“Okay, I didn’t knowthat, so I’ll have to get ready.”
“Oh, goody!” Amy cheers, bouncing in her seat with Ares in her lap. She might need new make-up in a minute because she’s letting the dog lick hers off. “Dibs on your eye makeup! I have no idea what to do with your hair.”
Theo pops the bubbly open and fills our glasses, handing them out like a professional waiter. Before I get mine, he grips my jaw, stealing a quick, hot kiss. “I’m taking Ares for a walk. Don’t leave until I come back.”
As soon as the wordsAresandwalkleave his mouth in quick succession, the dog abandons Amy’s lap, sprinting to the door, jumping as high as Theo’s middle. He’s overly excited, considering this will be his third walk of the day. Theo’s only taking him out to escape thebitching about guyspart.
“I think I know what to do with your hair,” Kaya says, coming closer. I can’t get over how anyone can look this flawless. Her make-up is so beautiful she looks photoshopped. If any woman could convince me to play for the other team, she’d be it. There’s not one tiny hair out of place on her head. Not one blemish on her symmetrical face, cheekbones like hewn in stone. How fucking unfair. “May I?” she urges, making me realize I’ve been scrutinizing her for God knows how long.
“Oh, yes, sure. Sorry, I was just... miles away.”
I receive movie star treatment for half an hour while four girls tend to my hair and makeup, firing questions about my relationship with Theo.
“Your pussy must have magic powers,” Mary-Jane giggles, contouring my lips. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Theo dating.”
“Pussio irresisteblis!” Kaya laughs, waving an imaginary wand. “Cockus gripus!”
At that moment, Theo returns, his eyebrows drawn together but lips flickering with amusement. “I’ve been gone half an hour. How much did you drink?”
Kaya turns to Theo, fighting to keep a straight face while the other girls giggle so hard MJ is tearful. She raises her hand, pointing the invisible wand at his chest. “Orgasmus neverendus!”
Theo lets Ares off the leash, chuckling under his breath. “Will you need a bucket when you come back,omorfiá?”
“Thalius nopukus,” I announce. I should lay off the bubbly immediately. “I’ll stick to caipirinha at the club.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea. If you come back too drunk, there will be noorgasmus, little one. What time are you leaving?”
Cass checks her watch. “Soon. I’ll order a cab now.”
“Don’t. Colt and Conor will take you there.” He pulls a phone out to call his brothers.
Fifteen minutes later, my hair is in an up-do, and my make-up never looked better—not half as beautiful as Kaya’s, but I’m not half as beautiful as her, so best not to expect miracles.
The door to the apartment opens, Nico leading the way with a case of beer in hand, and in come the rest of the Hayes, minus Cody. Jack and a few guys I remember from the party, follow behind.
A small commotion erupts while the girls filter through the crowd toward the door. Cassidy keeps to the side, suddenly silent and insecure, her eyes following Logan’s every move.
He pays her no attention, twirling me around his finger, a slightly roguish smile on his face as he turns to Theo. “You’ve got nerves of steel letting your girl out dressed like that, bro.”
“They can look, but they can’t touch,” I say, tapping my cheek, urging him to stamp a kiss there.
“Sure, they can’t.” He agrees after the customary cheek-peck. “Everyone knows you’re Theo’s. No one will take the risk. Have fun tonight.”
Shawn and Jack check me out next, taking a liking to my outfit, while Nico’s eyes hardly veer away from Kaya, his shoulders rolled back, eyes slipping down her frame. A vein on his neck pulses at the sight of her short dress, and I’m not sure if he’s turned on or pissed off. Either way, it looks like I might not be the only one whose pussy has magical powers. After all, Nico Hayes is not one to look at a woman again after she has already hit his sheets. At least, according to Theo.
“Call me when you’re ready to come home. Cody will pick you up.” Theo pulls me to his side. “You’re so fucking hot, baby...” he breathes in my ear. “...don’t let anyone touch you.”
“I’ll be good.” I peck his lips. “Have fun.”
TWENTY-THREE
Thalia
PARTY OF FIVE TURNS INTO A PARTY OF TWELVE within an hour of arriving at Q. Girls voted to skip Tortugo in favor of dancing, where MJ spotted a few friends from college, and Kaya dragged two complete strangers into our booth.
I keep a steady pace with caipirinhas while the girls stick to bubbly, chatting, laughing, and rating the guys watching us from the bar on a scale of doability.
One isnot even if he were the last man on earth,and ten isI’d let him fuck me right here on this table.