Chapter Twenty-Seven
ChapterTwenty-Seven
Brandt
Rhys still wasn’t himself after breakfast this morning. So, I spent the day with him to try to get his mind off everything. I think it helped, but not by much. After a game of basketball at the gym, he was still feeling down, so I suggested we spend the day at his place and play video games. Shooting things, killing things, that kind of stuff. The shit we used to do in high school and in the early years of college, before I dropped out.
It’s hard to console him when I’m not sure why he’s upset. Is it the fact that he’s actually going to be a father? Or is it that he treated Riley so fucking badly that he’s now filled with regret? I hope it’s the latter, honestly. Rhys can be a douche, but this is the worst he’s ever been.
“Okay, I’m fucking sick of shooting people,” I finally say. Rhys pauses the game and tosses the controller onto the coffee table, then drops his feet to the floor from where they were propped on the table.
“Let’s go grab some drinks,” he says. I hope he’s not talking about going out to the bar, because one, I am not in the mood for it, and two, he’s just found out he’s going to be a father. He doesn’t need any more drama.
“Sure,” I say hesitantly. “Let’s go to The Prime Cut for drinks, and we can have the full menu at the bar as well.” Rhys nods his head, jumps off the couch, and retreats to his room to change into something nicer. Luckily, I always dress in some sort of casual business attire. Some dark slacks and a nice button-down shirt are my signature go-to for every day. Yeah, it might be a bit overboard for a Saturday or Sunday, but I’m busy running two fucking companies. I never know when I’m going to get pulled into a meeting.
I let my head loll back onto the couch and close my eyes. My hands run through my golden hair as I take a deep breath, and my mind wanders to where it always goes when I have a moment to myself: Elissa. It’s been weeks since Elissa and I have been together, and I’m slowly losing it. Each day, there’s another crack in my resolve to stay away from her and have her fight for us. Some days, I don’t even know why I’m staying away, why I’m torturing myself with this need for her to choose me for once, instead of me always choosing her. But I have to. Right?
If I’m being honest with myself, it’s more than that. It’s more like the point of no return. I was an idiot, and now I need to stick to my guns. I can’t crawl back like a little bitch and beg her to love me, even if that’s exactly what I want to do. I want to run to her, fall to my knees, wrap my arms around her perfect legs, and cry, begging her to take me back. I miss the way she feels in my hands, my arms. She fit me so perfectly. And the way she kisses. Fuck. I miss her gorgeous, full, heart-shaped lips and the way they felt pressed against mine, and when they wrapped around my cock. Mmm. Fuck. You need to get her out of your fucking head. Easier said than done, motherfucker.
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The Prime Cut is a posh, exclusive joint that I used to dream of being able to get into on a moment’s notice when I was first starting up Collins Global Collective. The decor is a little over the top for my taste, but I never grew up in the atmosphere that it takes to impress the rich. This place screams opulence. Giant crystals drape off the light fixtures and sparkle brightly, the shiny marble floors gleam, and the ridiculous fountain waterfall at the hostess stand is just pretentious. Really, who needs a waterfall fountain in their restaurant?
The hostess walks us to the bar where Rhys and I sidle up against the reddish wood bar, with its sleek marble countertops. The restaurant is buzzing with life and laughter. Over here at the bar, it’s more low-key. Mostly us businessmen talking shop, having a drink or two to unwind. The bartender comes over and I order a round of beers for me and Rhys. When the bartender walks away to get our drinks, I turn to Rhys.
“Any better?”
He shrugs. “Meh. I just need a few drinks and then we can talk about it. I really don’t want to talk about it right this minute.” I get that more than anyone — not wanting to talk about things, that is. But it’s hard when you see your friend going through something and you just want to support them. He’s my brother, and I’d do anything for him. Lord knows he’s been a rock for me over the months that Elissa and I split for the first time. I nod at the bartender as he slides the beers over to us and I toss my black card down on the bartop.
“Open a tab for us, please.”
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We’re pretty quiet over the first few beers, sometimes sitting in complete silence, punctuated with brief chatting about CGC. Things are finally running smoothly now that I’m back in the office more. Rhys has had his hands full these last few months and has done a great job with what he could, but there was too much on his plate. It was too much for anyone. No wonder this stuff with Riley is really weighing on him. Hopefully now he can get back to his regular self and step up, be a man.
“So…Riley,” I say. Rhys shoots me a deadly look.
“So, Elissa.”
“We’re not here because of me and Elissa. It’s you and this Riley situation that’s got you all messed up.”
Rhys sighs, his shoulders drooping as his head bows over his hands, which are clasping his beer on the counter. “Yeah, what about Riley?”
“Well, what are you going to do? You’re going to step up and be there for her, right?” He side-eyes me and shakes his head in a noncommittal way. “What the fuck does that mean?” I grumble, my tone a bit threatening. Rhys straightens and his head falls back as he lets out an exasperated sigh.
“I don’t know. It means I’ve fucked up and I don’t really deserve to be part of this. She’s better off without me.” A wave of anger rumbles through me and my words taste bitter as I speak them.
“No, you don’t deserve her. But she deserves to have a man beside her raising the child you two made together. And if it’s not going to be you, it’s going to be some other fucker, someone who realizes just how amazing Riley is, and he’ll be the one raising your baby. Is that something you want?”
Rhys looks stricken with grief but gives nothing away. He’s quiet and stewing over my words when something inside me hums. Something in the atmosphere shifts and it’s like I can feel her here. You’re crazy.Yeah, crazy for Elissa. I squirm on the stool, trying to refocus my thoughts on Rhys and his impending doom, but there’s something nagging at the back of my mind telling me to look around and find her. She’s here; she’s got to be. Shut the fuck up, brain. I cautiously turn around in my chair and I see Elissa and Riley walking behind the hostess to the VIP section of the restaurant.
My heart pangs, and I’m overwhelmed with the need to run over there, scoop her up in my arms, and kiss her until she can’t breathe anymore. Of all the places to run into her, she’s here. With Riley, no less. I resolve to try to avoid Rhys running into Riley or seeing her, as I’m sure it’ll only make things worse right now. I glance over again and Riley is cute in a black sweater dress, clearly trying to minimize her baby bump, but it’s still noticeable. But Elissa…Elissa looks more radiant than I remember. Her luscious bronze curls flow down her back, her tight thighs and ass look amazing in a black pencil skirt that has a slit halfway up the front, and a burgundy chiffon top with a black tank underneath shows just the perfect amount of cleavage.
I’m straining so hard against my zipper that my cock throbs in pain.
Fuck, I need her.
It takes all my willpower to keep the distance, so I turn my attention back to Rhys and engage him in more work talk, avoiding the Riley issue because it triggers thoughts of Elissa — knowing they’re here right now, it won’t take long for my resolve to crack and I’ll rush over there and plead for her to take me back. The conversation between Rhys and I flows a little easier when we’re talking about work. But my mind keeps a tab on Elissa. It’s like I can feel her presence everywhere. Everything inside me feels so much for her. It’s hard to breathe when she’s this close and I can’t touch her. I love her, and I just need her to love me. Then, everything will be all right. We can fix things if she just admits she loves me and fights for us. That’s all I need…
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The rest of the night is fine. Rhys seems to be in better spirits. As we’re getting up to leave, I glance over and take one more look at Elissa before we leave. My eyes must be radiating with intensity at what I see, because Rhys follows my gaze and shuts up immediately. We’re both standing here, brooding over our women, and there’s some tall schmuck laughing and flirting with our women. Did I fail to mention they’re ours? No, they’re not yours. You both were idiots and screwed it up. It’s hard to tell which one he’s truly interested in, Riley or Elissa, but my heart sinks anyway. Just as we’re about to walk away, Elissa stands up and this fucker pulls my woman into his arms, a rather cozy embrace, and she kisses him on the cheek.
What.
The.
Fuck.
Has she moved on while I’m here pining for her? I know I was the idiot who pulled away first, but could she really move on that quickly? After everything we’ve been through?
Rhys’ elbow nudges my ribs, breaking my stare at Elissa and her new fuck buddy. Because that’s all they can be. Fuck buddies. She doesn’t do relationships. She was only going to “try” with me. Fuck. My head is spinning and I can’t get a grip on any rational emotions. My skin is on fire and sweat is trickling down my back as I burn with rage. Rhys shoves the back of my shoulder, making me stumble slightly. It takes everything I have, all my strength, to turn away from her and walk out of the restaurant. And even when we step outside, with an abundance of fresh air surrounding us, I still feel like I can’t breathe.