Page 27 of The Bloodfeather Promise
“Wider. That’s it. Wider… Fuck yeah. You know, I believe even bad girls should be rewarded. It’s time I find out if you taste as good as you look.”
I wantto slip a few ice cubes from my drink and use them to cool myself off. Shutting my mind off, shaking away the memories of that night with Greyson is a hopeless endeavor. Remembering every detail isallI seem capable of.
“What are you going to do?” Devon takes such a huge gulp of her gin and tonic, you’d think she’s the one in the middle of this nightmare instead of me.
I shrug, taking another sip from my nearly empty glass. “I told him I wasn’t interested. Did you not hear the part where he kicked me out of his hotel suite? The guy’s a misogynic, arrogant asshole.”
“Fuck, Emerson. You sure know how to hook up with the douchebags.” Noah shakes his head before saying in a sharper tone, “Drugs, alcohol, rehab. God only knows what kind of diseases he’s picked up from all those groupies. Hope he used a condom. Tell me he did. He used a condom, right?”
“Would you mind lowering your voice?” I snap, irritated by his protective stance. I get it, but I don’t need Noah making me feel like an irresponsible child right now. Even if he has the best of intentions. “Of course, he used a condom. I’m not an idiot, and I don’t think he is either. He obviously got himself cleaned up, so he must have wanted to get his life in order. I’m not saying this because I have any desire to go out with him, but people can change. I thought you guys should know our history, in case, you know, we run into him at some point. This is a small town, after all.”
Devon regards me for a long moment, her brow creased in thought. Laying a hand on Noah’s arm, she soothes that temper of his with just a simple touch. Another girl might suffer a moment of insecurity after witnessing Noah’s reaction to my news. His protective nature with me stems from a long-standing brother-like mentality. Devon truly understands our affection for each other is utterly platonic and of the purest form.
“He really doesn’t remember you?” Devon chews a fingernail.
“There was not a spark of recognition when he saw me.”
“Then, why won’t you go out with him?” she asks calmly.
“Are you crazy?” Noah and I both exclaim in unison.
“Yes, but that’s beside the point.” Devon waves her hand. “Hear me out. He doesn’t remember you. You’re a new conquest. New territory. He’s interested, right? And the sex was hot, right?”
“Insanely hot,” I mumble.
“Then, why don’t you have a bit of fun? Use him like he used you.”
“I couldn’t do that…” Could I? Could I have meaningless sex with a rock god, just because I know it will feel good? I did once before. This would be no different. Just two adults having a good time, with no expectations or illusions. Can I put aside my hate, my distrust, long enough to enjoy the fire between us? It would only be for the summer…
“Sure, you can. Look at it like this. Here is your moment of payback, your opportunity to reclaim that morning. I can only imagine how powerless you felt. Well, now, you can be the one that does the dumping. You’ve already got the guy half-way there, E.J. He’s practically eating out of the palm of your hand, sitting on a bench outside your bookstore for a week. Drinkinglemonade, for Christ’s sake. What do you think, Noah? When he came into RPM, what was your impression?”
Noah scowls. “He seemed decent enough. Dropped five hundred bucks, cash, on a vintage record player, some albums, and guitar strings. Complimented us on having some kick-ass vinyl. Shit, I didn’t even recognize him, and we’ve got one of his damn posters hanging right behind the register.”
Devon giggles. Leaning over, she kisses Noah’s cheek with a resounding smack. “Better get his autograph before our girl breaks his ice-cold heart.”
“I don’t want that asshole’s autograph. I want to kick his teeth in for defiling my best friend. And then carve out hisice-coldheart.”
“He didn’t defile me.” I sigh. “I was completely willing. God, I wish you two weren’t so bloodthirsty when it comes to my love-life. I am capable of handling things on my own, you know.”
“I have just two questions, darling, and we will drop the subject. Was Greyson Finch really that good?” Devon asks, eyebrows raised, her arm draped around Noah’s shoulder. “And would you sleep with him again?”
I cannot say aloud what I’m really thinking.Greyson Finch is cocky…so damn cocky…rude, sexy, and usually drunk or high. Oh, and I’m tragically in love with him. Yeah, I’d sleep with him again. I’d screw any thoughts of anything other than me right out of his head. If I was stupid enough to fall for his lies again.
The path of my thoughts turns my cheeks into little flames of truth. Nothing I can hide from my best friends.
A huge grin lights my friend’s beautiful face. I wonder at her true motives when she squeezes my hand. “Damn, girl! You gotta do it now. If the man was blush-worthy while under the influence, imagine the possibilities if he’s stone-cold sober. Relax, Emerson, and don’t overthink it like you usually do. I have a feeling you’re going to enjoy this more than you think.”
