Page 17 of Bonita Brynne

Hot, humid air smacked me in the face. The hazy, dull sky appeared dark and foreboding, like in movies when something terrible was about to happen. Grim music would have amped up the intensity of the scene unfolding before me. Not that I needed anything more. I was anxious and on edge, as it was. My flight or fight was on high alert.

I closed the door as people exited the entrance and hugged Joseph. They treated him like a celebrity… a hero.

“I am so happy you’re home.” A blonde woman in booty shorts and a hot-pink tube top kissed his cheek. I wouldn’t allow myself to overreact even though jealousy sprouted in my chest.

It’s an innocent kiss. She’s a friend… a gorgeous, sexy friend.

“Not more than me,” a tall bearded man said in a severe tone. He had black hair and tattoos on his arms. The patch on his leather cut saidPresident, so his name must’ve been Storm. Joseph had talked a little about him.

I stayed against the passenger door, out of the way, while a couple of other guys greeted Joseph like they hadn’t seen him in decades. The brotherly hugs they shared were rough yet sincere. These people were his family, and it was easy to see they loved him.

Why was I tearing up?

“Brynne?” a beautiful brunette said. “I’m happy to meet you. I’m Maddy, Storm’s wife.” She reached her hand out to me.

I shook it and forced myself to smile. “Nice to meet you.” My gaze lowered to her round tummy. She was obviously pregnant, and her pregnancy glow brightened my gloomy surroundings a little bit.

Suddenly, every pair of eyes were on me. My heart galloped like a wild horse fearing for its freedom. Was I supposed to say something? Was I not what they had expected?

Maybe they blamed me for Raymond’s kidnapping. I certainly did.

“Let’s go inside.” Joseph came to my side and put his hand on my back.

The distance I’d felt earlier had grown greater. It didn’t matter if he was near me. He was different. Distracted. Hardened. Perhaps embarrassed and ashamed.

“Yeah, come on.” Storm jerked his chin, took his wife’s hand, and they went inside. “Church in ten,” he shouted.

“Are you okay?” Joseph asked as we followed the others.

“Sure. You?” My stomach roiled as the lie left my lips.

He didn’t answer as he held the door for me. Commotion exploded in the building when he entered. More guys hugged Joseph and women squealed with delight seeing him.

A few ladies jumped into his arms.

Two kissed him on the lips like they were very familiar with him.

My vision blurred. I couldn’t breathe as I backed away from the crowd, unsure which way to go. Somehow, we’d ended up in a bar. Music was playing, neon signs beamed, and beers were passed around.

I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror hanging on the wall. Mortification crashed down on me when I noticed my appearance. I looked like a hot mess. My hair was disheveled. Dark circles under my eyes. I needed a shower desperately after all the sex I’d had last night. I hoped no one could smell Joseph on me.

“Brynne, are you okay?” Maddy asked, concern marring her pretty face.

“No. Where’s the bathroom?” Any second I would be sick.

“Down the hallway on the left. Do you want me to get Track?”

“Who?” I screwed up my face in confusion.

“Oh, um.” She turned toward the bar. “I mean, Joseph.”

“Oh. Right. No.” I bolted for the bathroom when bile raced into my throat. I burst through the door, went into the closest vacant stall, and retched into the toilet bowl.

The tears I’d held back came next.

I should’ve never agreed to come here. I don’t belong here.

I’m alone.

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