Page 53 of Power

“Are you okay?” Blake asked with concern.

I quickly nodded and filled my mouth with wine so I couldn’t reply to him. I knew my voice would give away the state of the rest of my body.

I swallowed and looked over at Shyam. He had never even stopped his conversation.That bastard is too good.

•••

The rest of the evening continued with good food and lots of cake. Nat thought it was funny to shove some cake in my face when I was cutting it. I laughed so hard, licking frosting off my hands and mouth. Everyone else had a good laugh, too.

Shyam never touched me again but continued to keep tabs on Blake with frequent side glances. I prayed Blake didn’t do anything else to set Shyam off again. My body couldn’t take any more punishment.

We cleared out of the restaurant. My hands were full of gift bags, flowers, and even a balloon that Jai had brought for me. We made our way into the cold night. It was too late to hit up the club, and I was ready to head home and finish off what Shyam had cruelly started, with my vibrator—alone.

Everyone kissed me goodbye and gave me more well wishes before going on their way.

Jai pulled me in for a hug. “Happy birthday, love.”

“Thanks for coming.” I hugged him back. I was so appreciative that he had come. I had a great and easy relationship with him, like he was an older brother. It was nice to see him outside of work.

Nat hugged me next. “Happy birthday, bitch,” she said as she smacked my ass.Always endearingly inappropriate.

“Thank you so much for everything, Nat. It was the perfect birthday!”

“No problem, babe. You deserve it.”

“By the way, remind me to thank you personally foreverything.”She knew what I meant.

“Looks like this saga is just getting started.” She tilted her head in the direction of the two men who stood in silence waiting for my attention. “Fill me in on what happens next.”

“Where are you going?” I asked.

“I’m giving her a ride home,” Jai interrupted. He had a stupidly excited grin on his face.

“Hmmm.” I eyed them suspiciously. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” I warned him playfully.

“I should be warning you of that. Seems like your night is going to be double the fun.” He winked at me.

Two guys at once is not my thing.I could barely handle one at a time.

Jai walked over to his brother and patted him on the back, saying his goodbyes.

Blake came over to me next. “Need any help with those?”

“No, I’m okay,” I said.

“I’ll walk you home,” he offered.

Shyam approached us before I could answer. He grabbed the gifts from my hands and made his way to the car that sat at the curb. Opening the door, he commanded, “Let’s go.”

I couldn’t believe he had just been so rude, like a dog marking his territory. I was so embarrassed.

I looked at Blake apologetically. He seemed disappointed, and I felt bad that he had the wrong idea about us. I knew he had been trying to hit on me all night, and I was hoping he’d taken my hints. But I still felt bad about rejecting him.

“Well, enjoy the rest of your birthday,” he said, resigned.

“I’ll call you…”

“Yeah, sure,” he said as he turned and walked away alone.

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