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"Leave him alone, El," Daisy chided, though her eyes twinkled with amusement. "They just got married yesterday."
"So?" Ellie shrugged. "When Tex and I got together, we didn't leave the bedroom for three days."
"TMI, lady," Kat groaned, covering her ears dramatically.
I giggled again, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep inside me. The room spun slightly as I turned my head, and I realized suddenly just how drunk I was.
"I should probably slow down," I mumbled, setting my glass down carefully.
"Probably," a deep voice agreed from behind me. "And you need some food."
I turned—too quickly, the room spinning—to see Novo standing there, arms crossed over his broad chest, an amused expression on his face.
"Novo," I said, my voice coming out louder than intended. "We were just talking about you."
His eyebrow arched. "Were you now?"
"All good things," Daisy assured him with a wink.
"They've been interrogating me," I said, trying to stand and nearly toppling over. Novo moved quickly, his hand steadying my elbow. The warmth of his touch seemed to radiate up my arm.
"I can see that," he replied, his voice tinged with amusement. "Having fun?"
"So much fun," I nodded emphatically, which was a mistake as the room tilted alarmingly. "Your friends are nice. Except Sophie. She's not nice at all."
Novo's expression darkened. "Sophie?"
"Don't worry," Daisy interjected smoothly. "I handled it. She won't be bothering Matty again."
Novo's jaw tightened, but he nodded his thanks to Daisy. "I think it's time to get you upstairs," he said to me, his hand still firm on my elbow.
"But we're celebrating," I protested, gesturing wildly toward the drinks. "I'm part of the family now. They said so."
Something softened in Novo's expression. "Yes, you are. But I think you've celebrated enough for one night."
The women laughed, and Kat raised her glass. "Don't worry, Bear. We'll celebrate with him plenty more times."
"Looking forward to it," I said earnestly, then hiccupped.
Novo sighed, but I could see the corner of his mouth twitching. "Come on, lightweight. Time for food and bed."
Before I could respond, he bent down and scooped me up into his arms. The sudden movement made my head spin, and I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck to steady myself.
"I can walk," I protested weakly, even as I leaned my head against his shoulder.
"Sure you can," he agreed, his chest rumbling against my side as he spoke. "But this is faster."
The women's laughter and wolf-whistles followed us as Novo carried me through the main room. I buried my face against his neck, suddenly embarrassed by the attention. He smelled good—like leather and soap and something distinctly all man.
"Did you bring Patches?" I mumbled against his skin. "He doesn't like being on his own."
"On his way," Novo assured me, and I sighed.
"They're right, you are like a big teddy bear."
"Uh huh," Novo replied, his voice gentler than I expected.
We reached his room, and he managed to open the door without putting me down. Once inside, he set me carefully on the edge of the bed. The room swayed slightly, and I gripped the edge of the mattress to steady myself.