Nothing good.
When I arrive, I find Finley watching the girls from a distance.
“Hey. They’ve been dancing together in that corner for five minutes. Tinsley’s been drinking. I can’t tell if Morgan has or not. No one’s approached them. One guy attempted to, but I intercepted. Everyone got the hint real quick after that.”
I nod. “You get Tinsley. I’ll get Morgan.”
He doesn’t question me. He goes around the crowd, while I head straight for Morgan. I know the moment Tinsley sees me. Her eyes widened to saucers. Morgan tenses right before I wrap my arm around her stomach, pressing my lips to her ear.
“You’re in trouble.”
She doesn’t relax in my arms. Instead, she attempts to move away, causing her bottom to rub against my dick. It twitches, reminding me I never finished my solo session earlier and the object of my desire is in my arms.
“I would stop wiggling if you don’t want to awaken more than you can handle.”
She freezes as I press my hardness into her ass. Her chest rises and falls rapidly.
Is it from excitement or fear?
“We need to talk,” I murmur as Finley grabs Tinsley and leads her towards the front door. We’re almost to the sliding glass door when Rachel pops out from nowhere.
“Keaton. You came. Where have you been?” She reaches out to grab my arm.
“Not now, Simmons,” I bark, trying to move past her with my hand still on Morgan’s hip.
“Come on, stay awhile.” She leans in to whisper in my ear, “I got a new tongue ring that does wonders to a guy.”
Morgan tenses in my hold. I don’t have time for this.
“Move.” I don’t say it twice, pushing past her, pulling Morgan more firmly into my side. I don’t miss the slight smirk on the corner of her mouth.
We make it outside to find Finley standing with Tinsley by my car.
“Get her home.” I point to Tinsley. She doesn’t protest. Instead, she keeps her eyes down.
“Seriously? We were fine. Stop treating her like a goddamn child. I’m sure at her age you were fucking randos in a bathroom. She had two beers and danced with a friend. That’s all.” Morgan’s fury matches the red in her hair.
“Home. Now,” I bark again to get Tinsley back moving. Grabbing Morgan, I pull her to my passenger door. “In.”
“Fuck you, Yates. I drove here, and I will drive myself home.”
“The fuck you are. You will get your ass in my car, and then I will drive you to my house so you can explain to the family what the fuck you were thinking bringing Tinsley to not just a party but a Rachel Simmons party. Do you know what happens at these?”
“Drinking and dancing.”
“So fucking naive. Get in the fucking car.”
“No.”
“I’m not letting you get behind the wheel drunk. We might not be friends, but I still fucking care about you.”
Something akin to surprise flashes in her eyes before they soften. “I didn’t have a single drop of alcohol tonight. I wouldn’t with Tinsley in my care. I can drive myself home.”
Warring with myself, I finally let out a sigh. “You have ten minutes to get to my house. Family meeting.” I don’t give her a choice. I walk around my car and get into the driver’s seat. I wait until she gets in her own car before I make my way out of the drive.
She knows what “family meeting” means. She will be there.
I hope she will be there.
✽✽✽
Chapter 3
Morgan
Why did I come?
The question runs through my mind for the millionth time as I’m escorted to the formal dining room. Keaton waited for me outside. He was so sure I’d do what he said that I almost wanted to turn around and leave.
Almost.
I know what family meetings mean. I’m surprised I was invited, to be honest.
“What’s this about?” Reed grumbles, looking like he had either been sleeping or getting some.
By the look of Sage’s hair and red cheeks, I’d say the latter.
“We have a matter to discuss. Tinsley, you want to tell them, or do I need to?”
“Tell us what?” Sage asks.
“I went to a party with Morgan. I was safe. I had fun. Stop treating me like a child.”
Reed growls, “Stop acting like one and I won’t treat you like one. You know the rules.”
“Rules? Seriously? If it were up to you, I’d be locked in a tower somewhere with no external interaction.”
“Fucking right. This world is a scary place, T. Men are predators looking for their next lay. I don’t want you out there drinking and being taken advantage of.”
“You never worry about Keaton.”
“Keaton can take care of himself.”
“I can take care of myself too. You refuse to see me as anything more than a little girl. Newsflash, jackass, I’m a fucking woman. I have breasts and an ass. I’ve kissed boys, and I like to have a drink or two with friends. I’m not ten anymore.”
Reed growls again until Sage reaches over, touching his arm.
“Ignore him, hun.” She gives him a pointed look. “We aren’t trying to treat you like a child, but we want to keep you safe. You don’t know what’s out there. I hope you never have to find out. I’m disappointed that you broke your word. In this world, all you have is your word. If you can’t be true to it, then no one will ever trust you.”
I glance at Keaton, thinking about his breach in trust. He meets my eyes, reflecting the betrayal.
“I know. I’m sorry. We were having a girls’ night, and you never let me go to one of Rachel’s parties. I wanted—”
Sage is the one who growls this time, causing me
