I turn to see Spike and Cade walking in, beers in hand. Fuckin’ magic, I’m not in the mood for company right now. I’ve got too much on my mind as it is, without adding more.

“Boys,” I mutter.

“Uh oh,” Cade grins. “Boss man is pissed.”

I glare at him, clearly he doesn’t know what my daughter is up to, or he wouldn’t be here smirking like an ass. “You know where the girls went tonight?”

Spike shrugs. “Some girly party.”

“Ain’t no girly party, Addison said there was loads of guys there.”

Both men tense. “Failed to fuckin’ mention that to me,” Cade grunts.

“You sure about that, Jack’s?” Spike asks.

“Fuckin’ sure alright, I saw them go out the door giggling about cute men for Serenity.”

“Fuckin’ daughter of yours will be the fuckin’ death of me,” Cade growls.

Spike lifts his keys, his eyes flashing with jealousy. “We goin’?”

“Fuck yeah we are,” Cade growls, turning and storming out the door.

I follow. Fucked if I know why I do. I opened my mouth knowing they would go after the girls. Part of me wants to go, even if I don’t want to accept it.

Can’t get her out of my head.

Fuck.

CHAPTER 9

SERENITY

“Oh my god, Addi!” I laugh, taking another shot.

“You started it!” she giggles.

“You two are so feral!” Ciara says, rolling her eyes.

“Oh, you’re just jealous because you can’t drink,” Addison sings, taking another shot herself.

“Don’t remind me!”

We’re at the local bar, we ended up here after the party turned out to be a flop. We got rounds of tequila, which so far has ended with dancing on the tables, singing at the top of our lungs, and harassing poor, innocent men. I haven’t had so much fun in my entire life. I haven’t laughed so much, or felt so at home.

“Oh no!” Ciara suddenly gasps.

I turn towards her, and see her eyes are on the door. I turn, and see Jackson, Cade, and Spike glaring at us. I snort a laugh and turn back to them. “Uh oh, you girls are in deep shit!”

Addison laughs, but Ciara doesn’t. “My man looks mega pissed right now!”

I look at Spike, and his face is tight. Damn, he does look pissed. Cade’s expression is a little softer when he sees Addi is just drinking and causing no problems. Jackson’s face is unreadable, but his eyes are on me. Damn those eyes. Damn him!

“There you are!”

I turn to see one of the guys I was chatting to earlier. He’s handsome, young, and quite sweet. I throw him a grin. I can’t remember his name for the life of me, but I do recall promising him numerous dances.

“Here I am!”

“You disappeared on me earlier.”

I grin. “I was getting another drink!”

He grins, showing cute, round dimples. “You up for that dance?”

I nod, shrugging. “Sure!”

“She’s not fuckin’ goin’ anywhere with you!”

The voice comes from behind me, and it’s icy, angry, and damn sexy. Jackson. My male friend, I am pretty sure his name was Greg, or George, or maybe Gage, looks up and meets Jackson’s no doubt pissed gaze.

“Sorry man, is she yours?”

“No, I’m not,” I point out.

“She’s my property right now, and she ain’t available for anyone else. Now fuck off.”

I spin around, glaring at Jackson. “Excuse me?”

“Get outside,” he orders.

“Bite me!”

He growls and grips my arm, tugging me. Oh hell no! He is not going to go all caveman on me right now. I slap at his arm, but he doesn’t let me go. I give Addi a helpless stare as we walk past, but she simply laughs and waves, then wiggles her hips suggestively. Some help she is. Ciara and Spike have disappeared, so I can’t find them for help.

Jackson pulls me outside, and the cool air whips my face and makes the alcohol rush to my head. I sway a little, but he keeps tugging me through the bikes and cars until we reach his truck. He thrusts the door open, and barks. “Get in.”

“No.”

He spins on me, glaring. “Get in.”

“I said no.”

“Serenity, don’t play with me.”

I cross my arms and stomp my foot, glaring right back at him.

He growls again, leans down, and shoves me into the car. I stumble back into it enough for him to grip my legs and spin me around. Then he slams the door. He storms around the other side of the truck, opens the driver’s door, and gets in, turning to give me a glare. I gape at him, and then cross my arms angrily over my chest.

“Are you finished?” I cry.

“Not even close.”

“Jackson, you can’t just come in here and think you own me, because you don’t. I wanted you, and you kissed me and then decided I wasn’t good enough or...”

He spins quickly, his hand lashing out to grip my chin. Then his lips are on mine. They come as such a shock it takes me moment to respond. That moment doesn’t last long though, soon I’m kissing him back with full force, enjoying the taste of beer on his tongue, enjoying his hands tangling in my hair. My body takes a moment to react, it’s stiff with shock. When I finally realize that Jackson is actually kissing me, I groan and shuffle until I manage to maneuver myself over the seat and onto his lap. He groans as I straddle him, my legs opening and allowing full access under my very short dress.