Page 9 of Fighting a Riot

“More like a coincidence,” he suggested.

Trixie aimed a sly look at him for the second time. “Whatever you say, Kemosabe. If she shouldn’t rent the duplex - that leaves one other place.”

Yak straightened. “Yeah. Tell her about it.” He sauntered to the door. “I gotta see if the prospect’s back with my car.”

Nora

While Yak drove, I texted Destin and Mia. I had heard nothing from either of them.

I called Mia, who didn’t answer, and left her a voicemail. It was after three-thirty by the time we got on the road, and frankly, plenty of time for her to catch up on her beauty sleep. I really needed my wallet and keys.

As we turned onto County Road 220, Yak said, “Call the moron. You don’t have keys, so it would be good if he’s awake to let you inside.”

Destin’s phone rang four times before rolling over to voicemail. Listening to his voice, I wondered why I never noticed how slimy he sounded.

“Destin, I’m en-route to get my stuff. Mia has my keys, so you’re gonna need to let me in when I get there, which should be in about ten minutes.”

After a deep breath, I glanced at Yak. “I’m sorry to drag you all the way down here for this.”

He glanced at me and back to the road. “Don’t worry about it.”

I approached the door to my apartment –or I guess now, just Destin’s– feeling full of trepidation. Yak was behind me, but not close. I didn’t know if that was good or bad.

I raised my hand to knock, but Yak’s large hand darted to the knob. “Let’s see if it’s open, first.” To my surprise, when he twisted the handle, the door opened.

Over my shoulder, I said, “Thanks for that.”

He gestured for me to go inside.

The lights were off, but enough sunlight streamed in through the parted blinds to light the room. A pale pink sash with ‘Team Bride’ in rose gold lettering was draped over the couch. I halted mid-stride at the sight of it. Last night, everyone wore a sash, even me, though mine was in a reverse color scheme, all rose gold with pale pink letters reading ‘Wife-to-Be’.

I glanced at the coffee table. My keys and wallet sat on the glass-topped table.

The sandwich I’d eaten earlier threatened to make a rapid and unexpected reappearance. I spun toward the door, but Yak stood right behind me.

His hands landed on my hips, causing a zing of sensation to shoot through my body. “What’s the problem, princess?”

“Mia’s here,” I hissed.

His eyes closed, those stubble framed lips of his parted, and he exhaled. When he opened his eyes he nodded toward the hallway. “Go on, Nora. Find out what’s goin’ on. This won’t be easy, but I’m right behind you.”

I nodded. A naive part of me hoped there was a reasonable explanation for this, but I shut that hopefulness down. I wasn’t stupid. Destin had pretty-boy looks and devilish charm that enthralled many women. Mia wouldn’t be immune to that. Though I’d like to think she cared about her friends more than finding her next orgasm.

For some inane reason, I tip-toed down the hall to the master bedroom. The door stood wide open, giving me a clear view of the en-suite bathroom doorway. The door swung open and Destin stood there naked, rubbing his hair with a hand towel.

His eyes were aimed at the bed. “You ready for more, my Mia-baby?”

Mia shifted up to an elbow. “You know it, Des.”

My brows furrowed. ‘Des’? I never called him that because he’d told me he hated it when people shortened his name.

Mia continued in her sultry voice. It sounded like she was trying too hard. “I’ve always loved taking your thick cock anyway I can get it. After two and a half years, we have a lot of catching up to do.”

I turned to bolt, but Yak shook his head at me. “Oh, hell no, woman. They don’t both get to fuck you over. Not on my watch.”

“What the fuck? Who’s there?” Destin yelled. “Nora? Is that you? How did you even get in?”

Yak’s rich brown eyes gleamed at me. “Let ‘em have it, darlin’. I know you got it in you. Give ‘em hell, they deserve it.”

---