Page 55 of Reignite

The smooth burn of the whiskey made my eyes water. Yeah, it was the whiskey.

Cade joined me, sitting on the barstool on my left. “Angelina. I’m glad you’re here. Maybe you can protect me from Dani’s machinations.”

Uh-oh. “I don’t think you’re supposed to know.”

“Addison told him.” Dominic came and sat on my right. “She’s a stickler for the truth these days.”

“I’m glad. Secrets can tear your heart out.” I put my hand on Dominic’s, then took Cade’s. “Give her a chance.”

They each had been hurt by Gray’s death too. They both deserved to find their own brand of happiness.

Dominic stood. “I’m on door tonight, then I’m helping Addy with the newbies orientation. I’m here for you all night if you need me.”

I gave him a quick hug. “Thanks. I don’t know how long I’ll stay, but I’m here.”

More people came in through the doors and I loved seeing beautiful curvy women fill the room and tons of admirers drooling over them. Including Cade.

Dani and her friend had made it inside and were headed toward the bar. Cade’s jaw had fallen clear down to the floor and his tongue was rolling away.

“Holy shit. Is that the woman Dani’s setting me up with?”

More of those old feelings I used to have bubbled up seeing Cade go all twitterpated over a girl. “I haven’t met her, but probably. Don’t drool on her.”

“Fuck me. I may have to go jerk off in the bathroom before I meet her, or I’ll have her bent over the bar with my cock inside of her before we even say hello.”

“She’s brand new to all this, Cade. Be a good Dom and remember her needs.” Cade needed the warning. I’d never seen him react like this to any woman.

“I always do, Angel.” Cade kissed my cheek and pretended he wasn’t going to heed my warning.

Angel…

Angel.

I thought it would hurt to hear anyone call me that ever again. But the burning sadness didn’t come. There was a bittersweet pain, the kind that also came with pleasure.

I stayed at the bar for a while, watching people interact in all the ways I hadn’t for too long. Cade took his pretty woman for a tour of the club and Dominic teased Addy after the class was over.

I loved seeing their happiness. Truly. But it was more stimulation than I could take for very long. I headed toward my office, but couldn’t bring myself to go in. I went to the next best place to find some privacy. The ladies room.

I loved how crazy Gray had thought I was to decorate this as a French boudoir. It was the perfect retreat.

I sat on one of the circular couches and sipped on my whiskey. A few women came and went. A curvy blonde I thought I recognized even hid in the stall.

Dani and her friend pushed through the door and were caught up in their night. They didn’t even notice me. I liked being the eavesdropping voyeur anyway.

“Did you set this up?” The friend asked.

Smart girl. Hopefully she’d be smart enough to let that go and take hold of the chance she had right in front of her.

“No, no. I did think he was still with someone, but I should have known.” Dani reached into a tiny handbag and pulled out tube of mascara and some lip gloss. Such a slick liar she was.

The friend had some tear streaks and smudged mascara. I’d have to teach Cade a new lesson if he’d hurt this girl already.

“Why? What do you mean?”

“He doesn’t let people in, but his subs always fall in love with him. The second he thinks they’re going that way he lets them loose. He’s a decent guy and doesn’t want his girls to get hurt. But he’s a dumbass.”

“Oh.”

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