Page 60 of Retribution
Pulling up to the same dive bar I took Susannah to her first night here, I duck inside, ordering a beer and a platter of nachos. Tossing a couple of quarters into the jukebox, I set up a couple of metal songs and give a wave to a couple of guys leaning over the pool table.
Just as I get settled in the booth, a man slides in across from me. Raising my eyebrow at his audacity, I run my gaze over him, noticing him doing the same. Although not really my type, I will admit that he is stunningly attractive. Almost lion-like in appearance, he sports a thick mane of golden-brown hair, and his eyes are an almost amber color. I know I’ve never met him before—no one could possibly forget him—but there is something almostfamiliarabout him. Glancing down at his hand that’s resting on the table, I realize he’s even less of my type when I see the wedding band gracing it. It’s a stunning Celtic design made up of three strands; silver, gold, and diamonds.
Raising my eyes to his, I give him my best “what do you want” look, and wait for him to speak while I sip my beer. He watches me for another moment, then sets a manilla envelope on the table, sliding it towards me.
My brows furrow. “What the fuck is this, and who are you?”
“Who I am isn’t important,” he answers quietly. “But I think you’ll be interested in what’s in that envelope.” He pulls himself out of the booth, and it’s then I notice that he’s a fucking giant. Six foot six at least.
He leans over and drops a business card onto the table, then says, “If you are ever in trouble, ever need help, phone this number, and I’ll be there.” With that, he turns and leaves, and I watch him with confusion as the bar door shuts behind him.
Slicing open the envelope, I gasp when I see what’s inside. It takes a minute to fully process what I’m seeing, then I’m up and running, chasing after him. Banging the door against the wall in my haste, I come skidding to a stop, but he’s nowhere to be seen. It’s fully dark now, the few wan streetlamps doing little to keep it at bay as I take one last look around the deserted parking lot.
Fuck. Who was he? How did he know who I am? And just how the fuck did he have this information?
Tucking the envelope into the bag stashed on my bike, I head back inside to finish my meal. The business card glares up at me, and I pick it up, turning it over. A logo rests at the top, a red kiss mark with what looks like blood dripping from it. And a number underneath. Flipping it over and back again, I frown when there’s no name or company information. Just the number and the bloody kiss.
Stuffing the card into my bra, I push aside thoughts of strange men and envelopes and turn to the large plate of steaming nachos in front of me. Tonight, I’m going to drink, hustle a few assholes at pool, and crash at a hotel. That should give Susannah and Chase plenty of privacy to get their freak on. My mouth turns up at that. If anyone needs a night of orgasms, it’s my girl.
As the evening progresses, the beers keep flowing, I’ve won a hundred bucks at pool, and even made an old dude happy by dancing with him. Things are getting a little swirly, and I’m definitely feeling the happy vibe.
I’m gonna need to—
Chapter 34
Trey
Do I, or don’t I? That is the question. It’s been on my mind for days now. But is it too soon? Fuck if I know, I’ve never done this before.
I had told Rebecca that I had to do a couple of errands, she was more than happy to stay in the room with her Kindle and room service. Now the little black box is burning a hole in my pocket, and I’m pacing around the parking lot, suffering from my first real bout of panic and uncertainty.
After the doctor, I decide, and decision made, I stride into the lobby, catching the elevator up to our floor.
I swear my heart stops every time I see her. She’s laying on the bed, giggling at something she’s reading. The room service cart is by the bed, and I see she’s left a covered plate for me.
Rebecca catches my eye, smiling up at me. “Did you get everything done?”
A knot forms in my throat, rendering me speechless for a moment. Clearing my throat, I nod, catching her puzzled frown as I turn away. Fuck, I’m not good at this.
A small hand touches my back and I hunch my shoulders, jerking away. It’s gone as quickly as it was there, and a small sob sounds. Spinning around, the dejection on her face nearly kills me.
“What’s wrong, Trey? You’re scaring me.”
The lump in my throat gets bigger, threatening to choke me.What the fuck is wrong with you? When did you turn into such a pussy?
Look at you, so pathetic. So weak. She deserves someone who will love and protect her, not someone too chicken to ask.
Backing away from her, I flee from the room, letting the door close behind me. Panic claws at my chest. I can’t breathe. Resting my back against the wall, I slide down to the floor, desperately trying to claw in air.
She deserves so much better than you. Worthless piece of shit.
SHUT UP!
The door beside me opens, and Rebecca hesitantly steps out, anger and worry warring over her features. When she sees me on the floor, gasping for air like a goldfish out of water, she drops into my lap, pulling my head to her chest.
She just sits there, holding me tightly, ignoring the other guests that gawk at us as they walk past.
When the voices subside and I’m finally able to draw in a breath, she leans back, searching my eyes. Once she’s convinced I’m fine, she stands and turns away. She takes one step, then turns back, determination on her face.
