12. Skye
“That was interesting.”
Cece smirks at me from across the high-top table. The grand opening party at Fists of Fury is in full swing, and people have been mingling from table to table for the last hour. Hanging around the club’s ol’ ladies and Jez has been eye-opening.
“What’s interesting?” Violet asks, walking up to our group.
“Skye has an admirer,” Mel teases.
“No, I don’t,” I say dismissively. “He’s my boss. No way it’d ever happen.”
Mel smirks. “But you want it to happen?”
Fuck… Why can’t I ever keep my mouth shut?
“No… no… no. You’re putting words in my mouth,” I protest.
“Do tell.” Violet cups her face in her hands and leans on the tabletop.
I roll my eyes. “There’s nothing to tell. Rogue just wanted to say hi and make sure I was having a good time. That’s all.”
“Bullshit.” Jez grins. “Rogue practically eye fucked you. Even I blushed and had to look away. The sexual tension between you two is H.O.T.”
I smack Jez’s arm. “Stop it! It’s not like that. He’s my boss, and I’m his employee… nothing more, nothing less.”
“So, you didn’t wear that little number tonight to show him what he’s missing?” Cece asks.
Not for the first time tonight, I glance down at myself. I did put a little more effort into my wardrobe than I normally do. With this being a grand opening party and because I’m an employee of the bar supplying some of the alcohol, I figured it couldn’t hurt to dress up. The purple top I purchased from Naughty/Nice and the black skirt I found in the back of my closet are only enhanced by a pair of black strappy stilettos. My makeup is smokier than I typically wear since I usually go for more of a gothic look at work.
“You look beautiful,” Violet compliments.
I give her a grateful smile. “Thanks. And no, I didn’t wear this for Rogue. I bought it because it’s pretty, and I like it. I didn’t even know if I’d ever wear it.”
“Why wouldn’t you wear something you bought?” Mel asks, confused.
“It’s not like I go out on dates.” I hold up my hand when Cece opens her mouth. “I’m not saying I couldn’t go out on a date. I just don’t have time. Between work and catching up on sleep from work, I’m too tired to put in the effort.”
“You ladies having a good time?” Thorn asks, stepping up to the table. My gratitude that he didn’t overhear our conversation is short-lived when he continues. “Even though you don’t date, surely you have someone to help you… relieve stress, right?” He wags his brows suggestively.
My cheeks heat with embarrassment, but before I can respond, Jez beats me to the punch. “She’s not looking to sit on your face, Thorn.”
“I’d be happy to let her sit on something else,” he incites.
“Who’s sitting on what?” Spike asks, joining our group.
“Skye on my dick,” Thorn states proudly.
“Sorry to disappoint you, Thorn, but I already have someone waiting at home for me,” I jest.
“You do?” Spike asks, confused. “Who, and why didn’t you bring him?”
“I didn’t think it would be appropriate. Bob never leaves the apartment.”
The women giggle, but Thorn and Spike exchange confused looks.
“Bob sounds like a dick,” Thorn bites out.
“He really is,” I agree. “But he keeps me so satisfied, and I don’t have the heart to kick him out. Bob’s a great listener and never interrupts. He always hits that sweet spot that keeps me coming back for more. Oh, and I never have to tell him to put the toilet seat down.”
Apple’s the first one to lose it. Mel doubles over laughing, and tears leak out of Cece’s eyes as she gulps for breath. Recognition shines on Violet’s face, and she turns a deep shade of red as what I’m saying really sinks in.
Thorn and Spike’s mouths drop open in shock as they glance around at all of us.
“What’s so funny?” Thorn demands.
“Yeah, he doesn’t sound so great if he can’t even show up to a party with his girl,” Spike adds.
“That was my decision. Like I said, it wouldn’t be appropriate,” I reiterate. “Bob does what he’s told when he’s told to do it.”
This sends the girls into another fit of laughter. Unfortunately, we gain the attention of Frenzy and Heather.
“You all seem to be having a good time over here.” Heather pushes between Apple and Violet. “Can we join?”
Cece nods. “Absolutely, the more the merrier.”
“What’re we talking about that has all you laughing down the joint?” Frenzy wraps his arms around Heather from behind and pulls her against his chest.
Soul, Grim, Malice, and Abyss choose that moment to waltz up to the table. They grab Cece, Violet, Apple, and Mel around their waists. Like a choreographed dance, they each nibble at their woman’s neck.
“Ladies,” Soul greets when he comes up for air. “Are you all having a good time?”
“Too good, apparently,” Thorn says bitterly and signs for Grim. “Something is obviously hilarious to them, but me and Spike aren’t in on the joke. Sounds like our little Skye here has a boyfriend none of us know about. She keeps him locked up in her apartment.”
Soul cocks his brow at me. “Really? How come you didn’t bring him with you tonight?”
“I’ve already explained this to Thorn and Spike,” I say with exasperation.
Malice narrows his eyes. “I think I’d like to hear the answer.” Apple elbows him in the stomach. “What the fuck was that for? She’s an employee at our bar. We have a right to know who she’s hanging around. What if the guy’s trouble?”
“According to Skye,” Spike begins, and then he makes air quotes with his hands as he continues. “He’s the perfect man. Bob keeps her satisfied, he’s a great listener, and he never interrupts. He always manages to hit that sweet spot that keeps her coming back for more. Oh, and she never has to tell him to put the toilet seat down. Sounds pussy whipped to me.”
All the men except for Thorn and Spike share knowing looks and break out laughing.
Frenzy closes his eyes and raises his face toward the ceiling. “Fucking idiots.”
Grim’s fingers fly, and Malice translates for my benefit. “This is why you’ll always be single.”
Thorn and Spike shoot a glare at all of us before stomping off toward Rogue. My eyes find him easily in the crowd like a moth to a flame. Too bad Glitter is over there rubbing her fake tits all over his chest. Thorn animatedly tells him something, and Rogue’s gaze focuses on me, but his attention is diverted when Glitter stands on her toes, wraps her hands around his neck, and shoves her tongue down his throat for all to see. Her barely-there skirt rides up, and her G-string flashes the crowd.
Real fucking classy. If that’s the type of woman Rogue wants, then I’m glad nothing happened between us.
Desperately needing to get out of here, I grab my clutch off the table and say my goodbyes. “I’ve got a busy day tomorrow. Have fun, and thanks for inviting me.”
“Come back anytime.” Malice grins. “You fit right in.”
“Not with everyone it seems,” I mumble before rushing for the exit.
“You leaving?” Knuckles asks, jogging over to me as I reach the door.
“Busy day tomorrow,” I offer. “Congratulations on the gym. It’s going to be amazing. Maybe I’ll come in and work out or take one of the classes you’re offering.”
“That’d be great.” Knuckles takes a deep breath. “Skye, I was wond?—”
“Knuckles, get over here!” Zippy hollers.
“I have to go anyway,” I say before Knuckles can pick up where he left off. “Congratulations again. I’ll see ya around.”
“Yeah, see ya.”
I push out the door before anyone else can stop me and make my way to my car. Once inside, I lean back in the seat and close my eyes.
At least now I know, Rogue and I will never happen.