Page 4 of Suspicious

I never meant to hurt Alex.

I have no intention of hurting Loki.

I just have to pull up my big girl panties and go talk to him. Thank him for being my white knight and rescuing me when I needed saving from myself.

Craning my neck, trying to ease the pain in my head from my still-pounding headache, I risk a glance in Loki’s direction as I head his way. His luminous green eyes are steadfast on mine, and a wave of memories, emotions, and all those little things we used to do and say to each other flood my mind.

That familiar spark in his mischievous eyes is still there, though it has dulled. Like some of his playfulness has evaporated, and in its place is something colder, darker—he’s more hardened. I can’t blame him, though. So much has happened in his life to crush his spirit.

Even if those eyes staring at me as I approach are not the same ones I knew when I was younger, they still make my heart skip a beat. The rhythm is almost out of control the closer I get to him. I hear my pulse in my ears, reminding me of the crappy music from last night. My stomach swirls, a wave of nausea rolling through me as I step right in front of him, and I have tohold my breath—just in case.

He weakly smiles while my knees shake at the sight.Fuck, he is even more gorgeous now that he’s grown into himself.Damn! I can barely control my thoughts.

“Breathe, Bea,” he urges, his voice low and gravelly. I let out a long breath, trying to relax my shoulders and rub at my temple. “How are you feeling this morning?”

My eyes shoot open, looking at him again, and I do my best to pull my shit together. Sure, I haven’t seen him in thirteen long years. Yeah, I have thought about him every day since and what it would be like to be in the same room as this man again. But never,ever,did I picture it would be from him saving me after wiping myself out and him coming to my rescue.

That’s not who I am.

I’m the upbeat, carefree girl.

I don’t get so depressed I drink myself into a coma.

Letting out a long breath, I tilt my head with a fake smile. “Like I got hit by a truck, then it reversed back over me, then dumped its load of crap on me for good measure.”

He raises his brow, a slight smirk appearing on his lips. “I’m not surprised! Is drinking like that something you do often? It doesn’t really bode well for the owner of a health and wellness app.”

Scowling, I jut my hip out. “It was a one-time thing, Mr. Judgmental. And just for your information, if I want to go out and drink like that, I would be allowed to because I am my own woman. I am in control of myownbody…” I pause, bringing my hand to my mouth, as my stomach lurches with a heave, but I am lucky enough to be able to control it and keep the wave of nausea down.

A hint of a smile peaks at the corners of his lips when he nods. “Yeah, Bea, looks like you’re inrealcontrol of your body there.”

Frowning, I huff. “I just need something to eat. That’s all.”

Loki steps away from the doorframe he’s leaning against and gestures toward the tables in the middle of the clubhouse. “Let’s go grab a table. I’ll get you some grease to soak up the entire bar you drank last night.”

I can’t stop the small laugh that escapes me at his quip. “Hardy-fucking-har. I didn’t drinkthatmuch.”

He leads us toward a table, and I follow him. “Oh, you’re a lightweight then?”

Glaring at him, I take a seat at the table opposite him, and he gestures to a woman who steps up to the table.

“Morning, what can I get ya?”

“Morning, Navy. Can you fry up a full breakfast for Bea here… extra bacon for her, please? And coffee. Astrongone,” Loki orders for me.

Navy smiles, tilting her head. “Sure thing. Welcome to the clubhouse, Bea. You’re gonna love it here,” Navy states, and I widen my eyes.

“Oh, I’m not staying. I actually wasn’t even planning on coming here, it was kind of an accident,” I blurt out, not really knowing what I’m saying.

Navy simply smiles. “In any case, we’re happy to have you. Breakfast will be out soon. You want anything, Loki?”

“I’m good. Thanks, Navy,” he replies before she walks off toward the kitchen.

Slowly, I turn back to face Loki. That tension is hitting my chest again as my eyes meet his once more.

He clears his throat, scrubbing at his bearded chin. “You really shouldn’t drink like that. No matter how bad shit gets, Bea. It’s dangerous.”

I shrug. “Sometimes you just have to let loose, you know? Have some fun. Do you even know what fun is, Loki?”

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