Page 12 of Vengeful Secret

We all dance together in a circle, with Sarah shaking her ass, and Rose cheering her on while Marisa and I just sway our hips,holding on to each other and laughing as one or both of us keeps bumping into someone else on the dance floor.

A few guys try to get into our little dance square, but neither Sarah or Rose are interested in dancing with men tonight, so they just get closer to me and Marisa, keeping them at bay.

I finally stop thinking about Gray, letting the alcohol flow through me, running my hands through my hair, dancing and just letting the music beat in time with my heart.

It’s the most fun I’ve had in months, maybe years, and I can’t help but smile as my eyes are closed.

By the time our favorite song is over, I’m already sweating, and when I open my eyes, I’m facing the bar. I lock eyes with Gray, and his green gaze pierces right through me.

His face is blank, his jaw tight as if he’s trying to keep something back.

I tear my eyes away and take Marisa’s hand. “Come with me to the bathroom?”

She nods, letting me drag her toward the back of the tavern.

When we’re inside the ladies’ room, it feels like I can finally breathe, and I gulp in air like I’ve been drowning.

“Are you okay, Sutton?”

“I’m fine. Just needed to get some air, splash some water on my face.”

“I've got some mascara if you need a touchup after washing your face,” she says kindly, and the rush of affection for her may be enhanced by the alcohol.

I hug her tightly, and she squeaks.

“You’re a good friend to me, Marisa.” I smie, and she smiles back, her eyes only a little glassy from the alcohol.

“You’re a good friend, too, Sutton. What‘s gotten into you? Are you drunk?”

“A little.” I laugh as I splash my face and the back of my neck with cold tap water.

The water trickles down between my breasts and down my spine, making me shiver, but it feels so good.

It’s too hot on the dance floor, and I am a little tipsier than I anticipated. I know that because a big part of me wants to storm over to Gray and ask him why he’s inserting himself into my night out.

The thrill and excitement of seeing him again are giving way to fear and annoyance, especially since I can’t seem to enjoy myself without thinking of him, especially while he keeps looking at me like that.

But that would only engage him further, and I’m not about to ruin my night out.

I look down at my watch as Marisa freshens up her makeup. It’s nearing midnight, so if I did dip out, it wouldn’t be surprising. Everyone knows I have a daughter, and even though I know my mother would keep her overnight if I needed it, I don’t want to have to do that.

I like having Ciara home with me, tucking her in at night.

What right does Gray have to show up after all this time, anyway? I feel like I really should give him a piece of my mind,but I’m also worried that he’ll say something smooth, and I’ll forgive him.

I can’t have that.

“I’m not feeling so hot,” I tell Marisa, and she frowns.

“Oh, no, Sutton, do you want me to help you get a ride home?”

“No, that’s okay. I can do it myself.” I smile, giving her a brief hug. “Will you just tell the girls that I left? And that I love them?”

“Of course. I’m going to try to get out of here soon, too, but don’t be a stranger, okay?”

“Of course not.”

I let go of Marisa reluctantly and rush out of the bathroom, heading toward the back door. I pull my phone out of my pocket as soon as the cool night air rushes over me, and I open up a ride share app.

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