Page 16 of Ashes of Saints

After finishing the call, I flop back against the cushions and sigh loudly. What a day it’s been. I booked my mom’s funeral service and got invited on a date with the hottest man I’ve ever seen—all within a few hours.

I ignore the voice in the back of my mind, wondering what a wealthy and successful man like Parker would want with a midtown girl like me? After all, I’m trying to be more positive and believe in my self-worth.

Mary-Anne—aka Mom—wasn’t the best at boosting my confidence. In fact, aside from sheltering me, she was extremely critical and constantly judging me.

I’m surprised I’m not a total wreck.

Perhaps my father was strong-minded. Who would know? I have no idea who he is.

Anyway, I hate to say it, but Chloe is probably right. If Parker is single, and I hope he is, then he probably just wants to explore the hot and immediate chemistry that was evident from the moment I slammed into his chest.

One hot night.

Then I’ll probably never see him again.

Jumping into bed with a real-life Christian Grey is not really the best thing to do while I’m grieving my mother, as Chloe said. Or maybe it’s just what the doctor ordered.

Well, I’ve committed to the date, so I’m going.

If he can create the same heat between my thighs as he did by kissing my knuckles, I’ll be very open to taking whatever medicine he administers.

Then next week, I’ll bury my mom and go in search of answers I’ve waited for all my life.

CHAPTER FIVE

PARKER

“Evening sir.” The security lifts the red rope, and I nod at him and wander through.

Zayne, Killian, and Travis are already at the Alliance Club in our VIP area, along with two almost naked women.

Do thongs count as clothing? If not, ignore that—they are naked.

A server appears and presents a tray with a glass of Macallan.

“Thank you,” I say and head over to the long, curved sofa near Travis and sit down.

“Thought you were going to be a no-show tonight. Our numbers are dwindling,” he says, sounding peeved.

I snort quietly and take a long sip of the aged whisky.

Just because Maddox doesn’t need to join us every week doesn’t mean we have lost a friend. Travis needs to relax.

I have my own distraction tonight. I can’t get my mind off Aurora and it’s bugging me. I glance at the girls and nothing appeals—although one of them has the darkest nipples and for a second my mouth waters.

“That’s Barbie.”

“Of course it is.” I lift a single brow then turn to him. “Anyway, your numbers look fine to me.”

We glance out at the public section of the Alliance Club, which is bustling. Bodies fill the dance floor and the music pumps.

“I meant us. Our numbers. With Maddox now shacked up, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of you find some woman and put a ring on it.”

I squint.

Of all the people to say something so utterly ridiculous, I can’t believe he just did. He knows all our stories and has his own.

“Really Travis? Fuck you.”

---