Page 33 of Ruthless King

That last Cosmo was kicking my butt so badly Ben had to help me back to the table before I completely face-planted beside the bar. A fit of giggles hit me, making it harder to walk, even with help. When he deposited me in my chair, I noticed Jackson had come over and was sitting beside Lucy, looking ever the eligible playboy. “Hey, Jack, Luce.” My speech was slurred, and my two friends’ faces morphed into one. I didn’t make it a habit of getting shit faced except on that one day of the year, but apparently tonight I was making an exception.

I grabbed Sophie as she passed our table and ordered a strong coffee. I needed control of the situation, and being sober was the only way I knew how. Just as she placed the red mug in front of me and, as I raised it to my lips, I saw him. He was casually strolling from the game room with a Dos XX in his hand, and he was headed toward our table.

He was a god in a white cashmere sweater that showed off every bulge and the delectable cords of his biceps. His tight jeans were ripped at the knees, giving me a peek at his tanned skin. His hair was impeccably styled as always, with one wayward curl teasing his sculpted brow. His dark eyes zeroed in on mine, and my heart rate kicked into overdrive, my breaths coming out in quiet gasps. My palms were sweaty, and it felt like someone had lit a fire next to us, and it had caught my crotch on fire. I was powerless to break his stare as he came up and stood beside me.

“May I join you all?” That was it. My panties disintegrated into ash, and my nipples could cut diamonds. Not wanting to cause a scene, I quickly looked down at my hands, which were shaking, and remained quiet while the others, who had returned from the dance floor, offered him the only empty chair, which was right by yours truly.

“What’s wrong with you, Buttercup?”

It took me a minute to catch up. I guess my bloodshot eyes gave away the fact that I was drunker than anyone else at the table. It took me a few beats to form the words. “Just enjoying the drinks a little too much. I’ll be okay.”

He smiled, but I didn’t miss the heat smoldering in his eyes as he held my gaze. What this man did to me was indecent; I was completely undone by his physical presence. His broad shoulders and tight ass just begging to be squeezed are the stuff dreams are made of.

“Hey, Molly. I’m glad you could make it tonight. Ben tells me you’re playing this weekend.” Jackson was the consummate grapevine.

I shot a look at my part time boss that said what the fuck? I had talked about coming in for a short set, but we weren’t going to advertise too heavily. Sensing my simmering anger, Ben piped up. “She hasn’t decided yet, Jackson.”

Clearing my throat, I said, “My plan is to be back on stage Friday night for an abbreviated performance. I haven’t gotten as much practice as I usually prefer, so we’ll have to see.” It was time for a subject change, as I never wanted to be the topic of conversation. “So Tess, you and Knight, huh?” That was definitely changing the subject.

Knight smiled at my friend, who turned fifteen shades of crimson. She didn’t enjoy being put on the spot either, but hey, it was for the greater good. “Yeah, we’re giving it a go.” I was happy that my long-time friend was giving love a chance. She’d had a rough start in life and deserved all the happiness.

Continuing to lighten the mood, I couldn’t resist picking on my very best friend. “Hey Lucy, have you and Jackson set a date yet?”

They both choked on their drinks, and Tess was slapping her back to help her catch her breath. I flashed my brightest smile and turned to Courtland, well aware of the fire I had just started. While Jackson and Lucy sputtered and coughed across the table, I gave him my full attention. “So, King, did you win?” His puzzled expression made me laugh. “Pool?” Understanding registered his gorgeous face before he nodded.

“Buttercup, you know I always win.” That was a loaded statement, and I couldn’t ignore the gravity it held. Of course, he always won, always getting what he wanted. The next merger, the next acquisition, always getting the girl. Well, the last one was up for debate, but I was betting the odds were against me.

“Touche,” The tone in my voice suggested he prove it. It was a dare of sorts. He never backed down from a challenge, and fortunately, neither did I.

He held out his hand as the music switched to a slower beat. “May I please have this dance, Molly?”

My eyes widened. The coffee had given me a head start on sobriety, so I could at least walk on my own without stumbling like a toddler learning to walk. When we reached the dance floor, Courtland pulled me into a gentle embrace. He was holding back because of the other night, and I appreciated it, but I wasn’t breakable. I wrapped my arms around his neck as his hands skated down the small of my back.

“Molly.” He spoke, and I was afraid of where the conversation would go. Tonight needed to be light, not heavy. I didn’t want to be reminded of past hurts.

“Courtland, let’s just enjoy this dance. Please.” He nodded, his face impassive as we glided across the hardwood. Everyone else faded away, and it was just the two of us again.

By the time we made it back to the table, Ben said he needed to go check on things at the hotel, and Tess was sitting on Knight’s lap. Wow, I didn’t see that one coming. Not surprising were the daggers being thrown between Jack and Lucy. “You two should really get a room.” I deadpanned. The barb garnered a laugh from everyone except the two children, who glared at each other like they could make the other disappear if they stared hard enough.

It was getting late, and I was already sleep-deprived enough for the week. When a yawn split my face, I looked at Lucy, who gave me an apologetic shrug and leaned in to whisper in Knight’s ear. He laughed and gave her a gentle peck on the cheek.

“You look tired, Buttercup. Can I give you a ride home?” Courtland jumped into the conversation when Lucy and I exchanged glances. Silently pleading for me to accept, my friend shot me puppy dog eyes. She knew I couldn’t resist.

“I, um.” I didn’t know what to say. Courtland and I weren’t together. Sensing my discomfort, he said,

“It’s just an offer for a ride, Molly, not a marriage proposal.” I laughed, but my laughter fell silent when I glimpsed the hard edges of his mouth, a profound sadness that neither of us would acknowledge.

“I’m sorry, yes. Of course, I’d like a ride home. If you don’t mind.” We said our goodbyes and walked together in companionable silence until we reached his car. He opened my door, and I slid into the passenger seat, relishing the luxury of the imported leather against my heated skin. I was terrified my body would betray my mind as I fought to keep my resolve. Forgiveness was on the menu, but once again, not tonight.

When we pulled up to the Bluebird, Courtland sat staring ahead, not breaking the silence that had accompanied our drive. Looking over at him, I could see the storm brewing in his sexy eyes. His hard jaw was clenched, and his brows were pinched. “Thank you for the ride,” I was being honest, and I wanted him to know I appreciated everything he had done for me. Friends. We could do this.

“Can I walk you up?” His voice was barely a whisper, and it broke my heart to deny him this, but I didn’t trust myself with him. Not yet.

“Look, Courtland. I think we’ve made great progress, and I am thankful for you.”

“Why do I sense a but coming?” His words were melancholy.

I choked back a sob before continuing. “But, I’m just not ready. I hope you can understand. You broke my heart, and I’m trying to put the pieces back together, but it’s going to take time. Can you give me that, please?”

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