Page 78 of Derek
“You mess up that face,” Ren says in a warning tone. “And I’m going to have to kill you. Now, come on, the guys are already at the club, and this is mine and Atlas’ first-night baby free.”
“Oh, isn’t that like the best and worst feeling?” Sunday sighs as we head out of Derek’s house.
“Yessss.” Ren groans, shaking her head. “Like, what am I missing? Does Howie think we’ve abandoned him? What if I die tonight, and he has to live his life without his mommy because I was selfish and wanted to go out?” I look at her in near horror at her last confession, but Sunday just nods as if this is all normal mom thoughts.
“I know babe, but this is good for you and Atlas. You both need time together–”
“Luca?” I gasp, and the well-built man with his golden skin, white teeth, square jaw, and jet-black hair smiles brightly as he walks over with his arms out, hugging all of us at once.
“Look at my babies! You all look sexy as fuck!” He gushes as his eyes land on me. “My God, if I weren’t gay and engaged… oops.” He presses his lips together, and we all squeal as he shows us his engagement ring. A platinum setting with a hell of a large emerald-cut diamond solitaire lay across his long finger.
“Oh…my god.” I gasp and look at him. “Who? Not Pierre, right? No way he got you that ring.”
Luca scoffs as he helps me into the front seat, and the girls pile into the back. “Pffft… Pierre was a fling that I would never admit to having outside of us. I knew better than to get a guy younger than me. And he could not tell the difference between turquoise and Tiffany blue. So no way he was getting me this. No, I got me a‘late in life’man. Don’t freak, but he’s fifty-two.” We all gasp, and he rolls his eyes. “A hot fifty-two, you bitches. Anyway, he was the CEO of some massive investment company in New York and has two kids, both my age. He came out three years ago, and we met at a bar when I was on vacation. We hit it off, and I know I’m usually against commitment and all about the casual lifestyle, but...” I see the soft smile pull at Luca’s lips. “I’m in love with him. Like truly and madly. It’s like I knew I was falling for him hard because I craved just sleeping with him. Not sex or anything. I just wanted to feel his heart.”
I feel the tightness in my chest growing at his words. That’s the exact same way I’ve been feeling with Derek. I find myself doing sexual things to excuse my desire to just be close to him. And I do want to lie on his chest and hear his heartbeat all the time. It’s so soothing, and I love when he finally falls asleep, and his heart slows down. It lulls me into the best sleep.Shit!I can’t fall in love with him. I won’t! I managed to get my mobility back in my hand this time, but what about the next relapse? What about the time that makes it so I can’t walk or hold a fork? I wince as I think about the fork clattering on the plate at Stevie’s. The depression that came after, he didn’t deserve to deal with that, and he definitely doesn’t deserve to deal with it again.
* * *
Luca helpsme out of the vehicle, and we walk into the posh club. Honestly, clubs aren’t really my scene. It’s hot, loud and I don’t drink much. But Ash knows the owner and apparently rented out the VIP section, where it’s much quieter. We walk inside and head up the small elevator to the club’s top floor. The place is nice, dark and modern, with black leather, steel bar tops, and crystal lights all over. I walk into the VIP lounge, and Atlas is the first to spot me.
“Happy Birthday!” He cheers, causing Derek to turn around and, wow… I didn’t know eyes could bulge like that. I watch the glass that holds an amber-colored beverage fall from his grasp and hit the floor. He doesn’t even flinch, and I become somewhat nervous as his jaw tenses.
I walk up to the guys after the bartender cleans up the fallen glass and smile at them. “Hey, guys!” I try my best to sound cheery, even though Derek’s heated gaze is causing me to feel uncomfortable.
“Wow,” Atlas breathes out. “You look amazing, Indy!” I blush at his compliment.
“Thanks At.” At least someone is willing to compliment me.
“Oh my god.” Atlas gasps, and I look to see where he’s looking. “Princess,” he says as Ren walks up. “Thank god I have that life insurance policy now because you just about stopped my heart.” I watch Ren snort as she shoves Atlas’ shoulder, and I can’t help but feel envious. I glance over to see Ash twirling Sunday around, and Fox is already making out with Janie. Then there’s me with Derek, who looks like I rubbed shit under his nose.
“Happy Birthday!” Stevie’s voice calls as she walks in with a cake box in her hand. She sets the package on a table and looks at me. “My god, you look beautiful, Indy!” I give her a forced smile as my arms go to wrap around my sides. I peer up to look at Derek, and he’s ordering a drink. I walk away from him and up to Stevie, giving her a hug.
“I could use a drink, but Ash will say something about the alcohol,” I whisper in her ear, and she gives me a wink before going to the bar. A moment later, she comes back with two drinks.
“Your‘virgin’mojito.” She winks at me, and I mouth out that I love her before downing the drink into large gulps. Stevie frowns while taking me to the other side of the bar. She motions for the bartender to get me a refill before turning her attention back to me. “What’s wrong?”
I smile a thanks as the pretty brunette bartender hands me my drink. “Derek hates me, and I’m fine with it, except now I’m not.” Stevie blinks and shakes her head.
“Babe, you can’t be talking in riddles. I’m exhausted.”
Groaning, I down the mojito and signal for another as I look at her. “He is refusing to talk to me. Literally not one word, or hug, or kiss. The other guys are gushing over their girls. And okay, I would be fine with it, except… I’m not anymore. And I’m mad at myself because I want Derek to gush on me just a little. I mean, I got all pretty for him, and he looks like I insulted him.” I whisper as I look at Derek across the bar. His eyes are fixed on me, scowl firmly in place.
“He does look…extra broody.” Stevie sips her drink before smiling and waving at Luca. “Babe, maybe he’s uncomfortable. Derek is not into crowds. This is probably a little uncomfortable for him. Try asking him somewhere a little more private.” I nod, probably more times than needed, but I think the third mojito is kicking in because I feel warm all over, and I need to pee. I slide off the barstool, and I’m definitely feeling it. Looking up, I see the bathroom sign, and I stagger over.
Walking out of the bathroom once I’m finished, I come face to… well, chest. I scream and stumble backward. Quickly, a pair of strong arms grab me, keeping me from falling on the bathroom floor.
“Derek!” I shriek as I smack his chest. “Ouch,” I whine at the sting. It’s like hitting a rock, a very sexy rock. “Why are you standing outside the bathroom, you creeper!”
“You’re drunk.” He states as he releases me. I snort and roll my eyes.
“Your shoes are brown.” He raises a brow. “Oh, I thought we were just naming off annoyingly obvious things.”
“Indiana, you are drunk. You don’t drink. You’ve been here twenty fucking minutes.”
“Wowwwww…” I slowly clap in his face. “You notice all those things but can’t notice that I look pretty? Or say Happy Birthday?”
“I told you happy birthday this morning in bed before eating you out,” he mutters. “And you obviously look pretty. You always do.”
