CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
THE SURPRISE TRIP CONTINUES
BIANCA
I understood that Catch had never been in a serious relationship before. But with me, he quickly became possessive and protective. He might’ve seen me as a challenge, someone who could match his intensity. Honestly, I had never felt so loved and cared for before by anyone else. As I stood there, my gaze fell to the ground, struggling to find the right words. "Catch, I need some time alone."
He gently lifted my chin with his index finger, forcing me to meet his intense gaze. "What did you say?"
This man could be frustratingly handsome and rugged at times. My lips pressed together as I repeated myself. "Catch, I just need some time alone."
His sexy lips kicked up at one end. “Sure, bombshell.”
He opened his wallet and retrieved his black card.
I wasn’t taking his credit card. He was wasting his time if he thought I’d take it.
Catch opened my purse that dangled at my side and shoved his card inside.
“You’re overbearing, Catch.”
“You love it.” He smirked.
Rage pumped through my veins as I seethed with anger towards him.
I stepped away, striding through the elegant lobby and exiting through the revolving doors at the front.
This was my first time in Las Vegas. My fingers nervously twirled a lock of hair as I blended in with the crowds of tourists on the strip. Stopping, I took in the glitzy hotels across the street, marveling at the bustling city.
“Bombshell.” Catch’s deep vocals startled me, and I almost jumped out of my skin.
"What?" I snapped.
“Men are staring at you. Drinking in what’s mine. Get your fingers out of your hair before I go on a killing spree right here in the middle of the strip,” he growled into my ear.
Heat struck my body.
“Catch, I told you I need time alone.”
“Well, baby, don’t do shit that will have me pulling you behind a building, wrapping my hand around your pretty little neck as I fuck you from behind.”
“Catch,” I warned.
This man’s words had my pussy begging to be filled with his dick.
“Pretend like I’m not here. If that’s possible,” he chuckled.
Needless to say, I removed my hand from my hair and continued down the sidewalk. As I strolled across the street, I shrugged out of my sweater. The sun was blazing down on the back of my neck. Why did he pack the sweater? Was it to make me believe we were still in Chicago?
How could Catch do this? We just shared an explosive evening together. That man was the love of my life. I’d like to say there wasn’t anything he could do to make me mad at him, but this was up there with telling me I was going to marry him.
Now he planned to marry me tomorrow. What about our family and friends? If he thought he’d whisk me off and marry me and I’d be happy with him, he was mistaken.
I halted in front of the bar. A smile tugged at my lips. I’d always wanted to try a hurricane. When in Vegas aren’t you supposed to live life on the edge?
“Bianca.” I felt his warm breath on the side of my face.
“Are you sure you want to drink alcohol on an empty stomach?” he whispered in my ear.
Ignoring him, I strolled into the bar. My eyes combed over the large selection on the wall behind the counter. I thought there would be only one flavor. There was Pineapple Express, Blue Hawaiian, and a few others.
“She’ll take a hurricane. The biggest one you have. And I’ll have a Heineken,” Catch said.
“Coming right up,” the man stated.
“So much for staying away from me,” I muttered.
“Relax, I bought our drinks, that’s all,” he grumbled, dropping a fifty-dollar bill on the counter.
“Catch, what was the point of giving me your credit card?”
He shrugged. “Just in case you got the slip on me.”
I shook my head before swiping my drink off the counter.
“Come on. There’s a nice little diner down the street,” he said.
Rolling my eyes, I sipped the fruity drink. My stomach growled at the thought of food. I’d find the diner myself.
I strolled past Catch and continued my path down the street. Hopefully, the diner wasn’t that far away.
The sweet fruity drink lingered on my tongue, then slid down my throat. Instantly I felt inebriated. “This is delicious,” I purred under my breath.
After I ate, I’d grab another one.
I peeked over my shoulder. Catch sauntered behind me at a distance. Giving me space, I supposed.
A group of guys chuckled a few paces back.
Shit. Bianca, you’re not every guys type. They won’t notice you. Mind your business and act normal.
“Look at the legs on her. Fuck, I’d love to have them wrapped around my neck,” one guy said.
He wasn’t talking about me. Probably another woman walking nearby.
Bitch, you’re delusional.
There was an older couple walking behind me. Doubt they were talking about the woman’s legs. Besides, she wore a long floral dress.
You are the only woman on this side of the sidewalk wearing a short dress.
My heart raced in my chest. I noticed the diner sign sticking out two buildings away.
Would it be crazy to run toward the restaurant?
No, it won’t. You’ll save that guys life.
I darted down the sidewalk. Luckily, I wore ballerina flats. After dinner, I was going shopping for sandals and a swimsuit.
“Navy, wait?” the guy called out.
Fuck, fuck, fuck. Just my luck, he was talking to me. I did what I had to do at that moment. A few steps away from the diner, I spun on my heels. My eyes moved over the five sun kissed faces of the preppy guys, then they landed on Catch’s stormy gray eyes.
I moved toward Catch, halted before him, inched upward on my tippy toes, and kissed his lips.
Stepping back, I glanced at the guys. “Sorry boys’ I’m taken.”
I grabbed Catch’s hand and stormed into the retro diner.
“Nice save,” he chuckled.
“If my fiancé wasn’t a fucking psychopath,” I growled through gritted teeth. “I wouldn’t have needed to do that.”
My eyes immediately landed on the vibrant booths in shades of violet, teal, and lilac. The light fixtures were equally colorful, adding to the unique ambiance of the place. The carpet was a mix of charcoal gray and purple, giving off a funky vibe.
The smell of sweet maple syrup mingled with the aroma of sizzling bacon on the griddle, made my mouth water.
A perky waitress in a matching uniform greeted us. "Good evening. Please have a seat anywhere you'd like," she chirped.
I thanked her and took a seat at the sparse counter. Catch sat down beside me, his arm instantly wrapping around my waist. His warm breath tickled my ear as he whispered, "It's hard to keep my hands off of you."
A delicious shiver ran down my spine. The diner was buzzing with customers, but it wasn't too crowded or overwhelming. It felt cozy and inviting, like the perfect place for a date.
“Catch, you aren’t respecting my space,” I breathed.
He sighed, “All right. Hands off.”
He retracted his hand. I wanted it back on my curves. What I’d give to have his head between my legs right now. He should’ve had to pay with his tongue for what he did. I shook my head at the naughty thoughts. Catch would only enjoy pleasing me too much.
The waitress who had greeted us moments ago stepped behind the counter.
“Hello again," she said cheerfully. "My name’s Allie. Can I start you two off with some water?"
“Oh, we're not together." I smirked.
Her eyebrows raised in confusion. "I'm sorry, I thought from the way he was touching you..." Allie trailed off.
Catch ran his finger over the diamond ring on my left hand, sending shivers down my spine. "She's actually my fiancée. Although I'm currently in the doghouse."
I shifted away from his touch. "He drugged me, Allie."
Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.
"He then flew me on his private plane to Vegas and dressed me in a nightie. I slept all day," I glared at Catch.
"We're getting married tomorrow," he added.
“But we're not," I interjected. "He crossed a line."
Allie rested her chin in her hands and leaned against the counter. "Do you have any single brothers?" she asked Catch.
My eyes widened in shock. " Allie, his actions were not romantic behavior."
She turned to me. "Were you hurt?" she pressed.
"No, but it's the principle of it all. Like I said, he drugged me," I stated slowly.
“Actually, Bombshell, I didn’t drug you. I gave you a sedative to help you sleep.”
"Well, that doesn't sound too bad," Allie giggled.
I snapped my fingers in front of her face. "Listen, he's crazy. You don't want a guy like him. He's super possessive. Clearly. Men can’t even look at me. He might hurt them.
“Allie's gaze flickered back towards Catch with lustful eyes. "Maybe a distant cousin, then?"
Catch grinned mischievously. "Actually, I do have one."
I was putting a stop to this. “Allie, two waters please. And I’ll have a waffle, a bowl of grits with cheese, and two eggs over easy. He’ll take a steak medium well and a baked potato.”
She chuckled. “How do you know we have those items on the menu?”
“This is a diner. Those are staples at a place like this.”
Allie smiled as she poured water into two glasses. “True. I’ll get that order in.”
Catch brought my hand to his lips. “You make me sound like a bad guy.”
“You are,” I whispered.
“I’m only as bad as you want me to be.” He winked.
“Catch, flirting with me will get you nowhere. I’m buying a plane ticket and flying back to Chicago.”
He released my hand and kissed my cheek. “You do that.”
Catch glanced at his phone. I’d drink a little water soon. Right now, I needed the liquor. I grabbed the extra tall glass and brought the straw to my lips, sucking down half the hurricane. Since Catch was distracted by his phone, it allowed me time to think.
Fifteen minutes later, Allie sat our plates in front of us.
“Oh, that looks good,” I heard a familiar voice say.
Glancing to my right, I smiled wide. “Asia.”
Simone stepped next to her. “Hey B.”
I threw my arms around Asia and Simone’s necks, squeezing them tightly.
Romeo, Rémy, and Ezra sat on the other side of Catch.
I felt a sense of longing as I realized Tori wouldn't be able to join us. She’d never leave Chicago.
“We'll make sure to send her lots of pictures, so she doesn't miss out,” I said, trying to keep a positive tone.
Asia patted my arm comfortingly. "Why don't you take a seat, Bianca?"
Simone's eyes filled with tears as she spoke. "There's something we need to tell you."
"Tori and Ritchie went to the playhouse this morning," Simone continued, her voice shaking.
Asia squeezed my arm gently. "There was an explosion."
“What?” I exclaimed, fear and disbelief coursing through me as tears streamed down my face. “Tori,” I whispered in shock and worry.