tabby

or sad that you didn’t get the whole view.”
“Well, she can use my pole anytime,” Arin added as he grabbed himself.
“Sliding up and down it with a slow caress.”
“Wrapping herself around it.”
I rolled my eyes but agreed with their every word. If it had been anyone but her, the woman would already be beneath me on her hands and knees as I took her from behind. My teeth ready to bite into her shoulder, marking her as mine.
I stalked over to the door that hid the tables and chairs. My tread echoed in the room, drowning out the frantic race of my heart. Where had that thought come from? I’d never even thought about marking a woman before. And it wasn’t something I wanted to continue thinking about.
Pushing it from my mind, I grabbed four folded chairs and a table, carrying them back to where my teammates stood. They continued to make jokes about her being a cat, poles, and other sexual innuendos. It didn’t bother me so long as they finished before her return. They needed an outlet to relax, to let off some steam, and joking was just as good as the roughhousing from the other night.
When they showed no signs of slowing down, I interrupted, knowing we needed to speak before she returned. “She’s a fabulous dancer, but we have a problem.”
“Yeah. Like the fact none of us will be able to concentrate on the job the moment her clothes start to fall.”
Bae chuckled as he pulled out a chair and sat down. “Very true. She’s mesmerizing the moment the beat heats up her blood. It’s something we’re going to need to take into account.” Arin followed suit.
“That’s not it, but I guess that could be a problem.”
Arin and Bae raised their eyebrows across the table at me. “And just what is the problem that you see?” Bae asked.
“That I suffer from incapacitating stage fright the moment I realize that I’m the centre of attention.”
Like yo-yos, our heads snapped around to the direction of her voice. My eyes widened, and my mouth dropped open. So much for being one of the top predators, one of the stealthiest creatures... A little kitty just took me by surprise.
And from the looks of it, she did the same to my teammates.
We were royally screwed.

8
Tabitha
Total and complete silence met my ears as they continued to stare at me wide-mouthed. I resisted the need to pat all my buttons, ensuring they were closed, but that didn’t stop me from taking a quick peek. Yup. All buttoned back up except for the very top one. It wasn’t much of a relaxation, but I knew I needed to act relaxed and okay with what had just happened.
I stripped in front of... them! The three men every female dreams about bedding. It was only the knowledge that I stripped for a mission that kept me from running away during my escape to the bathroom.
When they continued to sit without saying a word, I shifted my weight from one foot to another, racking my brain on how to snap them out of their stupor. I opened my mouth and then closed it when nothing came out. I tried again. My mouth opened and laughter, but not mine, ripped through the room.
“There is a fruit god.” Arin slammed his palms against the table as he pushed his chair back from the table. He bent over and laughed until tears ran down his cheek. I wasn’t the only one who stared at him in concern. Had something snapped in Arin’s mind? I mean, who says there is a fruit god?
“What are you cackling about?” Bae shoved Arin hard enough to send him sprawling to the floor.
From the floor, Arin pointed between Bae and Kasim. “It’s not just me. She snuck up on both of you without either of you realizing. That means my skills aren’t lacking. She’s just that good.”
Bae and Kasim shared a look, one I didn’t understand. Why did it matter if I snuck up on them? I’d been ignored by people my whole life, so I was used to people jumping in surprise when I spoke. They never remembered that I was in the same room as them.
“I’m guessing, Bae, that this isn’t his first experience being caught unaware.”
“I think you’re correct.” Bae turned to glare at Arin, who was attempting to climb back into his chair. A move made difficult by his continued laughter. “Something he failed to inform us about.”
Kasim crossed his arms over his chest and stretched out his long legs under the table. My gaze followed the movement, resting on the sizable package he continued to sport. I loved Jules. She was my best friend, but as much as I would have loved to tell her how I felt up the black panther, I couldn’t. That was something I’d take to the grave after I finished my nine lives.
“I’m thinking that someone needs a refresher on situational awareness and about sharing information. After we’re done tonight, races up the wall.”
With a shrug, Arin slid back into his chair. He wore a large grin but managed to stop laughing. “Agreed. I think we could all use it.” Arin’s gaze flicked to me, but I pretended not to hear. Why did these three always mess up my plans? I had plans to go climbing after we were done. I knew I’d need some time to myself to decompress. And now, without trying, they were screwing me over. Again.
I ground my teeth as I placed their bottles on the table, retaining my own strawberry flavoured water and then walked over to where my computer bag had ended up. As I spun away, I caught three questioning looks, which I ignored. By the end of this mission, if it lasted longer than this evening, I’d become an expert at ignoring the unpleasant. Maybe that would be my silver lining? I’d learn a little more control over my social fears.
“Just spoke to Mia