Page 114 of Cocky Brutal Sinner

Her hand feels clammy in mine as we walk into the House of Cards lobby. I brush my lips over her knuckles.

“It’s going to be fine, Brin,” I say gently.

“Yes, but Luke and I haven’t actually seen each other since Maura got out of the hospital. Plus, everyone else will be here…”

She trails off, but I can read through the lines. She's really worried about seeing Luke. The timing doesn't help. The party's pulling double duty this year—Maura's official all-clear from the cardiac specialist landed the same week as our annual Friendsgiving, so the group folded the two together. One dinner, two reasons to celebrate. Things between her and the girls have been good, and even though Luke has been softening, this will be the first time we’re openly together in front of him.

I’m a bit nervous, too. Even if things have been decent between me and my best friend, I don’t miss how we sort of dance around the subject of Brinley. But our weekly workout sesh and poker nights have been back on for a while now. Things feel almost normal.

But this feels like the real test.

"Maybe it'll be a little awkward at first," I say as I press the elevator button. "But nobody wants to fight. It's Friendsgiving, and it's Maura's all-clear. Two things worth being grateful for. Everyone will be on their best behavior, or face the wrath of James."

Brinley snorts. “What wrath? The James I know is a total softie.”

My brows shoot up. “Are we talking about the same James here? The one whose business rivals end up ruined and penniless? The one you named, and I quote, ‘The Villain of Sequel?’”

“I was wrong. Now that I know him better, he’s more like a bitey puppy that hasn’t learned how to play with people yet.”

“You’re officially the only person on earth to compare James Keller to a puppy.” The elevator doors open and we step inside. “I dare you to say that to his face when we get upstairs.”

She bites her lower lip. “Are you sure going is a good idea? Maybe we should just keep our distance for the night?”

“Hey.” I wrap my arm around her waist and kiss her gently. “It’s going to be okay. He’s a big boy, Brin. And I spent long enough hiding just how crazy you make me. If you ask me to, I will, but that is the last thing I want to do. If anyone starts shit, I’ll take you home and make you some ridiculously cheesy baked ziti. Deal?”

She nods, and I press the button to take us up to the penthouse.

The ride will take less than thirty seconds, but that’s more than enough time for Brinley to spiral. So I take matters into my own hands.

I dip my head and capture Brinley’s lips with mine. I drag my teeth over her lower lip, which I know makes her knees get wobbly, until her body arches against mine and her fingers are digging into my chest through my button-up.

Fuck, I could kiss her forever and still not get tired of it.

Neither of us registers the door opening until Ryan lets out a whistle.

“Well, damn!” he cries. “Coming in with a literal bang, huh?”

Brinley ducks her head, blushing. I can feel her pulling away, not wanting to invite any commentary about our closeness. Well, fuck that. She’s my girlfriend, and I’m done pretending she’s anything but the most important person in my life.

Tightening my arm around her waist, I bend her backward and kiss the fuck out of her. The kind of kiss I’ve only been able to give her behind locked doors, now in front of our friends, brought into the light.

It feels damn good.

When I pull away, Brinley and I are both a little breathless. She stumbles a little when I pull her back upright, her face flushed.

“Any questions?” I ask the group.

Pippa joins Ryan in whooping and cheering. Cat claps happily while Nate shakes his head, half-smiling. Maura’s seated in a comfortable armchair, still paler and more hollow-cheeked than I’m used to seeing her. She’s looking at Brinley with obvious warmth. James stands behind her, hand on her shoulder, stone-faced.

Not a puppy.

As I scan the faces of everyone in the room, I don’t see Luke. My stomach clenches. Is he coming? He wouldn’t start avoiding group events so he doesn’t have to see us together, would he?

Eden appears in the doorway, holding a tray of mini-quiches. She pouts. “I missed the five-year reveal? You’re kidding!”

“The life of a party planner,” Pippa teases as she grabs a quiche. “You miss the party.”

“I’m happy to kiss you again, if it’ll make Eden happy,” I growl against Brinley’s ear. I don’t have to care that anyone in the room could hear me. There’s only one person who I have to please, and it’s my girlfriend.