Page 6 of Bully's Darkness
Laura grabs my hand and gives it a quick squeeze. “It’s gonna be okay, Livvy.”
I nod. “I can’t believe I wasted five years of my life on him.”
“Eight, if you count the three before he went inside,” Bria says while Stacy tops up two shot glasses. I take mine and drink it, holding it out for a second refill because I’m about to break the rule again.
“I knew he wouldn’t walk away completely,” I explain, “but I thought he’d at least consider me in his plans. I waited all day to see him. I even booked us a—”
“Night at the Marriott,” the girls sing-song, and I laugh.
“Sorry, I’m just so pissed about the entire thing. I thought we were gonna have a great night planning our future.”
“You should shag someone else,” Bria announces, looking around the bar.
I screw my nose up. “It’s not even been a few hours.”
“She’s right, Bria,” Lisa cuts in. “Tonight is about forgetting men.”
“We’re single, we should have some fun,” Bria argues as she slides from the booth. “I’m going to check out the talent in this place.”
“Don’t come back until you find us a wealthy group of hot men,” Claudia shouts after her.
I roll my eyes, shaking my head as I push to stand. “I’m going to find a bathroom. Please don’t let my sister embarrass herself.”
As I’m waiting in line, my handbag vibrates, and I reach in for my mobile. The number is unknown, so I cancel it. Seconds later, a text message comes through, and I groan.
Unknown: Save my new number. Where are you?
I save it.Of course, I do.
Me: I’m not telling you and I don’t need your number.
Bully: I’m coming to find you. I need to see you.
Me: We’re over. Leave me the fuck alone.
I stuff my phone away, anger coursing through me that he’d think it was that simple to sort our shit out. He’s proved he can’t change. The only thing I’m surprised about is that he’s not holed up in his room with a club whore.
When I get back to the table, Bria is back with a group of men, and I groan dramatically. “Here she is,” cries Bria, smiling wide as she waves her hand in my direction. The men make a clearing, and I take my seat at the table, avoiding eye contact. “This is my younger sister, Livvy.”
“Olivia,” I correct, risking a glance up. They’re not the usual type of men you find on a night out in Nottingham. Especially in a dive bar like Tudor’s.
The one nearest to me holds out his hand, and I take it without question. A smile pulls at his lips. “Darren,” he greets. “Your sister said you need cheering up.”
I shake my head, feeling my cheeks redden slightly. “She’s drunk. Ignore her.”
He slides in beside me, forcing me to move along the booth. “She was pretty insistent.”
I watch as Bria chats with one of his friends. He’s definitely her type, with tattoos, piercing green eyes, and broad shoulders, but looking at the group, they’re all similar in description. “Are you brothers?” I ask, and he smirks.
“Of sorts.”
Dread fills me. “Bikers,” I confirm, my heart rate picking up.
“And what do you know about bikers?” he asks, a smile still playing on his lips.
“Way more than I want to,” I say firmly. “Bria,” she looks over, “we need to go.” The rest of the women are also chatting with the men, and I sigh in frustration. I’m nothing to do with the Royal Bastards anymore, but it’s ingrained in me that I shouldn’t be talking to another club unless they’ve been checked out and approved. “I need to get out,” I add, waiting for Darren to move, but in true cocky biker style, he just leans back so I have to climb over him to get out.
I grab Bria and drag her a few steps away. She glares at me with irritation. “What’s wrong with you?” she snaps.
