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The protest dies on my lips when Cole turns to Shane and says, “We should change or last names.” Shane agrees with a full body nod and a bright blush.
“Let me pick your new name.” They deserve a better name for just the two of them.
“NO,” they say in unison.
“This calls for champagne.” Jayce flags the nearest server to order a couple of bottles of bubbly and bottle service for the night. “It’s on me,” Jayce declares.
I’m not sure what happened, but a while back, the man keeps trying to become my best friend. It’s cool because he arranged tonight’s celebration after the opening. Jayce usually participates under duress from Mads, but according to her, he organized everything without her asking or her input. I’m suspicious he held a grudge against me and decided to let it go. I keep waiting for annoyed Jayce to reappear.
Maybe Mads convinced him I’m not so bad. Whatever it is, I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
“Have I told you how insanely gorgeous you are?” Von’s lips connect with the bare skin between my shoulder blades.
“You do love to dress me up and show me off.” I turn and run my fingers through his hair because I need to touch him but not turn it X-rated. It’s one of my favorite pastimes.
“Hmmm.” He leans in, but his lips hover over mine. “I can’t take credit for you.”
“Sure you can,” I whisper so our lips are touching, but we’re not kissing. His taste in fashion is getting bolder and I’m here for it. I’m wearing skin-tight red leather pants with a matching halter top. My entire back is bare. It’s a soft, wide swatch that circles my neck, plunges down each side of my chest, and wraps around my waist, creating a belt. It’s definitely the most gender-bending outfit I’ve worn in public.
It also shows off my tattoos. Von sat in on the sessions when Cole tattooed over the word poison on my chest. It’s transformed into a series of Nordic symbols: the tree of life, Thor’s hammer, and runes for love, protection, and healing. My chest is a masterpiece dedicated to Von.
A couple hours and a few glasses of champagne later, and I’m ready to dance.
“Take me.” I nip Von’s earlobe and relish his shock. “Out onto the dance floor.”
“Temptress.” He runs his hands down my spine. “Let me watch you,” he growls, and these pants are too tight for my cock’s reaction. I tear my gaze away from him to survey our table.
He gets off on watching other people’s lust for me, but the possessive part of him loses his mind if someone touches me. My plan involves a partner in crime to prevent a jealous incident, which would get us thrown out. I get off on his caveman obsession with me.
Shane is bopping his head to the music, but Cole isn’t at our table. Perfect.
“Dance with me.” I pull Shane out of his seat, and his nerves lock his body in stillness. “One song.” Holding his hand, I bring our arms up over our heads and twirl myself.
Shane glances over and Von must encourage him because he says, “One dance or until Cole comes to get me.”
“I can’t believe you let him leave the house wearing that,” Lars says behind me.
“Who do you think dressed him?” Von’s voice is smug with a sexy gravel.
I’m dragging Shane away when I hear the clink of glasses with Jayce’s laughter as he says, “Alright, alright, alright, Von.”
If anyone understands Von's desire to watch, it’s Jayce.
“Just so I’m clear, we’re doing this because Von wants it, not so you can annoy my husband.” Shane sways to the music and I’m holding his wrist to send an obvious signal we’re together to avoid unwanted hands on either of us. Shane might be a genius, but sometimes social interactions confuse him.
“Correct.” I spin him until he laughs. He needs to get out more and have fun. “It’s his kink,” I explain. “He loves seeing other people covet what he has, knowing I’m his.”
I struggled our first year, afraid he’d change his mind and leave me. But his steadfast love never wavered and I learned to trust myself and our love. I’m finally someone’s person. The only person Von chooses to spend the rest of his life with. I’m his first and only choice. I trust him with my life. It took a while for me to fully believe it, but I don’t have any doubts.
I can feel Von’s eyes burning my skin and perform a spin and body roll for him.
Unfortunately, another man puts his hands on my hips.
“You have ten seconds before your hands cause an international incident,” I say, wriggling out of his grip. A palm crashes into his chest and Von’s growl resonates over the music.
The man raises his hands in defeat, but his gaze slides to Shane.
“Nope,” I say. “His husband would rather spend the night in jail than let you touch him.” I’m body blocking Von from getting any closer to the misguided man who disappears into the crowd.