Chapter 25
Somebody That I Used to Know
ROARKE
Greer holds her hand over both her and Aiden’s champagne glasses as the blond server comes around. I’m down a ways from both of them, but I check on them from time to time.
Honestly, I can’t seem to keep my gaze from wandering to Greer. She’s different tonight. Still cagey as fuck, but she blends in. More than one guy has looked her over, but she’s mine. I need to remind her of that tonight.
I return my gaze to the couple across from me. The server pours their champagne.
“So, Greyson, how long have you and Siobhan been boning?” I give them a cocky grin and swirl my scotch.
Greyson smiles and takes Siobhan’s hand on the table. “We just started seeing each other a month ago.”
Siobhan smiles into Greyson’s pretty face before she turns those green eyes on me. “The divorce was final before I even looked at another man.”
I’m not so sure about that, but whatever. Grey’s a nice guy. Too nice for Siobhan. When Aiden brought Siobhan around, at first I was skeptical of her, but now I just don’t like the bitch.
“Aiden seems to be doing better.” Her gaze strays down the table before watching me for clues.
I grin, thinking of that kiss. Normally, I like to participate, but Greer and Aiden…Fuck, those two have so much chemistry that I can feel the singe from across the room. I definitely want to watch those two fuck it out. Watch Greer’s pretty face bathed in ecstasy as she rides Aiden’s cock.
I meet Siobhan’s gaze. “Yeah, eight months now. But you knew when he went in.”
That’s the problem. She knew this was his party, our movie. She wasn’t invited but came along as a plus-one. What’s her fucking goal here? Did she want to tank Aiden’s recovery? Did she miss the attention she got as the wronged party?
“Of course.” She takes a sip of her champagne. “I just wanted to know he was doing okay after…everything.”
“Things are definitely looking up for him.” I glance meaningfully at Greer as she laughs at something Aiden says. His blue eyes say it all as he smiles at her. I don’t know what that kiss meant. It was spur-of-the-moment and he might take it back, but it’s going to be harder for him to resist the temptation going forward.
I’m just glad I don’t have the same rules. I’m giving her the time she needs, but fuck is it hard. She turns me inside out, makes me want things that just don’t make sense to how I normally operate.
Zoe’s laughter draws my attention to the other end of the table, where she sits next to Wyatt. Holden blushes on the other side of her. Another young guy leans across Holden to say something to Zoe. She laughs again and touches his arm.
We’re going to need to talk to Zoe, or at least Wyatt is. She’s trying to set up Greer with Holden, which would be fine, but Greer is mine. Holden might be perfect for her. He’s a respectful young man. Doesn’t do the party scene. Is professional on set.
But not for my poppet. Fuck that.
If Greer is going to be ours, then we need to be clear about everything we expect. That means no dating Holden. No dating anyone but us.
“Would you like another drink?” The blond server has her sweet voice on for me. Her brown eyes darken when I turn to her. Her lips part in silent invitation.
A week ago, I would have followed her into the house and pulled her into the half bath. Bent her over the sink and fucked her hard until she came on my dick.
“Sure, love, I’ll take another.” I wink, but I don’t mean it. It’s all part of playing the role of Roarke Flynn. It’s expected of me at this point. But I definitely won’t be fucking anyone else. Including the cute server.
She blushes and heads back to the house. My gaze tracks her until it collides and settles on Greer. Aiden talks to the couple across from them. When we’re not engaging with her, she becomes this shell. Her smile is perfectly fine, and she appears to everyone else like she’s engaged, but I know she’s not really there.
Something preoccupies my poppet’s mind. I want to know what it is, which surprises me. I’m not the kind of guy women turn to for deep and meaningful conversations. I definitely don’t sit around and wonder what they’re thinking about. Unless it’s sex—then I’m definitely interested.
But I’ve seen Greer when she’s overwhelmed and sad and when she’s afraid. Right now, I want to draw her onto my lap and make her come to life again. Whisper in her ear all the dirty things I want to do to her until her face is on fire and she tells me off for it.
“Who is the woman with Aiden?” Siobhan holds her fork in front of her lips, trying to be casual when she asks. Like she isn’t asking who her ex kissed.
This woman broke my friend.
I grin at her. “Curious?”
She chews delicately before acting like she’s just making conversation. “She’s pretty. And young.”
I hope it hurts.
Ah, is this the he left me for a younger woman schtick? Should I feel sympathy for the woman who dumped my friend? Yeah, that’s not happening.
“She’s new. Just found her.”
Wrinkles form around her mouth and eyes like she’s trying to process it internally, but it’s leaking out.
“Here’s your drink, Mr. Flynn.” The blond sets it down next to me. Her breast brushes against my arm. Intentionally. What did Aiden call her?
“Thank you, Claire.”
She perks up. Yeah, chicks like it when you remember their names. Aiden does it because he wants people to know he values them.
“Could you help me settle a bet?” I meet her brown eyes, which darken a little more.
She looks from me to Greyson and back. “Maybe?”
The guy next to Greyson pulls his attention away from us.
“See, Siobhan over there was married to Aiden, down there…What was it? Five years?”
“What are you doing, Roarke?” Siobhan leans forward and practically growls all while smiling. Siobhan doesn’t like her shit aired unless she’s in control of the narrative.
“Just asking for an outsider’s perspective.” I return my gaze to Claire. “See, they were married for five-ish years and then Siobhan wanted a divorce. Aiden didn’t see it coming, thought they were happy and all that, but then she just up and left him. Now that’s pretty crappy, but the tabloids did claim that Aiden was having an affair. So maybe she thought she was justified. Though if you know Aiden, you’d know he’d never fuck around on someone he’s loyal to, especially not his wife. So clearly, that was bullshit and everyone knew it.”
“What the hell is the poin—” Siobhan glares.
“Now, Siobhan.” I shake my head and give Siobhan a disappointed look. “I’m discussing this with my good friend, Claire.” I return to Claire’s widened, slightly panicked eyes. “That’s all backstory. But do you think Siobhan gets any say in who Aiden wants to kiss or even fuck? Now that they’ve been divorced…” I pretend to think it over in my head. “My, it’s been a year, and she shows up to his party with a new guy. That’s probably an important detail, too, don’t you think so, Claire?”
“Uh.”
I swear I see the moment poor Claire’s brain glitches as she ping-pongs between me and Siobhan. My gaze starts on Claire but ends on Siobhan. “Do you think Siobhan has any right to know anything about Aiden after she almost destroyed him?”
Siobhan’s lips press into a thin line, but she doesn’t say anything.
I turn to Claire. “Thank you, love, you’ve been great. Sorry to keep you.”
Her mouth opens and closes before she hurries off.
“You don’t have to be cruel. I did love him. I’ll always love him,” Siobhan whispers loudly across the table.
“Still doesn’t mean you’re part of his life anymore.” I take a bite of my dinner. “My job as best friend is to keep him happy. You don’t do that anymore. She does.”
I glance down the table and Greer comes to life again. Aiden engages her in some conversation. Good. My poppet only deserves the best. With us, she’ll get it. I’ll make sure of it.
#
GREER
After dinner, people mingle again. I’m on edge. There are now two people I’d rather avoid at all costs at this party. But I’m here to do a job, and Aiden keeps my mind on other things.
Those people are my past. They shaped me into who I am now, but they no longer have control of me.
Aiden is part of my present, as are Roarke, Wyatt, and Mason.
“How’s it going?” Mason’s dark voice next to my ear sends a little jolt through me.
I turn my head to look at him. Aiden is busy talking with someone, but his fingers toy with mine as we stand next to each other.
“All good.” I glance around to make sure Sawyer isn’t with him. I breathe a little easier when I see Sawyer across the pool with his wife. Mary always said Rita wasn’t good for Sawyer, but the two look happy enough.
Sawyer’s actively avoiding me, so we’re on the same page. Deny, deny, deny.
“Any issues I should be made aware of?” Mason’s fingers toy with my skirt hem, making me suck in a breath.
Does Aiden kissing me count as an issue? Because it was amazing. While I want to do it again, he’ll likely withdraw. And I’ll be okay with it, because I know that’s what he needs to do.
“Not that I know of.” My eyes flick up to his.
“Not starstruck, mouse?” His fingers brush my thigh, and I hiss out a breath.
“No, sir.”
His chuckle is dark. “Good girl.”
His touch and warmth move away like he was never there. Sighing, I turn back to listen to this guy tell Aiden about the guy’s last film. I don’t know how Aiden appears so interested when I’m trying not to nod off.
“If you’ll excuse us,” Aiden says to the man. I perk up.
“Of course.” He seems surprised.
Aiden draws me away and into the house. He doesn’t pay attention to anyone as he climbs the stairs and heads into his bedroom.
“Make yourself comfortable, little warrior.” He kisses the top of my head and goes into the bathroom.
His room has a little seating area close to the window overlooking the ocean. I slip off my shoes and curl up in the chair, watching the waves roll in and out as the sounds of the party drift up to me. It’s soothing after the loudness of everyone.
After a few minutes, Aiden comes out. “You need to use it?”
I nod and pass him on my way into his bathroom. Overall, tonight has been a success. I blended in and didn’t make anyone uncomfortable with a story about my mother, who overdosed because my dad left us. After which I spent years in the foster system before aging out.
Of course, no one was offering that story, either, so that probably helped.
Checking my makeup in the mirror, I wash my hands. As I go to open the door, I hear voices on the other side.
“You shouldn’t be up here,” Aiden says.
“I wanted to ask how you’re doing.” Female voice. I can’t place it.
“I’m doing great. Now leave.”
“Aiden, I still care about you even if we aren’t together anymore.” Hmm. Siobhan, maybe.
“I’m not your concern.”
I step out of the bathroom as the woman closes in on Aiden.
“All done,” I say so they know I’m in the room.
Siobhan turns. Her eyes widen. I don’t hesitate to move around her to Aiden’s side. His hand finds mine, and he draws me against him. I’m not a woman who can intimidate another woman, especially a woman almost a foot taller than me, but I can support Aiden in whatever he wants to do.
“Shall we go back down to the party?” he asks me. His blue eyes lock with mine. They’re soft, and his smile warms my heart.
I nod. “I just need to put my shoes back on.”
Aiden lifts his gaze to Siobhan. “We’ll see you downstairs.”
Her lips press together as she assesses me with her eyes. I’m young. Younger than her, but only by maybe seven or eight years. She’s the same age as Aiden.
She’s gorgeous and has a thriving career. Tonight, she’s on the arm of one of the most eligible sexy actors. And yet she’s up here, trying to reconnect with her ex, for what? Another chance? Would he give her one? Am I just in the way, or am I helping him?
Finally, she paints on a smile. “Right. I should get back to Greyson. He’s probably wondering where I’ve run off to.”
Aiden gives her the same plastic smile as she turns and leaves. Her heels click on the stairs until they disappear into the din of the party. He sighs and pulls me into his arms, wrapping me up against him.
My ear rests against his quickened heartbeat. I don’t hesitate to hug him back. Part of me always wants to be here for Aiden. To be the woman he turns to for comfort. But that’s not what we’re working on here.
They want me. That in itself is amazing and makes me feel some sort of way. But I want them too. Their offer is no strings.
After Chad, that’s what I need. I want someone to want me for me.
“Hey.” Wyatt’s voice doesn’t make Aiden pull away from me this time. “I saw Siobhan on the stairs. Is everything okay?”
Wyatt closes the door and the noise fades. Outside, the sounds continue, but they’re less noticeable.
“Yeah, everything’s good.” Aiden presses a kiss to my hair and draws back. “She wanted to check on me.”
“I’m sorry. The chefs and servers are supposed to keep people from the stairs.”
“Siobhan can be persuasive when she needs to be.” Aiden takes a deep breath in, and I step back. “Find your shoes, little warrior. Just a little longer.”
I squeeze his hand and go over to get my shoes.
“Will you give us something to keep us until later, kitten?” The heat in Wyatt’s voice slides down my spine to pool hot in my stomach.
My breath catches. I turn to find both men leaning against the bed, watching me. The rush of need, want, and power is a heady cocktail.
They want me.
All those gorgeous women outside, dripping in wealth and beauty, and these men want me.
“What do you want?” I straighten, knowing I’ll give them anything.
“Come here, kitten.”
I leave my shoes and walk over to stand before Wyatt. He holds out his hands as he sits on the bed and spreads his legs. When I take his hands, he pulls me between his knees. He licks his lips as his gaze takes me in.
“What did Mason give you to wear under that stunning dress?” Wyatt cocks his head to the side as Aiden lowers to sit next to him.
“He gave me—”
“Show us, kitten.”