Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers 3)

“Both.”

“Blood-related or not, it was easy to see he cares for you. A man picks up on these things. Not to mention he drilled me on my business profession.”

“That was kinda overkill.”

“I was wondering if he’d ever be satisfied enough to leave you with me.”

I smile at him. “It was the Executive Vice President title that swayed the decision. Fancy monikers like that rarely scream serial killer.”

He rolls his eyes. “That was my sister’s description.”

“She’s proud, and she should be. Congratulations on your promotion, Mr. EVP.”

His arms hook tighter, pressing me flush to his body. “I’ve never once cared about the title or the fanfare. I could take it or leave it. But swear to fucking Christ, if that title makes Dante trust leaving you with me for a few hours, I’ll take it.”

The mood changes, the intensity spreading throughout my body. I tip on my toes, trying to get as close to eye level as possible. “It wasn’t the title, Evin. It was you.”

His chest vibrates, a low growl rumbling out before he drops his mouth. Slowly, his lips touch mine. Back and forth, from corner to corner, gently skimming across with feather light kisses. My heart races in my chest, a dull ringing in my ears as I hold my breath, waiting and wanting more. The tip of his tongue traces along the seam, teasing me until I can’t take any more. My hand grips the back of his neck, and I move to open fully when he breaks away, trailing his lips to my ear.

“All night I’ve been thinking of the taste of you on my lips. Listening to you, watching you, wanting to drag you out here for every song. I waited my time, being a selfish bastard because when I had you in my arms, I wanted it alone. No eyes, no whispers, no gawking and questions.”

“Why’d you stop?” I hardly recognize the raw and unfiltered need in my voice.

“One more second and I wasn’t stopping.”

“That’s a problem?”

“I was close to losing control, Poppy, and I’m not a man who loses control.”

“Ever?”

“Rarely.”

“That’s quite a feat. “

He dips back into me, sweeping his lips across mine again. “Dance with me.”

My fingers scrape through the short hair and the base of his scalp as he sways us to the beat at his pace. Song after song changes, each of them being more geared to a faster style, but he never stops moving me in our own rhythm.

His mouth stays close, his eyes fixed with mine. Our movement becomes intimate, everything fading away. I don’t notice the dance floor emptying until a throat clears behind me. Evin’s head pops up, and he squeezes my hips tight.

“What?” he growls.

“We’re leaving. There’s a bottle of champagne waiting at the table,” Scottie states.

I disengage myself and turn, leaning in for a hug. “Goodnight.”

“I expect to see you at the pool tomorrow.”

“I’ll try my best,” I promise, moving to Billy for a quick embrace.

Evin wraps my hand back in his, flicks his goodbye, and guides us to our table. He pours two glasses of champagne and gestures to the stool before sliding next to me.

With the intimacy of the dance floor gone, I fidget, trying to find something to say. “I’ve never done this,” blurts out before I can stop it.

“This?”

“I mean, meeting a group of strangers, hanging out, dancing, kissing…” I trail off, swallowing half my glass in one gulp, hoping for liquid courage.

His lips curl up, and he twirls the ends of my hair. “I know.”

“What about you?”

“Never been to Vegas, hardly hang out with strangers, haven’t danced with anyone but my niece or mom in years, and have never kissed a woman on a dance floor in my life.” He reaches behind and brings the bottle between us, refilling our glasses. “But I’ll point out we’re not strangers anymore.”

“What happens next?”

“We enjoy our night, wake up in the morning, and do it again.”

I toast him, smiling widely. “I’d like to see you tomorrow.”

His relaxed mood changes and he leans up, bringing his mouth to mine again. “I plan to be the first thing you see when you wake up.”

I freeze and he picks up on it immediately, placing the bottle on the table next to us. “I’m not looking for a one-night stand, Poppy.”

“What are you looking for?” The question comes out husky.

“I want to know what it’s like to wake up with you next to me.”

Against my accord, my body relaxes into his, and I kiss the underside of his jaw. “We’ll see about that. What if I’m a beast in the morning?”

He laughs, his body vibrating as he wraps his arm around me protectively. “I can deal with beasts in the morning.”

The sound settles over me, sending little sparks through my system. I sip my drink, trying to hide the goofy grin. “Tell me more about your family.”