Page 21 of Unleashed

When she storms out, I fly after her and hook her arm as she reaches the parking lot pavement. I spin her around, and her eyes shine in the setting sun. She avoids meeting my gaze as she blurts, “Why are you here?”

Simone jerks her arm from my hand. Her sugary scent nails my dick, and I hate my life that much more. “Hadley. Just like you.” I stare at Simone’s profile as she watches cars drive by the shop. “I told her I couldn’t come but changed my mind.”

“What a top-notch friend,” she mutters before starting toward her car.

Impatient, I growl, “Don’t you think we need to talk?”

As if she’s staring into the sun, Simone winces before looking past me. “No.”

“Are you fucking serious? You left me!”

She steps to the side, and I block her, but then she darts to the left and slides past me. “I’m trying to be an adult about this. So, go back to your flirting.”

As she marches to her car, I laugh as I catch up. “You’re kidding, right? You’re jealous? You dumped me!”

Before she opens the door, I flip her against her car to face me. Her wide blue eyes captivate me as she squirms. “I’m leaving.”

“But you’re not.”

Her eyes harden, but she can only look at my nose or mouth. “You wanna bet, Rod?”

I grit my teeth. “Stop calling me that.”

“What? Rod? Everyone else does.” Simone’s tits heave against me with her hard and fast breaths. I’d give anything to roll a nipple on my tongue, tasting her sweet skin.

“You sound like goddamn Betsy,” I seethe, having to bring up that bitch’s name. “Why are you acting like this? I was more than just a stupid nickname to you. You used to call me—”

Simone laughs way too loud. “It was a fucking joke that went way too far.”

Her words are a punch to my gut all over again. But I suck it up. I won’t crumble in front of Simone. I draw a deep breath when she pushes my arm to move but fails. I ask, “We were so fucking good together, right? Don’t you miss that?”

“No.” She grits her teeth and also tries to avoid looking at my lips.

“I guess not. You changed your name.” I snort, but it’s not remotely funny. Leaning closer to her face, I whisper, “But you’ll always be Garrison to me.”

Shock lights her face, followed by a flash of hurt. “You’re wrong.”

“We’ll see,” I sneer before stepping back from her car. She turns to open the door but then pivots back to me. “I’m dating, so please respect that.”

“Okay. So?” The cavern she pummeled into my chest deepens into an abyss.

Her blue eyes shine, but I can’t tell if it’s from glee or tears. Still avoiding direct eye contact, she shrugs as she studies her nails. I gulp since my throat is trying to strangle itself. “I guess I’m falling behind. I should whip out my dick for every woman I meet.”

Simone frowns for two seconds, revealing the sadness in her eyes as she dodges mine. But she shakes her head. “It’s your business where you stuff your cock, Rod.” She cringes and opens the car door, knocking it against me. She thinks I don’t notice her gasp for air as she reverses before speeding out of the lot.

Fire burns my chest, eyes, and throat and boils my blood. I send my hands to the top of my head since clenching my fists will break my fingers. Angling my head back, I stare at the emerging stars, enthralled with them instead of how no woman in the universe will ever fall in love with me. She’s not out there. And all of those motherfucking stars keep twinkling as if they’re laughing at me.

I thought I was in love, but it turned out to be a joke that went way over my head and under my ass. How can I ever trust anyone or myself again?

But damn. I still need to get laid. Simone unleashed the beast in me. No one can close the gate now. If she’s fucking, then goddamn it, so will I. The thought of another man spreading her legs or tongue-fucking her pussy twists my stomach.

I scrunch my hair in my hands and squeeze my eyes shut. The traffic, a jet overhead, and the wind on my face sharpen my pain. I thought the agony had taken a hike, but this is only the beginning. I give up.

Going back into the shop, the bells ring as I open the door. Tansy looks up from reading something at the counter and smiles, not hiding she’s checking me out. I’m not used to that. It feels good, though. I can’t help but watch Tansy’s nipples move beneath her top. I clear my throat. “So, what do you like to do? I mean, hobbies?”

“Are you asking if I like to do crafts?” She smirks, and I feel so out of my depth.

“Uh, what? No. Unless that’s what you do. Then, that’s cool. Ain’t no shame in that.”

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