Page 51 of Dreadful

“It’s simply really: a kiss.”

Gage’s grin turns wicked, the side of his mouth hooking up in the corner.

“You should’ve demanded money, Bells,” Cruz drawls.

I don’t get a chance to respond, because then Gage’s hand slides around the back of my neck, pulling my face toward his. And then his mouth is on mine, entirely too sinful for a transaction involving underwear.

I was expecting a peck, but this is so much better.

My lips part beneath his. His tongue sweeps against mine. And just when it gets good, he pulls away.

I blink at him.

Gage plucks the boxer briefs from my suddenly useless fingers. “Pleasure doing business with you, as always.”

I hum a little under my breath in response.

He steps into them and pulls them up, still grinning as he turns away. “I’m getting more snacks.”

“Yes, because we’re running dangerously low,” Bishop says, eyeing the half-full tray.

Gage ignores him, whistling as he disappears down the hallway.

Cruz tosses his cards facedown onto the table. “I’m out too.”

“Coward,” I tease.

“Winner, actually.” He pushes to his feet, rounds the table, and drops a kiss onto the top of my head. “I’ll be back.”

I watch him disappear down the opposite hallway before turning slowly toward the only man left sitting across from me.

Bishop is already gathering the cards.

“And then there were two.”

His eyes lift to mine.

I lean back in my chair. “Or are you going to admit defeat too?”

“Never.”

“That's unfortunate. I was starting to feel bad for you.”

“You should save your concern for yourself, sweetheart. I’ve figured out your tell.”

I pause. There it is again. Sweetheart.

How does one word feel like a knife slipping between my ribs and like sinking into a hot tub on a cold night?

I study him while he squares the deck against the tabletop. He looks so… unflappable.

But I know better.

I tilt back in my chair, letting my hair tumble over one shoulder as I lay the bait. “Careful, Bishop. You almost sound like you’re having fun.”

His lips purse. “You have no idea what that looks like.”

Got him, I think, heat flickering beneath my ribs.