Page 84 of Invisible String
“He’s off the charts. Unstable.” I glance Andrews’s way. “And a complete dick.”
“And you’re not?”
“Not saying I’m not a dick. I am to those who act like one toward me or someone close to me. As for being unstable, maybe I am, but I’m a different type of unstable. I’m a fighter.”
She rolls those pretty eyes. “I thought you were going to say I’m a lover, not a fighter like most men that talk bullshit.”
My lips curve into a smile. “I can be both. I fight for love.” My tone is soft for her only.
She fixes her eyes on me, and the hard stare that she’s been holding softens. “Good luck with that… I better go.”
Gingerly, I grip her elbow. “Let me take you, Rainey. I would feel better knowing you’re home safe.” Andrew’s messy blond hair falls to the side as he sips on a drink. He’s scowling at me, but he’s too chicken to do anything about it. I point at Andrew. “Besides, he’s been drinking. I only had one. I’m training, so I can’t get wasted.” She looks over at Andrew giving her a displeased look.
“Umm…” She sighs. “Okay…let me go over and let Andrew know.”
I nod in complete victory. Baby steps. My gaze trails her every step, mainly on her ass. She whispers something in his ear. His hand placement on her waist has me fuming. My blood pressure spikes. He nods at her, and she gives him a look that has him obeying. When she walks back toward me. I give the bastard a wink.
“Ready.” She swallows hard, and her face goes back to stone.
Rainey’s eyebrows bounce,taking in my car. “Is this the same car?” She gasps.
Unlocking the door for her, I nod. “It is. I had it restored.”
Although I had intended to sell it once I returned from Tahoe to make some quick cash, the thought of Rainey stopped me.
I clung to each memory of her, determined to use them as motivation to become a better person when and if we ever reunited. I no longer wanted to be the man who felt lost, half a man for her and myself. She has always been my undoing.
“It’s beautiful.” Her voice is sweet, just how I remember it. With the palm of her hands, she strokes the hood, then steps back to look at the rims. “Badass.”
The passenger door is open, and she dips her head in. The cream leather interior was a suggestion she made years ago.
“Nice,” she says, slipping into the seat.
Fuck, I wish I could take her to the back seat so she can remember how good we were. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen. I unbutton my jacket, slip it off, and get in.
Rainey gives her address for the GPS. She’s quiet and surviving the crowds of people on the strip and the flashing lights of the casinos, driving down Las Vegas Blvd. There are so many questions I want to ask. I keep my mouth tight. I know I’ll be pushing it if I do so too soon. She doesn’t owe me anything. I was the one who left, and I need to prove I’m not the same guy. I fought my way to become someone worthy of being in her life—literally, no pun intended.
“You look stunning tonight.” The heat in my gaze could erupt into a blazing fire with the way I’m scrutinizing her. She twiddles with her finger, and her cheeks go pink.
“Thank you.”
Her dress falls open, revealing her gorgeous leg at the slit. Man, do I want to lay my hand on her thigh and squeeze it.
We made it to her house in under thirty minutes, and now I wish I had taken a longer route to her house. She opens the door quickly, as if she’s afraid I’m going to lock her in. I jump out as fast as she does. She didn’t give me a chance to open the door for her.
“Nice area,” I compliment.
She nods curtly, fixing her dress, and her heels click on the cement sidewalk.
“Thanks for the ride,” she throws over her shoulder, fleeing from me as fast as she can.
I jog toward her.
“I’m fine. You can go. You don’t have to walk me to the door.” Her voice rises as she digs into her purse.
“Hey, I just want to make sure you’re safe inside.” The light on her door reflects on her, and now I can see under her wrist while she is holding her purse. My heart palpitates too damn fast because she has a tattoo marked on her soft, creamy skin. She didn’t forget about me all this time.“Tesoro mío,”Iwhisper under my breath.
Her head lifts, meeting my shocked stare. Her eyes grow to slits. “You want to make sure I’m safe?” she scoffs. “When you haven’t been in my life for the past four years and left me outside in the rain? Go fuck off.”
