Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)
Penny sits in one of the black metal chairs.
Frank sits next to her. “Thanks for the invite.” He squeezes her hand. “Didn’t think I’d ever talk you into this.”
“Me either.” Her laugh is tipsy. “I’m so glad to not be at that party. Thanks for coming. Sorry it was so dull.”
Ryan looks to Dean. “You owe me two hundred bucks.”
“Night’s not over yet,” Dean says.
A cocktail waitress in a black bikini
stops at our table. Asks for our orders. Though I guess she isn’t a cocktail waitress in a place that doesn’t serve alcohol.
How do women strip in clubs that do serve alcohol?
Drunk people are obnoxious enough when you’re clothed. When you’re naked and they think twenty bucks gives them permission to grope you?
I shudder at the thought.
We order sodas and iced teas then share that oh my God, how much is this going to cost look.
“Aren’t you joining Iris in the bathroom?” Walker scratches his head. “What is that code for?”
Penny laughs. “Girl talk. Of course.” She smiles at me. “Don’t let me stop you.”
“No, I’m good right here.” I force a smile. I know Ryan’s trying to forgive her, but I just can’t. She destroyed him. And his heart still beats for her. It’s unfair. Wrong. Awful.
Dean raises an imaginary glass to Penny. “Glad you finally found someone who suits you.”
She stares at him, assessing his words. “Thanks.”
Boat Shoes squeezes her.
She giggles.
I whisper in Ryan’s ear. “You think she knows that was an insult?”
“Probably.” His breath warms my neck.
Penny’s giggle gets louder.
Ryan's lips brush my neck. “I tell you how fucking amazing your hair looks like this?”
“No.” My cheeks flush. “Not yet.”
“It does.” He plants a soft kiss on my skin. “Like you’re offering me your neck.”
I break character. “You’re into—”
“Yeah.” He pulls back with a heavy sigh. His eyes trace my body. They light up with desire. Then he blinks and they’re full of confusion.
“You do look cute,” Kristen says. “Like a princess.”
“My punk rock princess.” Ryan's fingers intertwine with mine.
“Is that an actual nickname?” Kristen rests her hand on her chest. “That’s adorable. I’m in love.”
“They are a cute couple.” Jealousy drips into Penny’s voice.