Granger raises a dark brow, and removes his arm from Gia who’s turning and squealing at someone entering the room.

“You’re cool, right? Ammo will back off if she’s yours.” Granger’s voice holds a warning.

I smile, because that’s what I do, keep everyone off balance and guessing my next move.

“I’m cool. Excuse me.” So what if he’s frowning. I barely know Granger. I’ve taken care of some legal issues dealing with stalkers and such for the band. And then, of course, the Disciples case, but I owe him nothing.

I pull out my phone and text Iain to get the car ready as I walk up the stairs, the hairs on the back of my neck prickling.

If he’s touching her… Christ, I need to get ahold of myself. I’m gonna need a lawyer for me if I’m not careful.

She’s not at the bar. I casually walk to the side railing and look down, scanning the people milling around, laughing and enjoying themselves. What the fuck is wrong with me? If I was with Rachel, I would be one of those people drinking and laughing, but with Raven, this is different.

She’s different. A flash of sapphire makes me lean my elbows on the railing because I’ve found her. She’s smiling, but keeping a good distance from Ammo who is laughing. Why wouldn’t he be happy? He’s with my Lolita.

Fucking dick.

Watching her, I smirk. Come on, baby. Look up for me. I’m right here. She smiles again, and Ammo moves closer. She doesn’t move back, but she does stare at the art, not him.

That’s my girl. You know who owns your cunt. Come on, baby, show me those eyes. Look up like a good fucking girl.

She turns, and I eyeball every movement she makes. Every single breath she takes, I want for me. Irrational? Yes.

I take a breath and watch her slowly look around. The music has faded to a dull pulse as she searches for me.

Yeah, that’s my girl. I’m right here. You can feel me, can’t you? Look up and tell me exactly what you need.

As if she can actually hear me, she looks up, and time fucking stops. She doesn’t move; her eyes tell me everything.

She’s forbidden.

I know I’m gonna ruin her, not that I care because I want her like a dog needing to mark his territory. My eyes hold hers until Ammo dares to touch her chin, breaking her gaze. I straighten and look around as the room comes back into focus.