Take (Need #2)(25)

I stare at the bottle before taking another drink.

Austin dug up old wounds I’d created in Kira when he did Jenn. That night I royally f*cked up. But there’s a chance she’ll forgive him for a one-time slipup.

I stand back up, setting the vodka on the table, and take my own advice as I head in for a beer.

For two hours I catch up with old friends, but never far from Kira.

Jenn tries to get my attention a few times, but I brush her off. She’s just after sex, but there’s only one * for me.

A movement of auburn catches my eye and I look over to Kira, who’s at baby giraffe status on those f*cking sexy heels of hers. Her girls insisted on a couple of celebration shots, and now she’s tipsy.

Panic sets in as she tells them she’ll be right back. I’m out of my seat and following her without a thought. There are too many predators here tonight and no one will be taking advantage of my girl.

A couple of guys notice and start to follow, but immediately change course when they see me.

Yeah, I’ve still got it. Fear me, *s.

She steps into the bathroom, and I lean against the wall to wait. When the door opens back up, her sea legs leave her unbalanced and she bounces off either side of the doorway.

I can’t help but chuckle. She looks so damn cute.

The sound alerts her to my presence, and her brow knits as she narrows her gaze.

“What?”

I shake my head and hold out a bottle of water. “Here. Drink this.”

“I don’t want it.”

“Just do it.” Fucking stubborn as ever.

“What is it?”

“Water.”

Her expression softens and she grabs it, unscrewing the top and taking a few long gulps.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. Just let me know when you want to go home. I’ll walk with you.”

“I don’t need you to.” She thrusts the bottle back at me and stomps off as best she can.

I watch her, my jaw ticking, my hands wanting to grab her. The anger is so great I almost miss Austin spotting her, then making his way through the crowd.

Almost.

There’s no way in hell I’m letting him near her.

A few long steps, and I’ve made up the distance. I reach out and grab her forearm, tilting it so I can reach the wristlet she’s wearing. Her keys are clipped to the strap, and before her drunk mind can process what I’m doing, I have her keys.

Dad and Sonia are probably in bed. The last thing she’ll want to do is let them find out she’s drunk.

“Hey!” she yells, jumping into the air and swiping.

Being nearly a foot taller than her definitely has its advantages, and I will use every one I can get to keep her from him.

I step back, holding her keychain high in the air. “Sorry, something you want?”

“Brayden! Stop being an *!”

I turn and start heading to the entrance, praying to God she’s smart enough to follow.





“Give me my keys, Brayden!”

She’s right behind me, chasing after me.

Just as I want.

I wish she could understand the kind of favor she just did for Austin. She saved his ass.

“Give them to me!”

Oh, she’s pissed. But there’s no sympathizing. I’m equally as heated. “You’re lucky you’re not over my shoulder right now.”

“Why are you always being such a dick?”

Kira has no f*cking clue how nice I’m being considering that Austin was eye-f*cking her in that dress all night.

In front of me. No f*cks given.

I bet everyone in that party knew he was there for her, and he made no moves to try to hide it.

Kira calls out my name again.

We’re only a few blocks away from home. I’m going to make sure she gets inside, then I’ll lock her in her room if I must.

I’m supposed to be playing nice. Austin’s audacity and the sheer lust clouding my system make it impossible for me to do so.

“Brayden, I’m not f*cking kidding!”

“Neither am I.” We cross onto our block, passing by her old house.

“Oh my God, just give me my freaking keys!”

She tackles me from behind. The impact of her body takes me by surprise, and I stumble forward.

Four steps, and I slam into the brick fence surrounding her old house. The same brick fence we played behind countless times.

Her arms tighten around my neck. “Last warning. Give me the damn keys.”

I burst out laughing and straighten. Grabbing her arms, I try to ease her off. “Woman, we’re already here.”

She presses closer, wiggling, all the while trying in vain to choke me.

Fire explodes through my veins. I’m already beyond f*cking turned on, been like this forever now. The last thing I need is that lickable, tight little body rubbing up on me in any way.

“Give them back to me so I can go back to the party!”

She’s drunk, and adorable, and absolutely delusional. I’ve been good, kept as much of a respectful distance as my hunger for her has allowed. Have tried my best to not push too hard after that day at the restaurant.

That doesn’t mean I’m going to let her return to that party. She’s done for the night.