Page 78 of Fumble

“Sorry.” That was the most lackluster apology.

“We’re getting a room here tonight. I’m going to fuck you seven ways ‘til Sunday.”

“Is that a threat, Mr. Vaughn?”

“It’s a promise.” I grind my hips into her before I stand, eager to leave her with the same ache I’m feeling. No matter how many times I fuck this girl, I’m always left craving more.

* * *

We arriveat our table and get through dinner without a hitch. Zoey and Faith are enjoying the buzz of the evening, making us bid on the charity auction for stuff we don’t need, but it’s all for a good cause, so I’m pleasantly surprised when we win a vacation in Cancun. It would have been cheaper just to call my travel agent, but it’s worth every penny to sit back and watch Faith smile, carefree and happy with her best friend.

“I’m going to go grab some drinks at the bar. Same again?” I look to the girls, who raise their empty glasses with a giggle. Tipsy Faith is a frisky Faith. I’m thinking after this round, I am going to make good on my promise from earlier. I want to strip her out of that dress and lick every inch of her hot little body.

Coop follows me to the bar, slapping me on the back as he takes a seat beside me.

“That was quite a show on the red carpet, bro. Is she that clumsy in bed? It’s a wonder you haven’t been hospitalized with a broken cock.”

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t just ask me that because you’ve been drinking.”

“Oh, come on. I’m just playing. What’s got your jaw ticking again tonight?” I rub my hand over my jaw, unaware that I’d been so tense.

“I went to see Coach. That’s where I was when I had you pick up Faith.”

“Fuck.” He orders two rounds of scotch, knocking back the first as quickly as I do.

“Yeah, fuck.”

“Does Faith know? How’d it go? You don’t have a busted lip again, so it had to be better than last time.”

“Not particularly. I was really hoping he’d listen. She doesn’t show it, but she’s cut up about how this all went down. I hate that I’m the reason.”

“Bro, you knew this wasn’t going to be easy.”

“I know, and trust me, I never expected him to welcome me with open arms. The way he’s been freezing Faith out is really fucking harsh. She shouldn’t have to choose between her family and me.”

“She made her choice the second she made that wager. You know her, do you think she would have put herself out there with you if she weren’t willing to bet it would be worth it? And, no, I don’t mean the sex. For once.”

“I think it was all about the sex for her in the beginning. The feelings came later. Not me. I fell so fucking hard, I didn’t know what hit me.”

“Coach will come around. Give him time. Y’all didn’t exactly have the best luck on how it all came out. Funny as fuck but unfortunate.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“Back at ya.” Waiting for another round of drinks that includes some for the girls this time, I consider telling Coop my plan, but I’m thwarted by a familiar voice at my back.

“Well, isn’t this cozy. Hello, Vaughn.” Each word is like liquid fire sending righteous anger coursing through my veins.

Coop anticipates my reaction, catching my wrist before I can land a punch on that smarmy little shit, Malcolm’s jaw.

“You have a fucking nerve.”

“I have a nerve? What about you? The mighty Vaughn. Swore blind you wouldn’t fuck things up by bedding that little whore. And yet here you are, right where I anticipated, pussy- whipped and flushing all my tireless work down the drain. I worked my ass off for you, and this is how you repay me? You drop me the second that bitch cries wolf.” I’m out of my chair, Coop struggling to restrain me.

“Don’t you dare call her a whore. Where do you get off grabbing her? Touch her again, and I’ll fucking end you! Not your career, not your freedom, I will literally choke the fucking life out of you.” Coop is physically wrestling me at this point, but I don’t care. If I have to lay him out to get to Malcolm, I will. Sleazy bastard. Everyone within earshot is frozen in place, eyes wide as they wait to see how this plays out.

Like a caged animal snarling abuse at him, the only voice that reaches me is hers.

“Malcolm. Why are you here? You’re in violation of my restraining order right now. I suggest you leave before I tell Coop to let Hunter loose on you.” She’s visibly shaking, standing her ground, face to face with the man who violated her.

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