Page 63 of Loving the Sinner
Matt has snagged us a table in the back corner, and it looks like the others are getting drinks. We join Matt, who’s scowling at a girl across the way. She’s not facing me, but she’s got bright pink hair, is wearing the tiniest leather skirt, fishnets, a hot pink tube top, and black combat boots. She’s talking to a group of guys, throwing her hair over her shoulder as she laughs.
I feel Wes stiffen as he follows my gaze to the girl.
“What the hell is she doing here? She knows this is where we come. She hates this place.” Wes grumbles to Matt.
“I don’t know, man, I’m sorry. If you want to head out, you know we’d all understand.”
“Who is she?” I ask, turning to face Wes. His body is tenser than it was in the car, his jaw is so strained I’m worried he’s going to cause permanent damage, but this is different than the tension in the car. That was lust. This is pure hatred.
“That’s Shelby.” Matt answers.
Chapter 29
Wes
I’m seeing red, and it’s not just the flashing lights of the club. I have no feelings other than disgust and hate for Shelby Reynolds, and I never wanted to see her and her lying face again. Especially when I’m trying to have a fun night out with my friends and my girl.
Elli looks murderous as soon as Matt says her name, but when she looks at me she softens and leans closer to me. I inhale her familiar coconut and vanilla smell and feel marginally better. I just hope to God Shelby stays the fuck away from us.
“I can’t believe that bitch is here tonight, of all nights.” Robin hisses as she brings a tray of drinks. She slides me over my usual on nights like tonight: a good old fashioned root beer, and hands another one to Elli.
I’m surprised to see Elli’s not drinking, but I don’t want to make her feel weird so I’m not going to ask.
“Elli, wanna do tequila shots?” Sav waggles her eyebrows at my girl, and Elli shudders.
“Absolutely the fuck not, thank you.” She faux gags, and everyone chuckles at her.
Tequila. That’s probably what made her so wasted that night.
Sav and Robin down their whiskey shots and pull Elli to the dance floor, leaving me with Matt, Sean, and Drew.
Fifteen minutes later, the girls are still swaying on the dance floor toWannabeby the Spice Girls. Elli’s hips are calling to me like a siren’s song. I’m about to go to her when I feel a tap on my shoulder and I swear the temperature drops thirty degrees because I already know who it is. I can smell the cheap vodka and the cigarettes before I even turn around.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t my songbird.” Shelby’s voice grates against my every nerve ending.
“I’m not your anything, Shelby.” I say, not taking my eyes off my girl.
She scoffs, “Come on, Wes. We both know I’m the best you’ll ever have. I’m even willing to take you back, especially after that beautiful song you wrote about the lady bugs or whatever.” Her hot pink clawed hand starts tracing a line up my arm, and I grab the hand quickly and shove it off.
I feel Sean, Drew, and Matt eyeing me carefully, gauging if they need to step in. I turn my whole body to Shelby and get a good look at her for the first time in over two years.
She looks worn. Smoking two packs a day will do that to you I guess. The bags under her eyes are purple, even through the caked on makeup she has on.
My tone is harsh as I reply. “First of all, you were far from the best I’ve ever had. Second, I wouldn’t get back together with you if it was the only thing that could save humanity. Third, that song is not for your disgusting ears. It’s for my girl, the one who’s finally pieced me back together after your claws tore me apart. I never want to see you again, Shelby. Get the fuck out of here and go back to whatever boytoy is currently funding your vices.”
Shelby opens her mouth to respond, but a head of chocolate brown waves covers my view.
“Is this your new flavor of the week, Wes? Isn’t she a little…heavyfor your taste? Damn, you’ve really downgraded. This fat bitch is never going to be able please you-”
“Listen, bitch,” Elli interrupts harshly, “I may be fat but that just means there’s more of me to love. Sorry, not sorry you let go of the best guy in the world because you were dumb. Never speak to or about Wes again. In fact, don’t even look at him because I’m not fucking afraid to fight.” Elli’s voice is calm as she backs Shelby into the wall.
My dick and heart are so confused because I’m scared for Elli’s safety- Shelby's a loose cannon- but it’s so damn hot watching her stand up for me.
No one’s ever stood up for me like that before, definitely not someone I’ve dated, and I fall a whole lot more in love with this feisty girl.
Shelby’s indifferent mask slips back on and she literally hisses at Elli. “Fuck you.” And walks away.
Elli turns to me, her face red, her body vibrating with anger. I pull her into my arms and squeeze her, trying to convey my gratitude and how much I appreciate her.
