Page 78 of Bossy Wicked Prince

The silence is broken when James lets out a low chuckle. He takes a bottle of wine from the middle of the table and refills Ryan’s glass. “You need to hydrate after that burn,” he says.

Ryan shoots me a sheepish smile. “Fair enough. Agree to disagree, Cat?”

I raise my brows. “Sure, since everyone else knows I’m right.”

Beau and Luke howl with laughter while Nate puts his arm around the back of my chair.

“Don’t forget, my Kitten has claws,” he says, squeezing my shoulder.

I can’t remember the last time I felt this powerful…thishappy.

25

CAT

Hours later, we’ve completely destroyed the Thanksgiving dinner. I’m still surprised we managed to eat the entire massive spread in one sitting. Apparently, when you have five tall men obsessed with working out, they basically act as garbage disposals.

Nate and I stand by the elevator, saying goodbye to the guests.

“It was great meeting you, Cat,” Luke says, shaking my hand. “Happy Friendsgiving.”

“I put a few extra slices of pie in Nate’s fridge,” Beau adds. “If they’re not gone by tomorrow, then I have to warn you that Luke or Ryan might steal them.”

Before I can answer, a pair of strong arms wraps around me, and suddenly my feet are off the floor. Ryan’s got me wrapped in an enormous bear hug. “I know you’re besties with my evil stepsister, but I forgive you,” he says, squeezing me tight.

I giggle as he puts me down. When I see Nate staring daggers at Ryan, I laugh even harder.

“No need to be jealous, Nate,” Ryan says. “I’ve got plenty of hugs for you, too.”

“Not interested,” Nate says flatly. “You can go.”

The four of them all pile into the elevator, which looks far too small to hold them all.

The second the door closes, Nate’s on me, kissing me like he’ll die if he stops. Our lips and tongues move against each other hungrily. We’re already primed from the hours we spent sitting next to each other, waiting for this moment.

I wanted him so much, and I finally get to have him.

We’re both breathless when he finally pulls away.

“You were incredible tonight,” he purrs. He gathers my hair at the back of my head, then winds it around his fist. “I know my friends ambushed us, but you did more than hold your own. You’ve made them obsessed with you.”

His praise sends a wave of calm through me. I love knowing he’s proud of how I handled his friends.

“I liked your friends, too. Even Ryan, but don’t tell Pippa I said that.”

He scowls. “I’m glad you liked them, but I’m done thinking about anyone else for the rest of the fucking night. I’ve been waiting to have you all to myself.”

“Me too,” I murmur before I kiss him again. Our bodies mold together, my curves pressing against his hard muscles.

I’m done worrying about my future with Nate. If we have to end things in a few months or even a few days, I refuse to spend the time until then anticipating the pain. I deserve to enjoy how cherished and desired he makes me feel.

All too soon, Nate tears his lips from mine. I try to chase them, because I’m not done kissing him. It’s only been a few days since he had me in his office, but every minute was torture. I crave his kisses like I crave my next breath.

“Soon, Kitten,” he says. “I have to get everything cleaned up first.”

Nodding, I head to the table and start stacking plates. Nate places a hand on my shoulder. “What are you doing?”

“Helping you clean up.”