What is wrong? Am I getting to you?

Emma’s POV

We were sitting in our favourite bar in town, sipping drinks and enjoying the night. I could feel Zane’s eyes on me, the way he kept stealing glances when he thought no one would notice. Of course, I had worn this dress on purpose. I knew what it did to him, and tonight, I wanted payback.

It was my little game, he wanted me, I wanted him, but neither of us could have each other right now. Not the way we both craved. That was part of the fun. The teasing, the tension, the silent daring. Still, he needed to stop looking at me like he wanted to rip my dress off in the middle of the bar. I knew he did, but no one else needed to see it. That would only cause trouble.

“Emma,” Maddie said suddenly, leaning closer. “I have been talking to James, and we think you should let us set you up with one of his friends. You have been single for too long… plus, I think you need to get laid.”

I nearly choked on my drink. If only she knew.

“No, thank you. I am perfectly happy being single. And as for getting laid, I will do that when I want to,” I said with a shake of my head.

“Why not?” she pouted.

“Because I do not want you to. And if you do, we are breaking up,” I teased with a laugh. “I am not looking for anything right now. If that changes, you will be the first to know.”

She sighed, rolled her eyes, and gave a reluctant nod. But I knew her too well. She would not let it go. I could already see the wheels turning in her mind. Still, I had enough on my plate with Zane; I did not need Maddie’s matchmaking added to it.

I felt it before I saw it, that familiar heat of someone watching me. I glanced up to find Zane staring, a small smirk on his lips. A smirk only the two of us understood. He gave me a quick wink before looking away so no one would catch him.

I brought my glass to my lips to hide my own smile. Then I felt it, his warm hand landing on my thigh, staying there. Not moving. My breath caught as his fingers began to slide slowly upward, skimming over my skin.

My body reacted instantly, but I caught his hand before it went any further. Not here. Not now.

He leaned in, his lips brushing close to my ear. “What is wrong? Am I getting to you?” he murmured, his voice just for me.

I did not answer. Instead, I stood and excused myself, saying I needed another drink. Mine had vanished far too quickly, thanks to me trying to cool down and distract myself from him. I asked if anyone else wanted one, but no one did, making it easier for me to slip away.

At the bar, I squeezed into a spot among the crowd and waited for one of the bartenders, who looked like they had been running non-stop. Maybe they should hire more staff.

Then I felt it, a presence right behind me.

“I changed my mind about that drink,” his voice came, low and deep, sending a shiver down my spine.

I glanced over my shoulder. “What do you want?”

“Scotch on the rocks, please,” he said with a smile that made my stomach tighten.

I turned back to the bar, but he stepped in closer. His front pressed against my back, one hand resting lightly on my waist.

“I cannot wait to take this dress off you,” he growled, his mouth close enough to make my skin tingle. “And I am going to take you hard and rough. What do you want to try tonight? I know how much you love finding new ways for us to be together.”

He was right. I did. And so did he. I had never been the type to stick to the same, safe routine. I liked exploring, keeping things exciting. I never imagined I would be confident enough to admit that to him, let alone act on it, but something about Zane brought it out in me.

If he wanted to play, then I would play right back.

I leaned forward against the bar, arching my back just enough to press myself into him. Slowly, I pushed my hips back, rubbing against the hard length already growing between us. I looked over my shoulder at him, meeting his eyes with a deliberate wink.

He hardened completely against me, a deep growl rumbling from his chest as his grip on my waist tightened.

“I am thinking about something like this,” I purred against his ear.

“Damn, baby. If there were not so many people here, I would take you right now. I would lift you up by those hips, tear off your panties, and make you mine,” he growled, his voice low and rough.

My breathing grew heavy. Heat spread between my thighs, and my body ached for him, but I wanted to keep the upper hand.

“Who said I am wearing panties?” I asked with a teasing smirk.

His eyes widened, growing darker, the thought clearly getting to him. He did not need to know I actually had them on. That was my little secret.

Before he could react, I stepped away from him and caught the attention of one of the bar staff.

“Sorry for the wait,” she said with a friendly smile.

“It is fine. I can see you have been busy,” I replied with a soft laugh. “Could I get a Scotch on the rocks and a glass of rosé wine, please?”

“Coming right up,” she said, hurrying off to make the drinks.

I could feel Zane’s eyes on me from the side, his frustration practically radiating. I giggled and turned to give him my sweetest, most innocent smile. He did not look amused.

The barmaid returned quickly, placing the drinks on the counter. She handed Zane his Scotch with a little wink before walking away. Without a word, I picked up my glass and headed back to our table, smiling to myself.

I noticed him following close behind, looking like he was holding back a storm. Now he knows how it feels, does he not?

He sat beside me and downed his drink in one go.

“You alright, bro?” Maddie asked, tilting her head. “You seem annoyed.”

I almost burst out laughing, curious to hear his answer.

“I am fine,” Zane said with a smile that did not fool me for a second.

Maddie seemed to accept it. I, however, knew better. He glanced my way, shaking his head with a chuckle. I beamed at him, and he returned the smile. Maybe I would give him a short break from my teasing. Only a short one.

“You want to hit the club after we finish our drinks?” Maddie asked.

“Whatever you want. It is your birthday, after all,” I said warmly.

“The club it is, then,” she said, clearly excited. “Maybe we can find you a cute guy to hook up with.” She winked at me.

“Maybe,” I replied with a playful giggle, winking back. That earned me a glare from Zane.

Oh, someone is jealous. I can definitely work with that. Zane has no idea what he is in for.