It makes me mad that after everything Jafar said to me that he was still going to make Al go somewhere else tonight. Why can’t he see how unfair he’s being? To me. To Al. To Jasmine. And even to himself.
Finally, we reach the bathroom and take turns helping each other with our dresses so we can take care of business before freshening up in front of the vanity. When we’re finished, we make our way to the ballroom. Al and Richard are still at the bar and judging by the empty glasses in front of them, they’ve been busy. Al pulls me close when I join them, planting a wet kiss on my cheek.
“Missed you, babe.”
He hands me a drink, and I grin when I take a sip of the Hennessy.
“Thank you.”
Our lips collide, and I hear our friends cheering us on. But then the mood shifts, and I know Jafar is nearby. Suddenly, the spark that I was feeling turns into an inferno, but it’s not because of Al. That doesn’t stop me from kissing him the way I wish I could kiss Jafar. Al pulls me closer, and I’m certain I feel his erection pressing into my stomach. Finally, we end the kiss.
Jasmine cheers. “Yes! Look at my bestie.”
“We’re in a public place,” Jafar snaps. “If the two of you could stop making out like fucking teenagers, it would be nice.” To Jasmine, he says, “It’s time for the auction to start.”
She gives me an apologetic look as she follows Jafar toward the stage. I take another long sip of my drink, just so I don’t say something that’s likely to cause a scene. Al stands behind me, nibbling on the side of my neck while I drink.
“That’s it, babe. Get on my level.”
He’s right. I need to let loose. My head spins as I finish the drink, and I turn, kissing him again. I don’t know why, but I’m hot suddenly. And horny. So very horny. I spot Jafar over Al’s shoulder, glaring at me from the side of the stage. Shit. That glare shouldn’t make me so wet, but it does. I want him so badly, and I can’t stop thinking about every naughty thing we’ve done together. I want more.
Al kisses my neck, sucking a bit, and I moan.
He whispers into my ear, “I think we should get out of here. Want to go back to your hotel?”
I know I can’t have Jafar, but I can have Al for one night, pretending it’s Jafar.
“Yeah.”
Dru laughs as we say our goodbyes. As we leave, we run into Gemma near the door. She looks worried and pulls me aside.
“Ellie, how much have you had to drink?”
“Only a few.”
I sway a bit and hold on to her arm to steady myself.
“Darling, are you sure you want to leave with him? He seems to have had a bit more than you.”
“I think we’ll be fine.” A giggle escapes. “Besides, you told me to get it. Remember?”
“I do remember, but that was when you were both sober.” She eyes me. “Just be safe, and call or text if you need me.”
“I will.”
Al grabs me by the hand when I join him, and I let him tug me along. We make our way outside, where the cool air feels weird against my heated skin. Al drags me toward an empty cab, and we’re both laughing as the door closes.
“Where to?”
Al rattles off the name of my hotel before covering my mouth with his. He really is a good kisser. Not as good as Jafar, but good enough. When his kisses move lower, I giggle, swatting at him.
“Not in here.”
We reach the hotel and make our way to my room. I stumble with the plastic key card, and he has to slip it inside.
“Got it in.”
“That’s what he said,” I say, laughing.