Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
He looked down at the screen, and the blood drained from his face as he read the message. I had no idea what was said in that text message, but there was a notable shift in the air, so I asked, “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything’s cool.” He raked his teeth nervously over his bottom lip, then said, “We better get back inside.”
“Oh... Okay.”
Unlike earlier, he didn’t take my hand and help me through the crowd. Instead, he took off and didn’t even bother to see if I was behind him. I would like to say that his demeanor improved once we were back inside, but it didn’t. He wouldn’t even look at me, much less talk to me, and after a few minutes, he stood and said, “I’m sorry, guys. I’ve got a work meeting early in the morning, so I’m gonna have to bolt.”
“But it’s still early,” Skylar protested.
“Sorry, kiddo. Duty calls.”
Without even glancing in my direction, he kissed her on the forehead and bolted, and I won’t deny that it stung a little. Thankfully, I had Skylar and plenty of booze to help me forget the sting, and I used them both to the fullest—something I would soon regret.
CHAPTER 9
Savage
I knew it was fucked up when I did it, but I couldn’t help myself. I was on my way home from the clubhouse when I spotted Londyn standing outside of Puckett’s, and the sight of her took my breath away. Her long blonde hair was curled and cascading down her delicate shoulders, and she was wearing a pair of jeans and a black blouse that hugged her curves. She looked just as beautiful as she did the last time I’d seen her.
The sight of her had my pulse racing and my palms sweating.
I knew it was crazy, but I still wanted her as much as I did all those years ago. And seeing that Danny was with her and looking at her like his next conquest had rage boiling up inside of me. I had to do something to get that asshole away from her. It was the only way I could keep from completely losing it, so I sent him a text.
I told him I’d cut off his balls and shove them down his throat if he didn’t walk away right then and there. I stood there and watched as he read the message, and a wave of satisfaction washed over me when he stepped away from Londyn and looked around with a panicked expression. Danny lived in town.
He knew me well enough to know that I meant what I’d said.
After saying something to Londyn, he turned and walked back inside. Disappointment marked her face as Londyn followed him back inside. It was done. He’d taken heed to my warning.
That should’ve been it. I should’ve gotten back in my truck and left.
I didn’t.
Instead, I walked right up to the front door and stepped inside. I was taking a huge risk. Londyn could’ve spotted me walking through the crowd, but I didn’t care. I had to get another look at her. Just one look. So, I made my way to the back of the bar and stood in a dark corner, being careful not to be noticed.
I took a quick glance around the room and found her sitting at a table with Skylar and a couple of our other friends from high school. She was toying with her straw as she listened to whatever crazy thing Skylar was saying.
And damn, she looked absolutely beautiful.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from her.
She was like a magnet, drawing me—just like she'd always done. I knew I was fucking up. I had no business being so close to her, but I couldn't help it. It had been too long since I'd last seen her.
I watched as Danny stood and said his goodbyes. Once again, Londyn looked disappointed, but her expression changed the second the waitress brought over another round of drinks.
I wanted nothing more than to go over and talk to her, but I couldn't.
Not now. Not when there was so much that needed to be said.
Being careful to stay out of her line of view, I slipped over to the bar, ordered a whiskey neat, and took a long sip, hoping the burn of the alcohol would distract me from the ache in my chest.
But it did little to help. My eyes drifted back over to her, and the ache grew even more intense as I watched the way she feigned a smile and took another long sip of her drink. And then another. Londyn had always been a lightweight, and if her droopy eyelids and wobbly posture were any indication, that hadn’t changed. I was becoming concerned when she stood and said something to the group. She held onto the table until she got her footing, then wobbled back and forth as she started walking towards the bathroom.