What did Dean say?”
His frown deepens a moment, but he takes a breath and drops his voice. “I convinced him we’re fine, that we’re just lying low. He doesn’t suspect a thing. How about you?” He glances around, spotting Trey and Vera chatting with another pair in the corner. “You looked pretty comfortable… or maybe uncomfortable?”
A wry smile tugs at my lips, my pulse still fluttering. “A little bit of both. I didn’t want to offend them, and I figured… you know, ‘play the part.’” I shrug, trying to downplay how rattled I feel. “Vera and Trey said they’re close to Morris, but I still don’t know how we’ll get more info if he’s not even here.”