Page 60 of Make You Mine

“Why? I want them to hear. Maybe I’ll get a volunteer. One that won’t run away.”

“You don’t want that.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because you’re better than everyone else in this room, Maddy. You’re better than a simple one-night stand. You deserve happiness. Someone to cherish you day and night. Not someone who’ll be a ghost in your bed.” What has gotten into me? I pause before I land the blow. “You deserve forever with someone. And you deserve that first time to be memorable.”

Her eyes widen, and it’s as if she’s sobered up. “You really think so?”

“Yes.” My face is serious. I don’t smile. I can’t. But, I do. With my whole heart. I just wish I could be that someone for her, and not someone else. “You’re pretty, smart, passionate about what you want, and you have a good heart. Even if you’re annoying most of the time.”

She straightens up. Squinting, a sheepish smirk sneaks across her lips. “Aww, wait. You think I’m pretty?”

I sigh. “Madelyn…”

“Answer the question, Kayden.”

“Yes.”

She gnaws at her bottom lip, and I ignore the tightness in my pants, threatening to explode.

Pretty? She’s pure sex, and she doesn’t even know it.

She remains quiet, staring at me with that same seductive look.

The temptation to seal my speech with a kiss is strong.

But I don’t want to taint her when she’s drunk. I want her to make the decision on her own.

“Now will you let me take you home?”

She smiles. “Nah. Not yet.” She turns to face the bar again. “I’m still going to get that one drink.”

“You called me here to pick you up.”

“Yeah. I changed my mind.”

“Will you stop being a brat already?”

She looks at me over her shoulder, a smile brightening her whole face with her drunk eyes. “No.”

I swear I’m gonna—I clench my teeth and do what I have to do.

I stand up, and instead of asking for permission, I lift her off her seat.

Pick her up over my shoulder, pressing my hand to her ass for support.

“What are you doing? Put me down.”

“Nope.”

If she wants to play, I shall play.

There’s no way I’m letting Maddy stay here.

I stomp toward the door, ignoring her pleading as she struggles to break free from my embrace. I’m never letting her go.

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