Sutton knew her eyes were bugging out of her head. “Wait. So, they had to break up?” She suddenly felt like she was in the lion’s den, and she was the juicy steak.
“Well, usually, that’s the rule. Since they were a couple before,” Ayesha said, swirling her finger. “Well, extenuating circumstances mean there was an exception. Which is why it’s fucked up for her to say those things about expiration bullshit. She and Benny have been hanging around here for the last few years. I know for a fact she wasn’t riding any other man’s dick during that time. Or at least there were no rumors, and these boys talk. King wouldn’t allow Benny to be fucking a club girl if he didn’t think they were together before him prospecting.” Tiana lifted her chin toward the large crowd.
Sutton’s ran dry thinking about rumors and her. No, thank you. Even before she’d gone through puberty completely, she’d started getting attention from men because she’d looked older due to her height. Her mother hated it and despised Sutton for taking attention away from her. She’d learned early not to do anything that would draw attention from men or face harsh consequences. Her mother said only whores enjoyed men staring at them with hunger and desire. Not that Sutton enjoyed having men stare at her.
Sutton shook off the feeling of dread. Her fear of people finding out about her past was ludicrous. “Let’s go find our seat so we can maybe get served faster.”
“You’re at our table,” Lux said.
“There you are, ma cherie,” T-Rex murmured.
Sutton ducked her chin as T-Rex offered her a soft smile. “Hey, girl. You two sure do look pretty. Can I escort the two of you to our table?” he asked.
“Look at you, being all gentlemanly. You realize I’m already a sure thing, right? For instance, if you wanna go into the bathroom right this instant, I’m totally down to get it on. I'm pretty sure they’d be soaking wet if I wore panties.” Lux did a little shimmy in front of T-Rex, making him groan.
“Cherie, are you trying to kill me? My dick is going to burst the seams of these slacks.”
“Oh my god, I’m so going to need my ears, eyes, and probably my brain bleached by the night's end. What the fuck have they pumped into the air filtration system? Horny air or what?” Sutton asked in a slight whisper scream, spinning to begin finding her way to the table. She collided with a very firm, very big body.
“Whoa, you okay?”
She pressed her hands against the muscular pecs beneath her palms, admiring the way they jerked beneath them. Slowly, she looked up, knowing exactly who the body belonged to—the mysterious man who’d caught her eye moments earlier. He wasn’t a brother, which meant he had to be someone who’d come in for the wedding. She’d missed the ceremony because of her work, dammit.
“Passerotta, did I hurt you?” he asked. His voice was deep and rich.
She licked her lips, feeling absolutely foolish standing there with her hands accosting the poor man. “Yes, sorry. I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going, and those two were being. Well, they’re being themselves, and I’m starving. Oh, god. Shutting up now.” Belatedly, she realized she still had her hands on him while he also held her by the hips. If anyone were to look at them, they’d think they were something they weren’t.
His green eyes sparkled. Jesus, she was right in her earlier assumption. God gifted this man with everything. Shit, he probably had a small penis. Yep, that would be her luck. He was a walking God among men, with a micro peen.
“Where are you sitting? I’ll get you something to tide you over until they serve dinner. Are you sure you’re alright?” His finger brushed against her sides before releasing her as she nodded.
Sutton thought he’d turn and lead the way, but he reached for her hand. Her stomach did a little flip. Tiny butterflies took flight, and she shivered. “Thank you. Sutton James, by the way.”
He looked down at her and smiled. “Kendrick Calderone, but you can call me Kendrick. It’s nice to meet you, Sutton James.”
She suddenly felt a stirring deep within her that made her blush. As they neared the table, she was grateful for the distraction it gave her to locate the little nameplate indicating where she was to sit. Fate obviously had plans for her and this dominating man as they appeared to be sitting beside each other. “Looks like we’re right beside one another.”
“I’m glad my brother didn’t have us sitting up at some table in the front like many weddings I’ve been to.” He chuckled, the vibration making her want to hear him do it more.
“Yes, I agree. Although, I think it’s fine either way. Whatever floats your boat, I guess.” She shrugged. Growing up, she’d thought if she were to get married, she’d do a destination one so there wouldn’t be a big fuss. The thought of having all eyes on her gave her anxiety.
“Have a seat. I’ll be right back with a little snack for you.”
“You don’t have to do that.” She put her hand over his, noticing both had tattoos on the tops.
“I know I don’t have to do it.” He brushed his thumb along her jaw. The touch was soft and fleeting. Sutton found herself leaning toward him for more, but he’d already turned awayand moved through the crowd. She stared in awe as everyone appeared to move apart for this man.
“Do you know who that is?”
She turned toward Sasha, wishing the woman would go and do her damn job. “Yes.” They’d exchanged names, so she did know him.
“His brother is the one who got married. I heard he was supposed to have gotten married a year or so back, but his bride left him at the altar. If I were you, I’d stay away from him. I heard he’s—”
“Sasha, don’t be spreading lies or stories you’ve heard in the clubhouse. I think you need to go home and have a cool down. I don’t want to see you here for a week.” Ayesha spoke in a calm but firm voice. What she said about the women at the clubhouse was law.
“But I didn’t do anything. I was just talking to my friend,” Sasha whined.
“I gave you a week. Want me to make it a month?” Ayesha asked in a low tone that said she was losing patience.