Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

“Slutty.” Leighton laughs. “I know. Probably not appropriate for this kind of event, but I had to have it when I saw it, and I haven’t had a chance to wear it.”

“It could be good for some role play.” Kristen looks to me curiously, like she’s assessing whether or not I’d be into role play. “I can see it now. James Bond and the femme fatale.”

“Austin Powers,” I say.

Kristen’s nose scrunches with confusion. “Huh. I guess that’s different.”

Leighton laughs. “Inside joke.”

“Oh.” She turns to Dean. “How have you been? Busy?”

“Yeah.” He shoots her a fuck me smile. “But I’m free tonight.” His gaze goes to me. “In theory.”

“Worried Ryan’s going to cry over Penny?” Kristen’s dark eyes fill with regret as she realizes her words. “I mean… Uh… It could happen.”

“Yeah.” Leighton pulls her hand to her side. “It could.”

“I’m sure he’s happier with you. Really, you’re a much better fit than he and Penny were. She was always talking about how it wasn’t right anymore. I mean. Not always. But toward the end.” Kristen’s voice is encouraging. She’s completely unaware she’s saying tactless shit.

Dean laughs. “Should we get a drink?”

“Yeah. Okay.” Her eyes light up. “You know. I’m free tonight too.” She takes his hand, ready to head to the bar.

But Leighton stops her. “Did you ever get that lap dance?”

“Oh. Yeah. I guess you and Ryan left before that. Whatever happened? You seemed upset?” Kristen asked.

“I fucked her senseless,” I say.

Kristen blushes. “Oh. Good. That’s always good.”

“What happened to your boyfriend?” I ask.

She frowns. “Well… I don’t actually… I just said that so you wouldn’t get jealous.”

“So you got the dance?” Leighton asks.

Kristen nods. “Yeah. A little after you left. Your friends—the girl with the short hair and the hot guy. They left. And so it was just me and Dean and Penny and Frank. And this dancer came over in this amazing strappy black outfit. When she offered us a dance, I just had to say yes. It was out of this world.”

“She was fucking jazzed to dance for a woman,” Dean says. “Barely looked at me the whole time.”

“No. She was good about giving both of us attention. It was amazing. I was transfixed. But when it ended, she walked away, and I felt sort of… dirty, I guess. Used, maybe. It was obvious how fake it was. Like a bad porno.” She turns to Dean. “You think?”

He nods. “I only watch amateur stuff.”

Leighton rolls her eyes. “You bring that up five times a day.”

“The world has to know. Homemade or bust.” They share a look. He must decide she’s okay, because he turns and whispers something in Kristen’s ear.

She waves a goodbye then follows him to the bar.

I slide my arm around Leighton’s waist. She leans into my touch, but her gaze stays fuzzy.

I bring my lips to her ear. “Let’s ditch this party. Go back to our room.”

She shakes her head. “I need to show off my dress.” She turns, bringing her neck to my lips.

I nip at her skin.