Page 10 of Wrath

“Don’t say that.” I slam my hand over her mouth and she looks up at me like a temptress as she takes my hand and slides it away,

“I love you, and I’m not going to The Fashion Institute of Technology. I’m staying right here so I can be close to you.Then, when you earn your full cut...” She slips her hand over the lapels of my prospect cut, “I’m gonna be your old lady.” She smiles up at me.

“Is that so?” I stare back at her, wondering how the fuck a girl so damn perfect could feel this way about a guy like me.

“We’ll deal with Raze when we have to, but for now…” Her hand slides around the back of my head and pulls me closer to her lips. “...I’d very much like for you to kiss me again.” The way they brush against me as she speaks forces me to give in and I slide my tongue between them and own her mouth, because this may be wrong, but she just sealed her fate.

The smile on my face quickly fades when I think about the price that love she had for me cost her and, once I bandage up my hand, I head for the cupboard to pick up a bottle of Jack so I can sit out on the back deck.

I guess I’m gonna wake up with another hangover tomorrow because this bottle is gonna help me stick to that damn promise I made her.

“Don’t you think this is all a bit over the top?” I look across the table at Peyton and her friend, Alicia.

“I think it’s necessary,” Peyton speaks under her breath as she smiles across the room toward my brother.

“I could have just met Mark in a coffee shop, there's no need for him to come here.” I look over my shoulder at all the members who are crowded around the bar. They all look terrifying, and I don’t want Mark to feel intimidated.

“Yeah, well, big brother mode’s been activated, and it looks like you haven’t got a choice in the matter.” Alicia rolls her eyes. I remember Peyton telling me that her brother is a member here too, though I’m not sure which of them he is.

“I’m sure you’d rather Mark come here than have this lot follow you to a coffee shop. Raze just wants to make sure you don’t get talked into doing something you don’t want, he’ll make sure you have your privacy,” Peyton assures me.

“And what about Wrath, supposing he arrives while this meeting is happening?” My stomach churns just thinking about him being in the same room as Mark.

“I’m on it.” Ruckus comes out of nowhere, winking at me as he takes his keys out of his cut pocket.

“Have you been listening to our private conversation?” Alicia looks at him.

“Darlin’ nothin’ is private around here anymore.” His attention shifts to me. “Good luck with the ex-fiancé, I hope for his sake he don’t give ya no shit.” The way he smirks as his eyes look over my shoulder toward Raze makes me even more anxious.

“This isn’t a joke, Ruckus, I broke this man's heart, and I’m still not sure I–-”

“Don’t worry about your man, I’ll keep him distracted.” He cuts me off and starts making his way toward the door before I can defend myself.

“He isnotmy man.” I stand up and call after him, and when I turn back around and see the eyes of every person in the room staring back at me I can tell they aren’t convinced. The fact Raze looks pissed as hell tells me he isn’t convinced, either. I smile at them all awkwardly before I sit back down and finish my coffee.

“Do they all have to stand like that? Mark isn’t like these guys, he’s a businessman.”

“Raze is a businessman too.” Peyton looks a little wounded.

“I didn’t mean it like that, what I mean is Mark is legit. He owns an entertainment agency.” I look at Alicia, knowing she’ll be impressed. I’ve counted at least four faces that Mark represents in the magazine she’s been flipping through while she’s been here.

“No way! Does he have any big names?” She leans forward.

“Some of the best. Just last week we were invited over to Tamzin Montgomeries place for a BBQ.”

“Tamzin Montgomerie.” Alicia’s mouth drops open.

“Yep, she was gonna be at the wedd…” I stop speaking when the door to the club opens and Mark steps inside. I feel terrible when I see how broken he looks. I’ve never known Mark to leave the house without shaving, it’s why I bought him one of thosetravel shavers for Christmas last year. Stubble looks unfamiliar on him and the dark bags under his eyes prove he’s not been sleeping.

“Mark.” I stand up and move toward him, but my brother manages to get there first.

“She wants to talk to ya and because I appreciate that, up to now, you’ve given me no reason to dislike you, you're welcome here. That’ll change the second you make her cry or try to guilt trip her.” Raze delivers his warning before stepping aside and letting me take his place.

“Hi,” I whisper, suddenly forgetting all the things I need to say.

“Hey.” Mark looks around us cautiously and when I turn my head and see everyone staring at us I give them all a look that tells them to go about their business.

“Come on, we’ll go sit out on the balcony.” I lead Mark out the side door, scowling at my brother as I pass him so he knows not to follow.

---