Chapter Two
S utton knew her eyes were bugging out of her head. “Wait. So, they had to break up?” She suddenly felt like she was in the lion’s den, and she was the juicy steak.
“Well, usually, that’s the rule. Since they were a couple before,” Ayesha said, swirling her finger. “Well, extenuating circumstances mean there was an exception. Which is why it’s fucked up for her to say those things about expiration bullshit. She and Benny have been hanging around here for the last few years. I know for a fact she wasn’t riding any other man’s dick during that time. Or at least there were no rumors, and these boys talk. King wouldn’t allow Benny to be fucking a club girl if he didn’t think they were together before him prospecting.” Tiana lifted her chin toward the large crowd.
Sutton’s ran dry thinking about rumors and her. No, thank you. Even before she’d gone through puberty completely, she’d started getting attention from men because she’d looked older due to her height. Her mother hated it and despised Sutton for taking attention away from her. She’d learned early not to do anything that would draw attention from men or face harsh consequences. Her mother said only whores enjoyed men staring at them with hunger and desire. Not that Sutton enjoyed having men stare at her.
Sutton shook off the feeling of dread. Her fear of people finding out about her past was ludicrous. “Let’s go find our seat so we can maybe get served faster.”
“You’re at our table,” Lux said.
“There you are, ma cherie,” T-Rex murmured.
Sutton ducked her chin as T-Rex offered her a soft smile. “Hey, girl. You two sure do look pretty. Can I escort the two of you to our table?” he asked.
“Look at you, being all gentlemanly. You realize I’m already a sure thing, right? For instance, if you wanna go into the bathroom right this instant, I’m totally down to get it on. I'm pretty sure they’d be soaking wet if I wore panties.” Lux did a little shimmy in front of T-Rex, making him groan.
“Cherie, are you trying to kill me? My dick is going to burst the seams of these slacks.”
“Oh my god, I’m so going to need my ears, eyes, and probably my brain bleached by the night's end. What the fuck have they pumped into the air filtration system? Horny air or what?” Sutton asked in a slight whisper scream, spinning to begin finding her way to the table. She collided with a very firm, very big body.
“Whoa, you okay?”
She pressed her hands against the muscular pecs beneath her palms, admiring the way they jerked beneath them. Slowly, she looked up, knowing exactly who the body belonged to—the mysterious man who’d caught her eye moments earlier. He wasn’t a brother, which meant he had to be someone who’d come in for the wedding. She’d missed the ceremony because of her work, dammit.
“Passerotta, did I hurt you?” he asked. His voice was deep and rich.
She licked her lips, feeling absolutely foolish standing there with her hands accosting the poor man. “Yes, sorry. I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going, and those two were being. Well, they’re being themselves, and I’m starving. Oh, god. Shutting up now.” Belatedly, she realized she still had her hands on him while he also held her by the hips. If anyone were to look at them, they’d think they were something they weren’t.
His green eyes sparkled. Jesus, she was right in her earlier assumption. God gifted this man with everything. Shit, he probably had a small penis. Yep, that would be her luck. He was a walking God among men, with a micro peen.
“Where are you sitting? I’ll get you something to tide you over until they serve dinner. Are you sure you’re alright?” His finger brushed against her sides before releasing her as she nodded.
Sutton thought he’d turn and lead the way, but he reached for her hand. Her stomach did a little flip. Tiny butterflies took flight, and she shivered. “Thank you. Sutton James, by the way.”
He looked down at her and smiled. “Kendrick Calderone, but you can call me Kendrick. It’s nice to meet you, Sutton James.”
She suddenly felt a stirring deep within her that made her blush. As they neared the table, she was grateful for the distraction it gave her to locate the little nameplate indicating where she was to sit. Fate obviously had plans for her and this dominating man as they appeared to be sitting beside each other. “Looks like we’re right beside one another.”
“I’m glad my brother didn’t have us sitting up at some table in the front like many weddings I’ve been to.” He chuckled, the vibration making her want to hear him do it more.
“Yes, I agree. Although, I think it’s fine either way. Whatever floats your boat, I guess.” She shrugged. Growing up, she’d thought if she were to get married, she’d do a destination one so there wouldn’t be a big fuss. The thought of having all eyes on her gave her anxiety.
“Have a seat. I’ll be right back with a little snack for you.”
“You don’t have to do that.” She put her hand over his, noticing both had tattoos on the tops.
“I know I don’t have to do it.” He brushed his thumb along her jaw. The touch was soft and fleeting. Sutton found herself leaning toward him for more, but he’d already turned away and moved through the crowd. She stared in awe as everyone appeared to move apart for this man.
“Do you know who that is?”
She turned toward Sasha, wishing the woman would go and do her damn job. “Yes.” They’d exchanged names, so she did know him.
“His brother is the one who got married. I heard he was supposed to have gotten married a year or so back, but his bride left him at the altar. If I were you, I’d stay away from him. I heard he’s—”
“Sasha, don’t be spreading lies or stories you’ve heard in the clubhouse. I think you need to go home and have a cool down. I don’t want to see you here for a week.” Ayesha spoke in a calm but firm voice. What she said about the women at the clubhouse was law.
“But I didn’t do anything. I was just talking to my friend,” Sasha whined.
“I gave you a week. Want me to make it a month?” Ayesha asked in a low tone that said she was losing patience.
Sasha blinked watery eyes. “Can I say bye to Benny?”
“The week is off property. No contact as of now. Go.” Ayesha pointed toward Chris and Darla, the other waitress who stood near the entrance to the kitchen.
After Sasha walked off, Ayesha turned to Sutton. “Whatever the fuck that bitch said, you ignore. Or ask for clarification from anyone except her. She’s eyeing a bigger fish than what she has without realizing Benny is a real catch for a twatwaffle like her. Ugg, if it weren’t for him, I’d have kicked her ass to the street a week after she stepped through that door.”
“Fuck, I love it when you get angry.” King moved behind Ayesha, placing a hand on her abdomen below her breasts. With the other hand, he gripped her jaw and turned her head up to look at him over her shoulder. “Did you just exile that woman?”
“For a week. Next time, it’s a month, and then she’s gone. Of course, if the infraction is bad enough the next time...” she trailed off.
“Good,” King rumbled. “If we didn’t have to stay for shit like food and a dance or two, I’d take you home and make you beg for my dick.”
“I see what you mean about that bleach.” Kendrick mused under his breath.
“Yo, Kendrick. How’s it going, brother?”
The two men slapped palms and then did the whole man hug thing she found sexy as all get out.
KENDRICK PULLED BACK from King, shaking his head. “The two of you should come with a warning label.”
“Hey, I take offense to that. Nah, we probably should.” King rested his chin on Ayesha’s head.
“Did you get that for Sutton?” Ayesha asked, nodding at the plate.
“Yes, she said she was starving. Can’t have a lady dying on my watch.”
“Especially when she’s the nurse we’d call if Doc weren’t available since Jovi is on maternity leave. Go on and feed our girl. We’re making rounds saying hello while we wait for your brother to defile the limo on the way here.”
Kendrick rolled his eyes. “I figured he was doing something like that. Fucking little prick.”
He placed the snack plate in front of Sutton, noticing the rosy blush covering her chest and cheeks. Son of a bitch, he’d love to see if she blushed all over like that when she came.
He’d been laser-focused on the table as he walked back toward Sutton. Truthfully, he’d noticed her the second he’d entered the clubhouse. His eyes had locked on her, and he’d been unable to do anything but watch and steadily measure every angle of her perfect figure. She was tall, curvy in all the right places, blonde, brown-eyed, and so damned alluring his dick was hard thinking about sinking into her. He needed to get his mind on something else, or he’d burst the zipper of his slacks.
“I can instruct one of you how to save me.” Sutton gave a crooked little smile.
He sat down, knowing his cock had no chance of doing the same, especially with thoughts of doing mouth-to-mouth running rampant through his mind.
“Well, there you go, problem solved.” King clapped his hands and winked.
Kendrick reclined in his chair a little, giving himself a bit of room under the table to relax. Sutton ate off the snack plate, appearing completely engrossed in the tiny morsels of fruit and vegetables he’d procured for her.
“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” Sutton held out her fork with a piece of strawberry on it.
He blinked slowly, looked at the strawberry, and then at her lips. Dammit. Get your shit together. “How old are you, Sutton?” he asked abruptly.
“I’m sorry.” She dropped the fork onto the plate. Her hands went to the table like she prepared to stand.
Kendrick stopped her before she could do anything. “You have nothing to be sorry for, Passerotta. I apologize if my staring bothered you.”
Unable to stop, he brushed his thumb over the back of her hand.
“No, I’m sorry for saying something so childish as I did,” she said in a shaking voice.
The entire room could’ve gone still, her words cutting him like a knife. This beautiful, intelligent woman apologizing for a statement like that nearly broke him. This time, he didn’t hesitate to touch her how he wanted. His hand reached up, brushing at the wetness under her eye. “You never have to apologize to me for saying something. I was staring, and you felt a certain way. You should always feel confident that you can express yourself without judgment or backlash, Passerotta.”
Sutton swallowed audibly. “Thank you. Not that I can change a lifetime of habits, but thank you just the same,” her voice shook slightly.
“I’ll have to fix that. You don’t know me well, but I need you to trust me when I tell you that I don’t let anyone bully women, children, or those who can’t protect themselves. I especially don’t allow anyone to fuck with those I consider mine, and you, Sutton James, feel very much like someone who needs to belong. I’d like to get to know you better—after tonight.” He was rushing things with her. He knew it. Yet there was an instant connection deep within him he’d never experienced before. Kendrick felt he’d lose his one chance at true happiness if he didn't grab and hold onto it. Fuck, his mother had to have slipped him some love potion or some shit.
“I’d like that.”
He swore his heart stopped and started again. He leaned forward, anticipation filling his veins.
“Kendrick,” she whispered.
He smiled, his heart thundering inside his chest like he was running for his life. He was going to relish this first touch, first taste.
Holding her gaze, he pressed his lips against hers. She sighed against his mouth.
“Oh,” she whispered. Her eyes slid closed.
He took a deep breath, calling on all his self-control not to pull her onto his lap and take more than she was ready for. Fuck, he only just met her. Not that he hadn’t fucked women he didn’t know, after a few drinks, and had no plans to see them afterward. He already knew more about her. Many of those forgotten women, though? He didn’t have a desire to see again, unlike Sutton.
With a lot of reluctance, he pulled back, giving her lower lip a slight suck first. “You taste sweeter than the strawberry you were offering me.”
His words were more accurate than any he’d stated in his entire life.