Page 5 of Atlas
He takes them gratefully. “Sure thing, boss.”
I head over to Nita, standing before her and holding up my hand. She groans dramatically and takes it, her singing coming to an abrupt end. I reach up and grab her around the waist, lifting her off the bar top with ease and placing her on the ground. “I told you not to call,” she yells to the doorman.
I take her chin in my fingers and pull her gaze to me. “He didn’t. Tessa was worried when you didn’t answer her texts and calls.”
“I’m fine,” she cries.
“Would it hurt yah to tell her that?”
She pulls her chin from my grasp and picks up her drink. She keeps her defiant eyes trained on me as she tips it back, gulping the liquid down. Then she places it on the bar. “Another,” she says, arching a brow like she’s waiting for me to object.
The barmaid looks at me for direction, and I nod. “Give the lady what she wants,” I reply, still holding the eye contact.
“Just say what you’re thinking,” Nita snaps.
I smirk. “Baby, you ain’t in the right headspace to hear me.”
She narrows her eyes. “Try me.”
The barmaid tops up the glass, and Nita finally turns away. “Yah know what, I’m not staying here with you judging me.” She taps her card against the payment machine but leaves the drink where it is, gathering her things and swaying in the direction of the door.
“Thanks,” I tell the barmaid, and I follow her out into the car park.
Nita rolls her eyes, dropping her bag on the ground and trying to put her coat on. I take it, holding it for her so she can slip her arms in. “I don’t need you to keep showing up for me, Atlas.”
“I know.” I pick up her bag.
“And Tessa has no business telling you where I am.”
“She didn’t.”
Nita scoffs. “So, how did you find me?”
“Call me clever.”
She snatches her bag from me, spinning on her heel and almost toppling over. I take her arm to steady her before letting go and marching off in front. If I tell her to get on the bike, she’llonly refuse and cause a fuss. Besides, I don’t think she’s in a fit state to ride pillion right now.
I eventually hear the sound of her heels following and smile to myself.
Ten minutes later, I stop outside her house, and she passes me, pulling her keys from her bag. When she sees I’m not behind her, she turns. “Aren’t you coming inside?” I shake my head, and she forces a smile. “Fine. See you around.”
See you around. Fuck, if she doesn’t press every damn button. “Goodnight.”
I turn to leave, and she adds, “I was on a date.” I keep my back to her, my hands clenching as a jealous rage builds inside me. “He was hot.”
“Go inside,” I say through gritted teeth.
“Make me.”
I turn back, and she’s smirking. “Anita, you’re drunk.”
“I could call Jonathon back if you’re not up to the job.”
I don’t know how I suddenly get up in her face, but she wraps her arms around me and pulls me inside, kicking the door shut and pressing her lips to mine in a hungry kiss. “I’m up to the job,” I hiss, holding her neck loosely as I slide my other hand up her leg and under her skirt. “And if your date went so well, why the fuck were you singing all alone in the bar?” I shove my hand into her underwear, and she grips my shoulders, gasping. “Are you wet for me or Jonathon?” I snap, running my fingers through her folds. I pull my hand out and hold it up for her to see, and when she goes to speak, I shove my fingers in her mouth. Her eyes burn with need as she licks them clean. I want her. I want her so badly, my balls ache. But I step back and release her. “Go to bed, Nita.”
She narrows her eyes. “You rushing back to someone?”
I almost laugh, shaking my head in annoyance. “I’m not like you,” I say. “There is no one else for me. I thought I madethat clear.” I leave, slamming the door behind me and marching down the path before I can change my mind.
