Page 67 of Cheater and the Saint
17
Leo
Since the party wasn’t far, I’d decided to walk, needing the fresh air to clear my head. It wasn’t working. As I walked down the sidewalk, my red cape blowing in the breeze and creating an interesting shadow on the concrete, I thought of Saint.
When he’d admitted that morning that he only wanted to be with me… well, it’d freaked me out a little.
If I’d known he’d get attached to me, I wouldn’t have agreed to be fuck buddies. However, I was aware it was partly my fault. He’d only suggested the no-strings-attached fun because I’d admitted I wanted to keep seeing him.
When I kissed him goodbye before I left, my heart had broken a little because I knew I wasn’t the kind of guy he deserved. The condom I’d slipped in my pocket before walking into the living room to him felt like it weighed a ton. A condom I intended to use on a certain red head.
“Keep going down the road you’re on, and you’ll end up old and alone.”My brother’s words drifted back to me.
My chest felt tight, and I rubbed at it. Out of all the people I’d been with, Saint was the one I could really see myself with. That wasn’t me, though. I wasn’t a faithful guy. All of my past relationships were failures because I couldn’t—wouldn’t—settle down.
I was too much in denial to consider the reason for me being that way.
As the house came into view, I pushed all of those thoughts out of my head. If there was ever a night when I needed to get shitfaced, it was that one.
The Halloween party was already packed when I arrived. Most of the girls were in outfits that barely covered their bodies—which, hey, I wasn’t complaining about. There was a slutty Snow White, and more of the princesses, all in short skirts, garters, and heels. Some of the guys weren’t in costume, but most of them were.
I grinned at the giant hot dog that was going around asking people if they wanted some of his meat.
“Dude!” A guy said, pointing at my nametag. “I fucking love it. Get this Captain a drink, people!”
And just as simple as that, I was in the group. Within minutes, I was standing with other guys and laughing like I’d known them for years. So far, I hadn’t seen any familiar faces, but when you were extroverted, there wasn’t such a thing as a stranger. I made friends with everyone.
Loud rap music played overhead, the bass pounding through the speakers and rattling some of the pictures on the walls. Red cups filled my vision as people poured drinks and drank themselves into a stupor. Bodies grinded on other bodies, and hands slipped between clothing—under a girl’s skirt or into a dude’s pants.
I grabbed a beer and walked through the party, taking it all in. Trying not to think about Saint at home, who was probably upset. I looked at my phone, debating on texting him. I didn’t know what I’d say, other thanI wish you were here.Which confused me even further.
We’d been happy the past two weeks. In fact, it was the happiest I’d been in a long time. If ever. Why couldn’t I say fuck it and ask him to be my boyfriend?
Because monogamy fucking sucks and I’m a slut.
I’d only end up hurting him. At least this way there was an understanding. Less pressure.
Seeing Tayte moving through a crowd of dancing clowns and bumblebees, I approached him.
“Hey, fuck face,” I said, getting his attention. “Funny meeting you here.”
Tayte was dressed as a Spartan—wearing a red cape, a loincloth looking thing, and those sandals that had straps around the legs. Not going to lie, he was fucking hot and had the perfect body for it.
“Captain Douche?” he asked in a dry tone. “Really, L?”
“Yeah, it was Saint’s idea,” I said, smiling at the mention of him. Dammit. “He wasn’t serious when he said it, but I loved the idea.”
“Why isn’t he here with you?” Tayte focused on something behind me, and when I turned, I saw a girl dressed as a bunny saunter by, giving him a seductive little wave.
“Parties aren’t his thing,” I answered, watching as Tayte stared her down before moving his gaze back to me. “I didn’t know Spartans liked bunnies.”
He smirked. “Oh, yeah. Spartans were great hunters. Rabbits were fast and hard to catch, but it made it all the more satisfying.”
“Uh huh.” I adjusted my cape. “Well, I’ll let you go hunt. I’m gonna find another drink.”
Making my way to the kitchen, I was stopped several times by someone commenting on my costume or by girls asking me to dance. I danced a little, but not having enough booze in me, I wasn’t feeling up to it yet. That soon changed.
After three more beers and two mixed drinks, I was feeling great. Happy.
