Page 126 of Burning Ember

I expect a couple of surprised looks. But it’s almost as if the entire party stops to gape at us. Some stand with their mouths open and eyes popping out of their sockets, while others start quickly speaking to each other and throwing curious glances our way.

Under my breath, I mutter, “Well fuck. Guess it’s as good a time as any to get my point across.”

“What?” Ember asks as I tuck her in closer to my side. She looks good there. Fits there. But in order to do this properly, she’s going to have to be on display. So I turn toward her and keep her a foot in front of me. “I’m gonna kiss you.”

Her eyes widen and for a second she quickly scans the yard full of people. “Now?”

I nod. “Yep.

She shifts from one foot to the other, ducking her head a little, she whispers, “In front of everyone?”

God she’s cute.And I love that she doesn’t know how hot she is.

Smirking, I say, “Kinda the point.”

“What point is that?”

“That you’re mine.”

She flinches at my declaration and after learning what I have about her ex, I know controlling her is the last thing she wants me to do. So, I clarify, “It’ll warn every brother out here away from you. Otherwise, they’ll be comin’ on to you all night. Is that what you want? Do you want someone else, Doll?” I already know the answer, but I also know it needs to be her decision. Not me forcing it on her.

“No.”

“Then can I kiss you for everyone here and God to see?”

She bites her lip and mumbles, “I guess.”

“Nah, Doll. It’s your choice. There’s no middle ground though. Either you want me and you want these people to know it, or you don’t.” Maybe I need to push her a little. She’s too fucking timid sometimes and I need her to show me the harder side right now, especially here, in front of these people.

“Yes. I want you to kiss me.”

My cocky smile has her fighting a grin. I yank her to me and slide my hand behind her neck. I smash my lips down on hers and kiss like my life depends on it. Because fuck, maybe it does. I kiss her with all of the pent up lust I’ve had riding me since I left her on Bethany’s doorstep. My lips are insistent.

Wolf whistles, jeers, and taunts break out behind me, but they’re nothing but background noise.

Ember grabs my cut and I don’t know if she means to, but she clings to me and pulls me closer. The way she responds to my kiss and my touch, makes me feel like a fucking titan. Larger than life and more powerful than a mortal man.

When I finally pull away, her cheeks are red as the new ride I bought Edge, and her eyes are glazed and as bright as the sea. Her lips also look swollen and abused.

I relink our hands and turn toward the party.

Griz is the first one to let the jokes fly as he approaches us. “Was wonderin’ when you were gonna man the fuck up and claim that prize.” Smiling, he asks Doll, “You sure you want this ornery bastard?”

I give his laughing ass a little push. “She’s made her choice.”

Griz winks at her. “I guess she has.”

It takes nearly twenty minutes for everyone to get their licks in. But I take it all. I deserve it. And I’ve done what I needed to do. Every fucker out here now knows she’s my girl.

Looking over at Ember, I ask, “You hungry?”

“Starving.”

Pulling her toward the tables lined with food, I say, “Let’s get some of this before it’s gone.”

Side by side, we load up our plates. But before I can follow Doll to a table, I get waylaid by Nick.

“Can I steal him for a sec?” she asks Ember.