Page 19 of Owned
“Me? I’m good.” I haven’t told him or anyone else about the email yet, only Mom. I don’t want to ruin this trip and make it about me. I go to move my hand from his shoulder, but he grasps it instead.
“Remember who you are, Ri Ri.” Nodding slightly, as a shiver threatens to run through my body at his touch and his sincere words, I reluctantly move my hand from his.
“And on that note, I think we deserve a small glass of tequila.” Grace wiggles her eyebrows at me. Relief floods me as she knows I need the conversation to end.
“Isn’t that just a shot?” Deacon looks across at her, confused.
She grins devilishly. “Sounds classier this way.”
Chapter 10
Leo
Iwas looking forward to spending time on the roof terrace, relaxing and recovering from last night, but the tension that is coiling in my muscles after what Ria told me is making it difficult.
“Mate, you need to relax.” Kai hands me a bottle of beer. Seems we’ve decided the best way to get over last night is to keep our alcohol levels up, and I instantly feel relief when the cool liquid hits my tongue. “We’ve got to go and get ready soon.” He stretches out on the lounger next to me with such a relaxed posture I have the urge to push him off, resentful that he doesn’t seem to have a care in the world right now.
“I know, but God, I hate that man. I’d honestly love to kick him repeatedly in the balls.”
“And you have respect for balls.”
“That I do, my friend.”
“It is a low blow coming all this way when he knows exactly how much everyone hates him, and the ones who tolerate him only do it out of respect for Trixie.”
“Yeah, well, it may not happen this trip but I will crush him.” The anger bubbling in my veins mellows slightly as my gaze lands on Ria, who has just walked back onto the terrace with the girls. Letting my eyes trail up her beautiful curves, I inwardly groan as my body heats at the sight of her in a perfect navy blue string bikini that looks like it was made just for her. High on her waist, it makes her toned stomach look tiny, and the material cups her ample round breasts. I’ve never been jealous of clothing before, but God do I want to replace that material with my hands. I’ve been working on blocking her out and ignoring this infatuation with her, but fuck, it’s hard when she looks like that.
I suggested they all go to the spa to relax after the bomb Trixie dropped. In her defense, she didn’t seem too happy about the prospect of her boyfriend showing up. She knows our feelings for him and would never intentionally invite him. Jade said she would speak with him and suggest kindly and respectfully that he leave. Can’t say the same for Hunter. He’s been unusually broody and has been mumbling about entitled pompous dicks. Normally, I’d try to bring him out of it, but I’ve been off my game today and I know exactly why.
“They look more relaxed.” Kai points his bottle toward the girls, but my eyes are only on Ria. I can tell, even though she’s smiling, her eyes are dull and her body is tense. She is not okay but is putting on a front.
“I guess.”
“Come on, man, we’ve got to get ready.” He slaps my thigh. “The others are already in the suite, and we need to blow their minds.”
“Seriously?” Hunter looks at the clothes I’m holding out to him with a look of distaste.
“I’m always serious, Stone.” I thrust the offending items toward him, and he raises his eyebrow at me. “Okay, you’ve got me there, but yes, I’m serious. Put it on.”
“Boys, back me up.” He spins, only to be confronted by the most fucked-up lineup I think there has ever been. He bursts out laughing as he doubles over at the waist. “What the hell?”
“Not sure I get what’s so funny.” Kai stands, legs spread, hands on his hips and puffing out his chest. “I look fucking fantastic.”
“How did you get Deeks to agree to this?” Hunter finally gathers himself and straightens.
“I agreed to one hour,” Deacon grumbles, as he throws himself down on the couch, growling when the cape twists and nearly strangles him.
Holding in my laughter, I smile at my best friend. “You met your little Tink when you were in fancy dress, so it felt appropriate to have a night where we all dressed up. And of course, we’re all fucking superheroes so the choice was obvious.” I gesture to the boys, and I’m impressed with Kai. He has perfectly fit each of us to the right character.
Deacon is our moody dark knight, Batman. Kai, the Joker, is Deadpool, Beck is Wolverine, Thomas is Flash, Henry is Superman, Noah is Ironman, and Marcus is Spider-Man.
“We all agreed to an hour.” Marcus shifts in his costume. “I’m not wearing this all night, Leo. Dios, my balls are not meant to be confined in such a tight environment.” He squats as he readjusts himself.
“Fine, an hour.” I sigh as I push Hunter toward the bedroom to get changed.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” he grumbles.
“Come on, Cap.” Kai passes him his Captain America shield. “You’ll fill this out perfectly.” He wiggles his eyebrows at him.
