Too Sweet (Hayes Brothers #3)(44)

I storm past them all to get the hell away from her before I knock Cody unconscious, fling the little girl over my shoulder, and make a fucking run for it.

SIXTEEN
Mia

THE MINUTE CODY DROPS ME OFF HOME, I lock myself in my bedroom.

Nico hasn’t said a word to me since Theo pulled the parachute off, and I have no idea what to make of it. He’s hot and cold, pulling like he wants me, then pushing like he doesn’t want to want me. It feels like a game, but I don’t know what we’re playing. I don’t know the rules or if I’m winning.

My thighs quiver whenever I recall the kiss. The lacy fabric between my legs is so wet it’s uncomfortable.

He kissed me back.

He kissed me.

Another anxious prickle of lust elevates the need for release. I can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep playing with my body while thinking about Nico. It’s wrong... but it feels so right when the itch gets scratched.

I rise from the floor, stripping off my clothes to get in the shower because the family dinner is starting soon, but instead of entering the bathroom, I crawl onto my bed.

Just one last time.

My body hums with the primitive, primal thrill, my breaths coming out in shallow puffs. Just thinking about Nico’s lips urgently working with mine has me on the brink of release. The way his fingers tugged my hair and how he bit my lip, deepening the kiss... it’s as if he had a first-row seat to my deepest desires, knowing exactly what I want, what I enjoy.

I skim my hand down my stomach, jerking on the bed as I brush a ticklish spot, then sink into the pillows as I circle my clit. I’m close, poised on edge, ready to fall. God, I was coming apart at the seams when Nico was kissing me.

Is that even possible?

My mind conjures an image of him, hovering above me; his hooded, hungry eyes and tattooed chest as he drives into me, pumping in and out. I imagine him whispering in my ear, his tone low, husky, and demanding.

You’re almost there, aren’t you? Come for me, baby. Let loose.

That’s all it takes for the orgasm to hit, pressing in on me from all sides. My back arches off the bed, and my loaded moan ricochets off the walls. I picture Nico dipping his head, drinking in that moan while he prolongs my orgasm, wringing out every last bit of please until I’m deliriously overstimulated.

I don’t open my eyes, holding onto the visual for a little while. I took care of the ache, but I’ve learned that the satisfied feeling doesn’t last long. I’ll be back needing Nico’s touch in a few hours at most.

◆◆◆

The VIP party starts at six in the afternoon. Cody picked me up, dressed in a black tux, his hair sleeked back and in a bun.

“Can we stop at a shop, please?” I ask when he finishes telling me what’s on the menu tonight.

If Nico wants to play games, so can I.

“Why? What do you need?”

“Oh, um... it’s just something I want to give Nico later.”

He flips the indicator, pulling up outside a gas station. “What kind of something, Bug?”

“You’ll see, it’s a little inside joke.”

I run inside, scouting the shelves. Overly proud of my clever idea, I pay the cashier, tuck my purchase in my bag, then get back in the car.

We’re the last ones to arrive at the Country Club. Well, almost. Nico’s nowhere around, and I’ve not spotted his car, although he does have three, and I only know two, so maybe he’s here.

The foyer acts as the meet-and-greet area, where we spend half an hour mingling with the sophisticated crowd.

I’m struck by how mature and eloquent the triplets are, discussing politics with the upper class.

They don’t show that side every day.

Logan comes over to complain that my sister’s been blowing up his phone, asking him to pose for another cover: a sequel to Sweet Truths. Before we can get into the conversation, Cassidy waves him over, and he excuses himself. I watch as he wraps his arm around her middle, kissing her temple before he pays the man Cass is talking to any attention.

Theo takes his place, the only Hayes I’ve not been properly introduced to before today. He’s got a sense of humor a lot like Conor’s, and he’s a bit like Colt with those bright, assessing eyes. I don’t think any detail slips past him.

“Mia!” Monica Hayes cheers, rushing toward us. A dazzling smile stretches her pink lips before she air-kisses my cheeks. “That’s a lovely dress, honey.” She takes my hand, twirling me around. “Are you ready to play tomorrow?”

“Yes, I’ve been practicing all week.”

“Perfect!” She squeezes my hand softly. “I can’t wait. My mother’s been singing your praises for months.”

“Exaggeration,” I say with a smile. “All of it.”

“No need to be so modest.” Her eyes cut across the room, where little Noah’s just started crying in the nanny’s arms. “I better go and see if I can help.” She rushes away, intercepting her grandson from the nanny’s hands like she doesn’t trust the woman to do her job.

“Did you call your dad to tell him you jumped?” Cody asks.

“Not yet. They’re racing in Azerbaijan this weekend, and it’s late there now. I’ll call him tomorrow. I doubt he’ll believe me, though.”

“You’ll have proof,” Conor says, approaching with his date. “One of the instructors who jumped with you and Nico took pictures. We’ll have them next week.”