Page 18 of Fifty

Her teeth tug lightly on her bottom lip, and it’s easy to see that her breathing has quickened. Just as I lower my lips to her ear, intending to ask if she wants to go somewhere more private, Kane and Ayla decide to finally make a reappearance. Dammit. The heat between us is palpable. It’s definitely going to take a few minutes for me to cool off.

I notice Ayla give a tiny wave in Jade’s direction before she quickly owns her spot in Kane’s lap. They’re both smiles from ear to fucking ear as they make it clear that they’re back together.

“Well, holy shit. It’s about God damn time,” Mickey grins, slapping his hand down on Kane’s shoulder in approval, as he returns from the bar with a full glass.

“Here’s to the best fuckin’ New Year’s Eve I’ve ever had. Cheers, boys,” Kane lifts his glass, prompting us all to do the same. I tip mine back, emptying my glass in one last swallow.

The party seems to go quiet for a second and the music stops. “Ten seconds!” someone announces loudly. Shit, I didn’t realize it was so close to midnight already.

“Ten…nine…eight…seven…” the crowd begins to count loudly around us.

“Three…two…one!” a roar erupts.

As the sound hits my ears, Jade’s full lips crash into mine. And I know it’s fucking cheesy as hell, but honest to God, fireworks go off behind my eyelids. No other kiss in my life could possibly compare. I move my mouth with hers, giving her a second to warm up before I push my tongue through. She grants me full access to explore, feeling her tongue roll gently against mine. We move together like we’ve done this a million times before. It feels natural and perfect. I know I have to stop myself, but I don’t want to. What I want is to pick her up in my arms and carry her straight back to my room. I want to taste every sweet inch of her.

Eleven

Jade

My lips feel swollen as I pull back. That was beyond a kiss. My head and heart are spinning out of control as I stare at this undeniably sexy man sitting beside me. How can he create such an ache with just a kiss? I want him so badly in this moment that it actually scares me.

“Jade, come with us. We’re going to get more drinks,” Ayla’s voice fills my brain.

Fifty’s eyes blink, breaking our stare and his head tips as he gives me a wink. I take that to mean I should go ahead and that we’ll pick this up later, when we don’t have an audience. Turning towards Ayla, I lift from the couch.

“Do you want another drink?” I look back at Fifty in question.

“I’m good, sweetheart. Thank you,” he answers as Cora grabs my arm. I can already tell from the way that she’s dragging me away that I’m in for some extensive girl talk.

“That was some New Year’s kiss,” Cora doesn’t hold back as we wait for Timmy to pour us a fresh round. My face warms at the attention and I’m thankful for the somewhat dark room.

“I think it was the best one I’ve had in…well, ever,” I blurt out, unable to contain my excitement with the adrenaline flooding my body.

“I bet those boys are grilling him something hard,” Cora grins at Ayla who nods in response.

“Why?” I can’t stop the one-word question from tumbling out.

“Because that boy is the epitome of a ladies’ man. He’s a fucking charmer if I ever saw one, and from what we know, he’s never been a one-woman man. But I honestly don’t think he’s taken his eyes off you all night,” Cora answers simply, like it’s no big deal, but I feel myself cringe. Am I just bound to be the newest name on his list of conquests?

“Don’t listen to her, she’s drunk. But let’s be honest, it’s no secret that these guys all have a history with the ladies, as much as none of us want to think about it. Just try not to hold Fifty’s past against him. He’s got a good heart, give him a chance to show it to you. Trust me, they can change,” Ayla offers and I can tell she’s speaking from her experience with Kane.

I glance back over my shoulder, and even from a distance, the conversation between the guys seems to be a bit intense. Although four large guys wearing leather cuts would probably look severe in most situations.

I notice both Cora and Ayla swaying slightly to the music as we stand beside the bar. I feel the pull on my body too, as I start to move my hips. My body and mind begin to relax as I give in and let the music take ahold of me.

“Here you go, ladies,” Timmy’s voice cuts through the music and we all stop, turning back towards the bar.

“Thanks, Timmy,” Cora gushes before looking back at me and Ayla. “C’mon. We better get back to those boys before they get themselves into trouble,” she grins raising her eyebrows. As I glance back again, I see a group of four women now hanging on the backs and sides of the furniture that the guys are occupying.

“Wow. They moved in fast,” I acknowledge.

“They always do,” Cora replies as she moves confidently towards Ryder without hesitation. She obviously has no fear that Ryder would be tempted. Ayla holds back for a second and I see her push a deep breath out past her lips.

Are you okay?” I question softly.

“I’m good. Just working through some really shitty memories,” she answers and I know better than to ask anything more.

“What’s going on over here?” Cora questions, announcing our return as loudly as possible.