Page 89 of Bleed for Me

She shouted something, but my feet were already carrying me toward my vehicle and I couldn’t hear her over the roaring of adrenaline in my ears.

As much as my mother pissed me off, I’d probably be right back over here next week. That was how our relationship worked. She said out of pocket shit, I blew up and threatened to drop her sorry ass, only to wind up in the exact same spot all over again. It was hard to let go of a family member when they were really the only person you had left.

I was on a downward spiral and had no clue how to stop it.

Noise echoed around me as I sat at the bar, my gaze pinned to the wooden counter as my fingers brushed absently around my glass. This was the last place I should have been, but the urge had been too strong—especially after dealing with my mother. The temptation to drink was becoming stronger and more frequent by the day. While I’d taken an oath, the ministry didn’t take it nearly as serious as some of the other sins—such as fucking out of wedlock. That was a huge one they turned up their noses on, and it would probably get me shunned if I so much as entertained the idea. If I couldn’t fuck the pain away, might as well drink it away.

With that thought in mind, I raised my glass, allowing the brown liquid to slide down my throat. The beverage warmed my chest, giving me exactly what I needed—even if it was only temporary.

When I drank, I didn’t give a shit about being alone. Nothing else mattered except for the warmth filling my veins and my dick that was hardening by the second. I’d take care of it when I gothome as usual, and I’d wake up hating my life only to repeat the process. Sounded like a solid-proof plan to me.

My gaze settled on a woman seated further down at the bar. Her bright red hair was loose around her thin frame and her breasts were disproportionately large for her body. She was no Rosalie, but she was still stunning in her own right. My cock strained painfully against the inside of my slacks, begging for the one thing it couldn’t have.

The woman turned her head, folding her ruby-painted lip between her teeth as she raked piercing green eyes over me. I still knew what it felt like—to sink into a warm, wet pussy. To feel them wrap their arms around me and scrape their nails down my back. The glorious sounds they’d made as they lost themselves to the pleasure of it all.

I pushed out a ragged breath, bringing my beverage to my lips once more. There was no sense in dwelling on the past. That wasn’t my life anymore.

The music boomed all around me, but it seemed dull in comparison to the blood rushing downwards. A few couples had already taken up position on the dance floor, grinding against one another in a provocative manner.

On the other side of the bar was a group of people playing pool. Mostly men who were catching up and checking out a few of the women as they walked by.

The strong scent of cherries overwhelmed my senses as someone lowered themselves into the seat beside me, causing me to drag my gaze to theirs. It was the girl I’d been ogling not so subtly just moments ago.

“Hey.” She smiled, leaning against the bar with a confidence I didn’t possess.

I gave her a slight nod of acknowledgement. “Good evening.” Averting my gaze, I focused my attention on my drink instead. It wasn’t hard pretending it was the most interesting thing in theroom, since there was no way in hell I’d be taking anyone home with me.

“What’s your name?” she pressed.

“Valentine.”

She was quiet for a few moments, and when she finally spoke again, I could hear the amusement in her tone. “You’re fucking with me,” she accused.

Sliding my gaze to her once more, I arched an eyebrow. “And what brings you to that conclusion?”

“Who would name their child ‘Valentine’?” she countered.

My lips twitched slightly. “Apparently my mother.” It wasn’t everyday a woman came onto me by insulting my name, and I had to admit, it wasn’t as much of a turn-off as one would expect.

Her eyes widened and she huffed out an embarrassed laugh. “That’s truly your name, isn’t it?” She shook her head sheepishly.

“I’m afraid so. But please, do tell me how unconventional my name is. I’mdyingto hear your opinions on the matter.”

Her eyes sparked with intrigue, and she moved in closer. Her body heat drifted onto me, and for a weak moment, I allowed my eyes to wander—to drop down to her protruding breasts and admire the way they spilled from her neckline. She was a beautiful woman, and it was clear she used it to her advantage.

“It is indeed unconventional,” she agreed. “But I also find it unique, intriguing, and even… mysterious.”

“Mysterious?” I raised an eyebrow before taking another swig of my drink, holding it in my mouth for a moment longer than necessary as I contemplated how best to reply. “That’s one way of putting it, I suppose. I’ve given you my name. I think it’s only fair you provide me yours.”

“It would be, wouldn’t it?” She smirked, taunting me with those dark rimmed eyes of hers that bordered on sinful. “It’s Evangeline.”

“Interesting.” I placed my beverage on the bar, seemingly deep in thought when in reality I already knew what to say.

Evangeline tilted her head, a crease forming between her sharp eyebrows. “What is?”

“That you were comfortable making fun of my name when yours is just asunconventional.”

A giggle slipped past her defenses, causing my lips to twitch in amusement. She was indeed something else. Five years ago, I probably would have already had her naked by now. My smile faded instantly at the reminder. At this point, I was leading her on. It was clear she was after something, and I wasn’t able to provide it.

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