EXTRACT FOR
Ganged by the Groomsmen
(Marilyn Fae)

"How're you, pup?" he asks. It's an old habit, calling her pup because she's the youngest of their ragtag of friends. She's not a pup anymore, but it's hard to think of her as a grown up when she's bundled up in the thick jackets and trembling.



"I'm good," she says with a small smile, her scent going a little nervous, though still so very lovely. "You?"



"I could be better," he says. He feels frustrated and having her so close is bringing more emotions to the surface. He's not used to feeling this much. He peers up at her and is overwhelmed by the inexplicable urge to lunge forward and kiss her.



She nods, like she understands. "I'm sorry about Jenny. I know she can be... a little much. But she promises this is the last one and then she's going to be totally loyal to just you."



Sweet little Sallie. She actually believes that. He smiles. "Of course."



"And you're not- you weren't really serious about following through with um- what you told her, right?" she asks.



He furrows his brows at that. What? A better man would let her get away with that, especially since she let him know that she's still a virgin. Maybe she's saving herself up for someone special, someone she loves. "It would hardly be fair for me if I were to let this opportunity pass by, would it?"



She frowns as the words begin to sink in, and then her cheeks take a truly lovely color. Poor, innocent thing.



He's going to ruin her.