Chapter 12 #2
“Thanks for taking out the trash,” Grae says behind me. He’s back to his golden retriever self, eyes bright, all smiles. He leans against the balcony watching the crowd. “I wasn’t hitting on her.”
“I didn’t think you were.”
He throws his head back and laughs. It’s a sound that makes you want to turn around and find the source of the humor so you can witness it and share it with generations to come.
“Bullshit.” He shakes his head. “She’s great.
Good vibes, razor wit.” He shrugs. “But she never looked at me the way she looks at you.”
She was all swoony when she did finally tear her eyes off him and set them on me. “You couldn’t steal her if you tried.”
His eyes darken as he leans in closer. I can smell his cologne and the mint on his breath. His voice changes to a deep husky timber. “I don’t steal; they come running.” He breathes a hot whisper against my ear, “And sometimes they bring their partners.”
Blood rushes to my cheeks, and saliva builds in my mouth until I think I’m going to choke on it. I swallow, and for a second, my dick twitches.
Holy shit. Am I bisexual now?
He pulls away, and he’s back to his goofy self. “See the difference?” He motions with his chin down to the crowd. “Which begs the question, why are you up here instead of down there with her?”
“There’s a million reasons.”
The song changes, and Grae’s expression deepens into a frown. “No, there’s only one. It’s fear.” He pushes his hair off his face and watches the people dancing. “It’s a valid feeling, but it’s not the reason.”
I don’t like that. “My life is dangerous. She shouldn’t be involved.” There’s a scuffle in the crowd as my cousin leaves the building. “Nothing lasts forever.”
“That’s the point. It makes every minute that much more important. The joy, the pleasure, the connection, the comfort—it all changes. And sure, sometimes it’s gone. But it doesn’t change the fact that it happened.”
His words hit hard. “But is it worth it?”
“I think so.” He turns to me, lost in his thoughts. “Years ago, I had my demons and convinced myself no one would ever love me. Then I met the one person who healed me. I loved her and she loved me. My demons died with every passing day.”
“Are you still with her?”
A sad smile crosses his lips. “No. I had my soul severed from my body with a rusty chainsaw.” He’s quiet for a moment.
“But I wrote a bunch of songs, won some awards, I’ve got homes on both coasts, and now I have a baseline for what I want out of a relationship.
And if no one can reach that standard, at least I felt it once and it was real.
” He pats me on my shoulder. “Stop talking to me and go talk to her.”
I don’t know what’s worse, that I’m terrified of falling in love or that he’s right. But watching her from up here, holding her earlier, for the first time, I think it’s worth the risk.
The song ends, and Grae has vanished without saying goodbye.
Jenny makes her way back up to the VIP lounge.
She smiles at me, but she also has a vague sense of disconnection in her eyes.
She dips her head, and I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her into my chest. She feels perfectly pressed against me.
But the club stopped being fun, and I think it's hurting her.
She confirms it when she says, “I’m getting over-stimulated with the noise, people, and colors.”
My choice is quick, and remarkably easy. “We're leaving.”
Jenny lifts her head, shame and disappointment filling her eyes. “I’m sorry. I can take a cab if you want to stay.”
I hate that disappointment with all my soul.
“Absolutely not.” We’re already walking toward the back hallway where we came in. And I know what I want.
Once the music is muffled and distant and we’re alone, I press her body against the wall, placing my forearm along the wall above her head. “You don’t owe me any money.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”
“Earlier today, you said you would have to fuck your way out of debt.”
“I am one hundred percent certain that’s not what I said.”
“It’s what you implied.” My fingers can’t hold back anymore as I brush them against her soft cheek.
Her eyes flutter closed. “I need you to know nothing I am about to say is under the guise that you owe me money.” Her breath hitches as my finger traces down her cheek and to her neck.
Her pulse pounds as she swallows. “You have one choice to make, and it’s your last one for the night. ”
She nods, arching her chest into mine. “I’m listening.”
“When the car comes, I can take you home, and tomorrow morning you’ll come over, take out Kingston, and everything will be the same.”
Her lips part, and she raises a coy eyebrow. “Or?”
“Or I can drive you to my place, take off your dress that’s been driving me insane since I first saw you in it, and fuck you until you come on my cock. You’ll sleep in my bed, and in the morning, you’ll still walk Kingston, but everything will be different.”
“That’s a big choice.”
“Yes, but it’s the last one for the night.”
She rests her head against the wall, looking past me, her focus fixed on the ceiling. “Can I ask questions, so I can make an informed decision?”
Her exposed neck begs my lips for attention. I swallow. “Yes.”
“Are you doing this because Grae made you question your sexuality?” Her lips spread into a wicked grin. “I’m not holding it against you. I just want to know if I’m a mental security fuck or not.”
My fingers pull her chin down, so she’s forced to meet my gaze. “It’s very rude to talk about another man while I’m actively trying to seduce you.”
“But you’re not answering the question.”
“No. It has nothing to do with him. I saw you in the club a year ago, and I knew I wanted you in my bed then.”
Another wicked smile. “Grae seems like the kinda guy who won’t touch you unless there’s written consent witnessed by a lawyer and notary.”
I add, “And he’ll send your mom flowers in the morning.”
“Look at you, cracking jokes.” She adds under her breath, “It is pretty hot.” She pushes her hair behind her ear. “But in the last few days, you pulled a gun on me, insulted me, beat up my ex-boyfriend, tried to kick me out of my home… Do you see where I might have a few concerns?”
Shit. I take a step back. “You’re right.”
“Furthermore, you’re a Mafia boss with admittedly not the best track record with relationships, and we’ll be living in the same building.
There’s an unfair power dynamic here.” She drags her finger down the front of my shirt, circling each button.
“Plus, there’s the issue of is this sex, or are feelings involved?
Am I a distraction from your ever-growing stressful reality, or does that not matter? ”
I swallow again. “We can figure that out in the morning.”
Her finger circles back up toward my neck.
“And yes, there will be a tomorrow, no matter what. If this goes tits up, our lives are still entwined. I’ve mastered the illusion of having my shit together—it’s what I do to make people like me.
But bad choices have consequences for a future version of myself.
” She pats me on my heart. “But you… Your lists have lists. And I’m not sure if you’ve considered the fallout from whatever I choose. ”
“I did. I don’t care.” It’s the most honest thing I’ve said all day.
She leans into my space, pressing her chest against mine.
Her lips part as her breath caresses my neck.
“I choose to go back to your place.” I’m almost dizzy as the blood races from one head to the other.
She whispers, “But if you don’t make good on your promise of making me come on your cock, I’ll never let you live it down. ”
I pin her against the wall, trapping her with my body as my lips launch the attack they’ve wanted all day. There’s a second when she struggles against the force, but her moan and lips give away any false pretense. My mouth, her tongue, in a violent dance of pent up or repressed feelings.
My hands caress every one of her soft curves in the dark and dirty hallway. I squeeze her ass, bringing her core closer to my throbbing cock. “You’re mine tonight.” The words sound more like a promise and less a threat. “Drop the brat act.”
She moves her hips, trying to get some relief from her mounting pressure. “You like it,” she counters.
From her, I do.