Page 26 of The Scars of Us

“Do you need help? I’d be happy to assist you,” I offered as I continued to toy with the barbell in my tongue.

Her gaze darted back and forth from my mouth to my eyes as she stammered, “No… I… I can meet you after I shower.”

Yes.Smiling confidently, I suggested, “Phoenix Landing? In an hour?” Phoenix Landing was a popular, central bar in Cambridge, so I figured it was a safe choice.

Her words were rushed as she replied, “Sounds good. I’ll see you there.” Tucking a strand of stray hair behind her ear, she gave me a flustered smile before turning to leave. “Bye.”

“Bye,” I returned with a laugh.

Glancing over her shoulder as she walked out, her lips curved up more as our eyes locked.I’m going to taste those lips again tonight.

Rushing to close up, I quickly wiped down everything and locked up since my class was the last one of the night. I was anxious to meet up Kaiya, hoping to get another step closer to getting her in my bed. I blocked out the thoughts that passed through my head of actually wanting to spend time with her, ignoring that I wanted to get to know her.No relationship—just sex. You don’t have to get to know her to have sex with her.

An hour later, I was waiting for Kaiya at the bar, leaning my back against it with a Jack and Coke in hand. After fifteen minutes had passed, I thought she had changed her mind and wasn’t going to show.If she’s not here by the time I finish this drink, I’m leaving.

As I took another sip from my glass, I glanced over toward the door. My lips involuntarily spread in a grin as I watched Kaiya walk in, wearing some tight jeans and a strapless, white top. Her hair flowed down her back before ending in big, loose curls, and I pictured myself wrapping my fingers in it while I bent her over and fucked her. Searching the room, her eyes roamed before locking on mine. A shy smile spread over her lips as she made her way toward me, those luscious hips swaying with each step.She’s so fucking hot.

When she reached me, I snaked my arm around her waist, bringing her closer to me. I felt her muscles tighten beneath my touch, but she didn’t resist otherwise.

Bringing her between my legs, I inhaled her sweet scent, a mixture of strawberry and vanilla, as I kissed her cheek. Her hands lightly pressed against my chest as I pulled back. “I thought you weren’t going to show for a minute there.”

“Me too. I almost didn’t come.” Her gaze darted down before coming up to meet mine as she shifted nervously.

“Well, I’m glad you did. It would’ve really hurt my ego if you didn’t,” I said as I rubbed my hands along her sides.

“I’m sure your ego is strong enough to survive,” she replied dryly as she moved away to sit on the barstool next to mine.

“I don’t think it stands a chance against you,” I joked.

“Do women really fall for that?” she asked as she fought a smile.

“Most of the time. But they’re not always the brightest.”

Kaiya slapped me on the bicep as her eyebrows rose and her mouth opened in shock. “Ryker!”

“What? I’m being honest. Woman want honesty, right?” She stared at me, mouth agape for a few seconds before she shook her head and laughed.

“What do you want to drink? Cranberry Vodka?”

She thought a few seconds before replying, “No. Apple Martini.”

“Damn, that bad of a day?” I commented before turning and getting the attention of the bartender. Once I ordered us a round, I focused my attention back on Kaiya, determined to figure her out.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Her body stiffened slightly as she sipped her drink. “No. I don’t want to think about it—I just want to forget.”

I know that feeling.“I know plenty of ways to help with that.”

Her lips tipped up. “I’m sure you do. I’ve heard about your reputation.”

This is going to be good.I took a swig of my drink. “Oh, really? What have you heard?”

“Basically, you’re a man-whore,” she replied bluntly as she swirled her martini, avoiding my gaze.

I laughed. “I’m not going to lie—I’ve had my fair share of women.”

Kaiya gave me a perplexed look before replying, “Thank you for being honest. I thought you’d lie about it.”

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