Ember’s face drops and she just stares at me, for once in her life, lost for words. “I … I can’t … I don’t even know how to deal with you.”
“Trust me,” I laugh. “Sometimes, neither do they, but they always work it out.”
Proud grins rip across the guys faces as they all laugh. Carver silently glares as a soft growl rumbles through his chest, wordlessly letting me know that he’s still jealous as fuck over our situation, but judging by the intense need that flickers through Ember’s stare, Carver’s not the only one.
“Uhhh,” a strange voice says to my right, instantly cutting off the boys’ laughs. “Why are we discussing orgies?”
I look up, and standing just behind Grayson’s shoulder is a guy I’ve never met, but there’s something oddly familiar about his voice. My eyes narrow as I watch him, taking in his beachy golden locks and strong frame, but that’s nothing compared to the way the guys go rigid with their chests puffing out and their hands curling into strong fists, always ready to protect me against any threat.
“Whoaaaaaaa,” Ember says, instantly throwing her hands up towards the guys. “Calm down, this is Corey, my new boyfriend.”
“Oh,” I laugh, discreetly stepping in front of Carver to hide the gun he just pulled out of the back of his jeans. “Forgive the guys. They’re a little … jumpy.”
“No problem,” he says, quickly glancing around the circle of muscle and easily coming to the conclusion that he doesn’t stand a chance against my guys. But when he looks back at Ember and a softness spreads through his eyes, I realize he doesn’t care if they could kick his ass with their eyes closed, he’s just happy to be where she is. “I’m glad my girl is surrounded by guys who would stand against a threat to keep her safe.”
Carver scoffs and my elbow goes straight back into his stomach, knowing all too well that the guys’ protection of Ember is only there because I made it so. If they had their way, they’d leave her to fend for herself. At least, that’s how it was in the beginning. I hope by now her chatty ways have grown on them and they’d happily throw themselves in the line of danger to keep her safe, just as they would for me. Though, I guess the question is, would she do it for them in return? I know I would.
The guys nod while still sizing him up, but I just smile, seeing that same adoration shining through Ember’s eyes. “So, you’re the guy who’s been stealing my best friend away and corrupting her in student parking lots?”
Corey grins back at me, proving that he’s certainly no threat. “What can I say?” he chuckles as the bartender finally gets all our drinks and slides them across the table. “I think Ember is the one corrupting me.”
Ember scoffs and has the audacity to look offended as Carver passes out drinks to the guys and saves me for last. “Excuse you, assface. Do I need to remind you that you video called me during my family dinner two nights ago and requested that I finger fuck myself under the table while you got to watch?”
I suck in a breath, looking at my best friend in shock. “You didn’t.”
Both Ember and Corey grin wide. “You bet your fucking ass she did,” Corey says proudly as Ember’s cheeks flush, though it’s not from embarrassment. She’s probably thinking about the exact moment she came for her boyfriend while her parents sat cluelessly across the table, discussing their weekend plans.
“Alright,” Ember cuts in before any more of their dirty secrets can be spilled. She grabs hold of my arm and yanks me into her. “Let’s go. We have about six drinks to catch up on, some ass shaking, and a whole shitload of grinding to do on those poles.”
I laugh and let her drag me away before the guys remember that they’re supposed to be keeping a close eye on me. Though something tells me that’s not something they're bound to forget anytime soon. The fact they let Ember pull me away without trying to stop me speaks volumes.
Ember drags me onto the dancefloor and instantly pushes my drink to my lips. As I throw it back all at once, one of her hired waiters descends from nowhere in his white suit shirt and a tray filled with shots and champagne flutes.
Ember grins wide. “Drink up.”
And just like that, we each take two shots, cringe and groan as they burn their way down our throats, then grab the champagne flutes, sipping them like fancy bitches.
I feel the guys’ sharp gazes on me, but as the alcohol makes its way through my body, I start to forget just how overcrowded this party really is. I’m safe though. I have the guys’ protection, and besides, what could really happen with so many people around? It’s not like someone could get a clean shot at me while there are so many grinding bodies hanging around.