Page 33 of The Originals

Mick hooked his arm around her stomach, pulling her back against his chest. His breath tickled her neck. “It’s gonna have you lying flat on your ass in ten minutes. Never take a drink from Grain.”

“Fuck off, Mick. Your old lady wants to try, she don’t need your permission.” Grain’s taunting tone only made her eager to have a taste. “What do you say? Want some?”

“Jesus Christ, Grain. All you need is a van and some candy, you creepy motherfucker,” Mick snapped.

Everyone laughed, including Grain, who wasn’t quite ready to back down. “Come on, Meg. Come play with the big boys.”

She slowly reached out her arm, but Mick tugged her again. “Don’t listen to this fucking asshole. He’s baiting you.”

Maybe, but as he said, whether teasing or not, Meg didn’t need anyone’s permission. She glanced back at Mick.

“Are you trying to tell me not to do it?”

He smirked, shaking his head. “Not the boss of you.”

She leaned in, kissing him. She spun around and reached for the liquor. The strong smell wafted through her senses before she even brought the bottle to her lips.It smells like regret.She made a conscious effort to hold her breath as she brought the bottle to her lips. One sip, one gulp. How bad could it be? She tilted the bottle back too quickly and got a bigger mouthful than intended. The second it touched her tongue, a piercing heat enflamed her mouth. She ripped the bottle away and clamped her lips. She was so tempted to spit it out, and Grain must have sensed that, along with a few others. Suddenly, there was loud chanting with grown men shouting, “Swallow, swallow, swallow.”

It took everything Meg had to lift her chin, angle her head, and swallow. The burning in her mouth and throat made it hard to feel anything. When she was confident she had it all down, she parted her lips and sucked in a mouthful of air. Then the coughing started, followed by the watery eyes and runny nose. Prickled heat spread over every inch of her skin. What the hell was that?

Mick drove his hand through her hair, wrapping it over his fist and taking it off her neck. That seemed to have an immediate effect. Her body started to cool slightly.

“Hey,” Grain snapped, and she turned to him. “Not many broads get my respect. You got half right now for drinking that. You get the other half in an hour if you don’t puke.”

The group started laughing, and she was mildly aware of someone putting a cup of water in her hand. She glanced up to see Maureen smiling down at her.

Meg remained seated, listening to the music and drinking mainly water for the next hour. The burn finally subsided, and she was treated to a very strong buzz. A few joints were passed around, and in her already loose state she reached for one, but Mick quickly grabbed it, took a drag, and passed it along. Hewasn’t telling her no, but he was taking away the opportunity. She glanced up at him, and his gaze softened.

“You’re wasted.”

“Beautifully buzzed.”

He laughed, tightening his hold over her belly. Her lips twisted, and she scrunched her nose. “And now I’m about to ruin the buzz. I have to pee.”

Mick bit back his smile and lifted his chin as she shifted forward. Once he stood, she grabbed his hands, and he pulled her up. He wrapped his arm over her shoulder, and they made the trek to the bathroom. They were a good distance away, near the concessions and the crew’s outbuildings. The walk got her blood flowing, and she came out of her hazy daze.A little.

They parted ways at the bathrooms, and when she walked out Mick was leaning his shoulder against the building and taking a drag from his cigarette.

“Didn’t puke, right?” he teased, and she sauntered over, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“I officially have Grain’s respect.”

Mick snorted. “Yeah, you and very few women in the world. May not seem like an honor, but Grain doesn’t give that shit to many women.”

“Are we going back?”

Mick straightened and knitted his brows. “You wanna get something to eat?”

She brushed her lips against his, whispering, “We could find a quiet corner really quick.”

He groaned, grasping her hips. “Ever fuck in public?”

She giggled. “Not yet. Wanna pop another cherry?”

Mick laughed, dropped his hand, and clasped hers. They walked past two buildings and down a small alley of trailers. It was closer to the main event but still a far enough distance. Mick spun her around and pressed her back against the trailer.His mouth came down on hers, stealing her breath as his tongue tangled with hers. This would be a quickie, no extra time for foreplay. Not that she needed it. She was so ready for him. Mick unbuckled her jeans, lowering the zipper. His lips were on her neck as his hand slid down her pants.

“Ah.” His low growl had her swiveling her hips, wanting more. “You’re ready for me.”

I am so ready.