Page 2 of Lost Love

“Connor, that’s low.” Magnus narrowed his eyes, his tone clipped.

Fuck, what did he expect marrying a prom queen who had decided the handyman was a better option three months into the marriage?

“I think we need to get you some water.” Ari pressed his arm around my shoulder, dragging me toward the bar. Reluctantly, I went, casting my gaze toward Lourde’s living room turned dance floor.

If I couldn’t drink my distraction, at least there was Pepper. A younger guy hovered crazy close to her body, wriggling his way into her space and wrapping his arms around her waist. Clean-cut, fresh-faced, and a younger version of myself, he was a distraction, nonetheless, but an annoying one at that.

Approaching the bar, Ari signaled the bartender, who was distracted by a busty redhead. “Water, thanks.”

I let out a groan.

“You’ll thank me when tomorrow rolls around,” Ari said. “You know I love you like a brother, man, we all do. But this has got to stop.”

I rolled my eyes. “What are you, my dad?”

“No, and if Alfred saw you, he’d send you on a one-way ticket to rehab.”

“Yeah, well, fuck him,” I spat out just as the bartender slid across the ice water.

“Thanks.” Ari nodded, grabbing the glass and shoving it into my chest.

“Drink this, and go home. Sleep it off,” he said and walked toward our table. Magnus hovered over to a nearby girl, and Barrett had disappeared.

I gulped down the water, slamming down the empty glass as the bartender watched on. All the while, I couldn’t keep my eyes off Pepper. Thankfully, Lourde had disappeared, so now it was time to go over and see exactly how much she wanted to forget about her ex. She would not be doing so with the guy currently pawing at her if I had anything to say about it.

Pushing through the crowd of people, I found my way toward Pepper. His hands were now on her body, sliding around her waist, and my skin bubbled with rage, watching him touch her.

I towered over her petite frame as I approached her. The scent of orchids and roses invaded my senses, and I couldn’t stop myself from breathing deeply.

When she looked up at me and I stared down, her delicious tits caught my eye before I met her gaze again.

“What is it, Connor?” She placed both hands around the guy’s neck like my presence meant nothing to her.

Had she done that on purpose? Little did she know it took a hell of a lot to scare me off.

Anyone else would feel self-conscious watching another couple dance, but I didn’t give a flying fuck. I didn’t give him the time of day as I kept my focus on her. Apparently, it bothered him to some degree, as his attention fell on me.

“Hey, man. Can’t you see we’re in the middle of something here,” he huffed out before immediately recognizing me and lowering his arms. His posture stiffened.

Ignoring him, I whispered in her ear, “So no Jake then?”

She peeled her arms away from the guy, and he grumbled out something inaudible over the reverberating bassline.

“There are a million girls here. Go find another fuck.”

Pepper arched a mocha-colored eyebrow and, with a nod of her head, motioned toward the balcony. I followed.

“Was that necessary?” she asked, turning to face me. “I know you’re Connor Diamond, but fuck.”

Why did I like the way my name rolled off her tongue?

“I am Connor Diamond, and I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks of me.”

“Hunkholes,” she quipped.

“Hunkholes?” I laughed out loud.

“What is it you want, Connor?” she asked, a blush creeping up her exposed chest.

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