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He didn’t seem to care about anything as he sauntered over to us with an easy, cocky grin. He dropped down in one of the empty chairs in front of us and leaned way back as he snickered, “You two having a good night?”

“We were,” Hudson grumbled. “What do you want, Goose?”

“Nothing.” His smirk widened. “Just thought I’d come over and assess the situation.”

“What situation?”

“The one with Kay and Tabitha.” His smile never faltered. “Just wondering if she’s gonna go over andkick Kay’s ass.”

“What the hell are you talking about? There will be noass-kickingtonight.”

“Are you sure?” he pressed. “Kay’s been giving her the eye all night.”

“She has done no such thing.”

“Look at her. She’s doing it right now.” He cocked his brow with a smirk. “Come on. Go kick her ass.”

Out of pure curiosity, I glanced over, and Kay wasn’t looking at me or Hudson. In fact, she was completely turned around, talking to one of the hang-arounds. Hudson shook his head and said, “You’ve got a screw loose, son.”

“Yeah, well, carnival rides do too, but folks still like to ride ‘em.” He turned his attention back to me. “Come on, Tab. You can take her.”

“I thought you liked Kay.”

“I do,” Goose scoffed. “Think the world of her, but there’s nothing like a good catfight.”

“Fuck off, Goose. I don’t have the patience for you tonight.”

“Alright. Alright. You’re no fun.” He stood and tipped his chin toward me, all playful and full of mischief. “You know, you’re makin’ our old man look mighty good over here. I’m sure he appreciates it. I know I do.”

“Well, thank you,” I giggled. “I appreciate that.”

I was grateful for the way he cut through the tension. Hudson just shook his head and muttered something under his breath that made Goose chuckle even harder before he finally drifted off to join the others. After that, no one else came over.

I didn’t mind.

Actually, I appreciated it.

It gave me a chance to soak in a quiet moment with Hudson without any major distractions. He might have been the club’s president and the leader of the chaos within, but for this little moment in time, he was just mine.

And it felt good.

We had another round of drinks, and I was starting to feel the effects of the alcohol. My cheeks were warm, and I had this undeniable urge to inch a little closer to Hudson. He didn’t seem to mind. He held my gaze as he reached for his beer, and my eyes dropped to his mouth as he brought the bottle up to his lips. Damn. What I wouldn’t give to feel those lips on mine.

He must’ve had the same thought, because he leaned in and whispered, “Want to get out of here for a bit?”

“Sure. Where did you have in mind?”

“My room.” He cocked his brow. “I don’t know about you, but I could go for a little privacy right about now.”

“Yes, privacy sounds good. Really good.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

He reached over and took my hand in his and then led me out of the bar and down the hall. A few moments later, we were standing in his room. I hadn’t even had a chance to look around before Hudson pulled me towards him and pressed his lips against mine.

The kiss was soft and tender and filled with promise. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer until there was no space left between us. Being with him felt like home, and my entire body melted into his.

A low moan escaped through my parted lips as he kissed me deeper, and suddenly, everything changed. Every single nerve in my body came alive as rough, calloused hands held me against his broad, muscular chest.