CHAPTER 25
Hunter’s Goddess Of Victory
Hunter
A three-beat knock, hesitant in nature, rapped against my front door.
I paused in the middle of spraying my cologne, brows drawn. Was that Gabriela? Hope sparked in my chest. I finished buttoning my black dress shirt and beelined it out of my bedroom.
It was Friday evening and the grand opening of Josh and Cade’s joint venture, an old establishment that once belonged to their dad, now renovated into a high-end nightclub for the reveling populace of Montardor.
Our entire group of friends and teammates were going as a show of support.
I offered to drive Gabriela, but my sweet neighbour insisted on meeting me there, choosing to hitch a ride with her friends.
She left me on edge after sending a selfie that barred the lower half of her face and torso.
I couldn’t glance away from those crimson lips curved in a smirk, like she knew exactly what kind of effect she had on me, and the plunging neckline of her short, form-fitting, sequined red dress.
A diamond necklace collared her slender throat and from the middle of it, a singular thread of jewels trickled down the valley of her plump breasts like a short leash.
I had the unfathomable urge to tug at the end of her necklace and make her crawl to me on all fours like a submissive brat.
Underneath the filthy shot, she had the audacity to text me:
If you’re a good boy tonight, I’ll let you unwrap me —Gabby
No choice but to fuck my fist in the shower, I’d been counting down the minutes ever since, excited to see Gabriela again after missing her for the last forty-eight hours.
Maybe she changed her mind, I thought on my way to the front door.
Maybe we could go to the club together. Of course, after taking a quick detour that involved my mouth, my fingers, and her tight-as-fuck pussy.
I wanted to kiss her lips until they were all pouty and leave my marks all over her skin so when we walked into the club, every motherfucker with a hard-on for Gabriela knew she was mine.
But the second I swung open my apartment door and saw the person on the other side, my face fell.
It was my sister.
Dressed in her corporate work attire with an overnight bag slung over her shoulder, she stood blank-faced, head down, and completely drenched from the rain, the ends of her dark hair dripping a puddle next to her shoes.
“Heidi?” I mumbled warily.
Her eyes snapped up and that blank expression shattered, kaleidoscoping in many shades of distress and helplessness. “Hunter?”
I didn’t ask her what was wrong. Simply opened my arms. Heidi immediately rushed in, hugging me and trembling. From the cold rain or whatever was haunting her, I didn’t know. “Are you okay?”
“N-no,” she croaked. “I’m sorry for dropping by unannounced. I…I need to be somewhere that doesn’t remind me of Dad or Jaden.”
My rough exhale fanned against her forehead and I rubbed her back in comfort. “You never have to apologize. My home is your home. Stay here tonight, all right?”
I had a spare room that I converted into a guest bedroom in case Mom or Heidi decided to sleep over.
She pulled away from my chest and sniffled, registering my ironed dress shirt and how it was soaked from her hug. “Oh, are you going somewhere?” she asked and I nodded solemnly. “I-I didn’t realize. I’m sorry for encroaching on your plans.”
I held her tighter. “You’re not a bother, Heidi. I’ll cancel and we can stay in, hang out like old times.”
“I couldn’t possibly ask you to do that. Please go.” She wiped the tears from under her eyes. “I’ll spend the night here, if that’s okay, and be gone in the morning. I just want a reprieve from”—her gaze darted away briefly—“everything.”
If there was anyone who deserved a break, it was my sister. Sometimes, Heidi reminded me of a lonely leaf blowing in the blustery wind. Forcefully flowing with the current, nothing holding her down, and living life on everyone else’s terms. Her own wishes be damned.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I already knew her answer. Nonetheless, there was no harm in asking.
Heidi shook her head. “No, but thank you for offering.” She took off her shoes and her sopping blazer, a cloud of sadness looming above her. “I’m going to take a shower and then relax. Do you mind texting Mom to let her know that I’m here?”
“I will.” I stuffed my hands in my pockets. “Listen, if you want to invite a friend, feel free to do so.”
Maybe if she asked one of her girl friends to come over, it would help take her mind off whatever was plaguing her thoughts—whatever caused her to leave work and rush here, rather than home or Jaden’s.
“I just want to be alone.”
I didn’t want to leave Heidi alone, but I also knew that if I stayed here, she’d only withdraw deeper into her shell. She might even put on a fake mask and act like she was fine for my sake, when she was actually withering on the inside.
So I relented. “Whatever you prefer. I’m going to be out late, but I’m just a phone call or text away. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. And if you want the space to yourself tonight, I can crash with a friend after we leave the club.”
“That won’t be necessary.” She seemed to be in better spirits than seconds ago as she slid a sly expression my way. “Is Gabby going to be there tonight?”
“She will.” I combed my fingers through my hair. “Oh, I also forgot to tell you that I have a date with her tomorrow.”
A genuine smile broke across Heidi’s face. “Hunt, I’m so happy to hear this.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll tell you all about it this weekend, okay?
” I turned her around with my hands on her shoulders and practically marched her down the hallway towards the guest bedroom before she could begin the onslaught of sibling teasing.
“Now go shower and unwind. You’ve earned a restful evening. ”
“You’re the best brother.”
My throat tightened, upset that her quiet words sounded like she felt undeserving. “I know, Heidi. You tell me all the time.” I opened the guest bedroom door and gently nudged her inside. “Remember to contact me if you need anything while I’m gone.”
Her chin quivered with a wobbly grin. “I will.”
I left her and headed for the kitchen to plate her dinner.
I scooped up a hefty amount of a chicken casserole I attempted today, cut a thick slice of a chocolate pie I purchased from Le Petit Moulin, and poured a glass of water.
I also pulled out a few snacks from the pantry and placed everything in a mishmash on the kitchen counter, hoping Heidi would feel hunger if she saw the food laid out.
Otherwise, I feared she’d skip a meal and go straight to bed, wallowing in her sorrows.
Afterwards, I changed my damp dress shirt into another clean black one and returned to the guest bedroom.
The sound of the shower running reverberated on the other side of the adjoining bathroom door.
I knocked on it and hollered, “Heidi, I’m leaving.
There’s food on the kitchen counter for you. Please eat and stay warm tonight.”
“Thank you! Love you!” Her voice was faded, but I still heard it.
“Love you, too!” I whirled around to leave but paused when I spotted her unzipped bag thrown carelessly on the bed.
Her personal items jutted out.
Including a familiar old journal I hadn’t seen in years.
Suddenly, I understood the reason for her mood.
Against my better judgement, I picked up her journal and gingerly flipped through the pages containing the pressed flowers.
Daisies.
Hundreds of them.
Given to her by Donovan, once upon a lifetime ago.
This was what haunted Heidi on an unhealthy basis. Guilt. It ate at her bit by bit, keeping her up at night. Wondering if Donovan was okay, wondering if he had everything he needed, wondering if he was alive.
She was unable to ghost the memory of the young man who fell in love with her.
And by the time Heidi realized how her best friend felt, he was long gone.
Club Azul was situated in one of the busiest boulevards of downtown, a nightmare if you were looking for parking.
When I arrived, Josh, Shaun, Sam, Cade, Nico and Nate—two more friends of ours—were already waiting at the front doors, waving me over.
Josh and Cade conversed with two burly bouncers, giving them some sort of instructions.
The rest of the club line seemed annoyed that we got to skip ahead.
I congratulated the boys and greeted everyone else.
Ella, Darla, Dacia, and Hera were here, too.
Huddled together and shaking from the windy weather in their glittery outfits and heels.
Unfortunately, the other girls hadn’t arrived yet. Namely Gabriela, whom I was desperate to see.
The crowd inside the club began to thicken once we entered.
Upscale interior composed mainly of royal blue with black velvet booths greeted us.
A wide circular backlit bar rested in the middle of the scene, a handful of bartenders managing the patrons.
Blue lights illuminated the fountain walls, and crystal beads hung from the ceiling, giving the space an underwater allure.
We were escorted to the biggest booth in the room with a vantage view of the dance floor, two hostesses sashaying after us for bottle service.
I asked for a Reine D’Or, recalling that it was Gabriela’s choice of champagne.
She’d mentioned it once in an off-handed comment and I wanted to surprise her.
Once the liquors, chasers, non-alcoholic drinks, and garnishes arrived, we cheered to Josh and Cade’s accomplishment.
Then I pulled out my phone to text Gabriela, unable to wait much longer.
Where are you, sweetheart? —Hunter
Her reply was instant.
Almost there We’re just looking for parking! —Gabby
I can’t wait to see you. —Hunter
Same —Gabby