Page 37 of I'm Sorry

Freedom.

Before I make it out of our community, though, I notice the oxidized and faded headlights of Benny’s Prelude behind me. That fucker. I should have known I’d get nothing by him. He knew what I was up to. I should be mad, but I’m not because, really, he’s saving me from myself, and I owe him that. I chuckle nervously, waiting for him to come up beside me to put a stop to my shenanigans, but he doesn’t. Instead, he hangs back and lets me have this ride. For that, I’ll graciously accept any anger he has towards me when we make it to the club. Appreciation barrels through me and, with a sense of safety, I settle into my ride and decide to forego any further unsafe and irrational decisions as a thank you to my perfect boyfriend.

The ride goes smoothly,with Benny keeping a distance but staying promptly in my rearview mirrors. I pull into the parking lot of the club and turn off the engine. Benny’s Prelude slides into the spot next to me. I expect to get an expression of displeasure but Benny doesn’t look at me, so I waste no time getting off of my bike and removing my helmet and gloves. I loop the straps through the hook on my bike and lock it down.

As I’m fluffing out my hair, Benny gets out of his car and shuts the door.

“You saw me move my bike.” He chuckles.

“It was just a matter of if you were going to tell me you were going or not.” I nod, annoyed with myself on so many levels. One that I wasn’t good enough at getting my bike out there, but also for doing it in the first place. I lied to him and to everyone else. A lie that could’ve put me in a massive amount of danger. Hell, I’m surprised my parents haven’t called the cops and had them meet me here. Speaking of…

“You told my dad?” Rounding the car, Benny shakes his head.

“No. He apparently has motion detectors located toward the end of the driveway now. He saw you wheeling your bike and went out to bring it back up, but I caught him. He’s not happy with you at all, baby, but he also doesn’t want to push you away either. I convinced him to let this go, to let you have this.” I cringe.

Damn it! I can’t even make one reckless decision in my own life! What an idiot. Frustrated, I huff out a breath. Daddy is going to be so pissed with me, but I knew that going into this, and I’m prepared to stand my ground. Still, I can’t deny how good it feels to have them both looking out for me so thoroughly—protecting me from myself.

“Thank you. And I’m sorry I lied.” Benny stands before me and turns me to face him. He places one hand on my shoulder and the other on my cheek, melting away all the turmoil from the day. I’ve been so irate at the world since leaving his room last night that we have spoken little all day. We’ve given one another space, yet when he finished with work, he was back in the guest house, needing to be close to me.

“Technically, you didn’t lie. You just omitted the fact that you were going to the club until the last minute.” I laugh and he smiles, gray eyes searching mine. “But never do that shit again, yeah?”

“I love you,” I tell him and lean in for a kiss.”

“I love you, too. I know we have some things from last night to clear up, but can we call a truce for right now and enjoy this night? You’ve worked way too hard to get here and have a shitty time.”

“I’d like that.” He kisses my forehead, then his hands roam down my body to find my ass and give it a squeeze.

“Mmm… You’re wearing the good jeans.” His kiss lands on my lips this time, his tongue diving in to explore my mouth like it’s the first time. I moan softly, turned on at the public display of affection even though there aren’t many outside with us judging from the quiet of the lot. “Also, I’m pretty sure you have a few texts from your dad. He’s been texting me the entire way, and I have to let him know that we’re here.”

With a strained laugh, I force myself back from Benny and pull my phone from my leather riding jacket, which I then take off and drape over my seat.

Daddy: You’d better be home by midnight, Lennox Ford.

Nervous laughter trickles out that turns into one of relief. I’m really not good at being a rebel. Never mind the fact that I’m eighteen, Daddy has just given me a sort of blessing even after I’ve defied his wishes and put myself in danger. He’s telling me through this one message that he cares.

Me: Yes, sir.

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

LENNOX

I’m hopingthat some dancing and being active will help dispel some of the energy I have wiring through me. We’re all dressed up, Benny looking hot as fuck in a tight black shirt that stretches taut across his broad chest and a brand new pair of blue jeans hugging his thighs. His metallic gray eyes scan my frame repeatedly, desire flooding from them and boiling so hot it burns in my body as well. He’s got his hair freshly faded, nearly skin tight on the sides, bronze curls falling into his face, and he’s so sexy, I can’t believe he’s mine.

Juniper’s curves are draped in a strapless dress that falls just under her ass, leaving her lengthy legs on full display. Her short hair is twisted into loose curls and her smokey makeup is perfectly done.

Lauren is her complete opposite, giving me witchy vibes in her floor-length, black gown, and darker makeup. Her bright green hair falls naturally to her hips, crystals hanging from the leather tie around her neck. She has a pink drink in one hand, and I’m sure if I look in the clutch she’s carrying I’ll find her Kindle. Her boyfriend …is doing his best to get her to dance, but she insists on finishing her drink first. I suppress my giggle at my friend and Juniper grabs my hand to lead me to the dance floor. I shove away my nerves, suppressing my thoughts, and try to just let my hair down.

“Fuck, those hips, baby.” Benny slaps my ass, his hands popping off of my tight jeans as we make our way to the dance floor.

“I’m gonna get us some water. Be right back,” he tells me after he’s satisfied with mine and Juniper’s position on the dance floor. Part of his new, even more protective ways—always putting me where I’m never out of sight and not too far out of reach. Not long after he walks away, Lauren sidles up next to me, boyfriend right behind her. He places his hands on her hips and leans down to kiss her neck.

“I need a man,” Juniper whines, eyes glued to our dancing bestie and her beau.

“Maybe just get laid. You and relationships don’t mix, sis.” She frowns and I can already see she’s unsteady from the one drink she’s consumed. Such a lightweight.

Our group dances until our hearts are beating like mad and sweat is dripping from nearly every pore. Benny hasn’t left my backside since he brought us back some water, which I don’t mind. I want my love here with me, enjoying this moment. Plus, he’s a damn good dancer and has me so turned on I’m ready for him to take me to the bathroom and ravage me. I don’t care who hears us or sees us, I just want him.

I lean in close so he can hear me over the music. “I want you.”

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