Part 17 (2/2)
”Good, because I have no intention of telling you.” My words cause her eyes to go wide just moments before we both start laughing.
”My G.o.d, I don't know how Harlee deals with you.” She laughs out, turning her attention to the door just to the right of the bar when it swings open and Decklan steps out.
He yawns and runs a hand through his messy hair, smiling when he catches sight of me and Kimber sitting at the bar.
”There you are,” he says the moment he reaches us, dropping a kiss on the top of Kimber's head before throwing me a nod.
”What are you doing up?” Kimber asks, swiveling her stool so that she is facing him.
”I woke up and you weren't there. I couldn't seem to go back to sleep after that.” He shrugs, not even trying to hide the fact that this girl completely f.u.c.king owns him.
I know the feeling.
”Sorry, I wasn't tired. Found this sorry sap drinking away his sorrows, so I thought I'd keep him company.” She throws a playful wink in my direction.
”Is that so?” Decklan turns his attention toward me. ”Anything I can do?” he asks, already knowing in full detail the events that took place after I left my mom's with Harlee the day before yesterday.
”Probably best to leave this to the professionals,” Kimber chimes in jokingly, sliding out of her stool to stand next to Decklan. ”Come on, let's get you back to bed.” She links her arm through his.
”I'm not really tired anymore.” He smiles down at her.
”Who said anything about sleeping.” She laughs when the realization of what she's saying finally seems to sink in.
”Night, dude.” Deck briefly lays a hand on my shoulder before throwing his arm around Kimber.
”Good luck,” Kimber speaks over her shoulder as Decklan leads her away. ”And don't make things worse.” She raises her voice as she gets further away.
”I'll do my best,” I holler back, laughing as her and Decklan disappear upstairs.
Chapter Twenty.
Harlee I have no idea why the h.e.l.l I'm doing this. I should have just ignored Kimber's phone call, and continued to pretend like my life isn't falling apart around me. But something made me answer it. Now here I am, driving two hours to Portland despite how late in the evening it is.
I just couldn't stop myself after hearing what Kimber had to say. I have to see him, now. I have to explain to him why I couldn't do what he asked of me. I know it isn't unreasonable. I should break things off with Bryan. It's what's best for everyone involved. But I just couldn't do it. Not like that. Not with him breathing down my neck and listening to every word.
He was so angry with me. I don't think I've ever had a man look at me the way Gavin looked at me that night. It was like part of him wanted to strip me bare and the other wanted to punch me in the face. The contradicting emotions made things more than a little difficult to read.
I've spent two days trying to convince myself that getting out of that truck and letting him drive away was the right move even though it's the last thing I wanted.
I'm done now. Being without him these past couple of days, not hearing his voice or his laugh, not feeling the warmth of him pressed up against me, has been enough to make me realize that some things are just worth sacrificing everything for.
He is worth everything and then some. I think it's about time I tell him this.
I call Bryan four times on my way to Deviants, but still haven't reached him by the time I pull into the parking lot behind the bar just after one in the morning. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I have been completely avoiding him since we went to dinner last week. As far as I know he's probably planning on ending things with me and all of this back and forth trying to save his feelings will have been for not.
I decide to try and call one more time before going inside to see Gavin. But like the other four times I've called, the phone goes straight to voicemail. This time, I decide to leave a message.
”Hey Bryan, it's me. Listen, we need to talk. Can you call me back when you get this?” I disconnect the call, killing the engine to Joy's Mercedes as soon as I pull into a spot at the back of the lot.
I tried returning the car to her last week only to find out she took an impromptu trip to the Florida Keys for a week and won't be home until the day after tomorrow. Now I'm glad I decided to keep it until she gets back, otherwise this trip wouldn't have really been an option. I'm not like Kimber. I can't endure a two-hour cab ride to Portland.
Taking a deep breath, I exit the car, tightening my coat around my shoulders as I make the cold walk around the building to the front entrance of the bar. I wish I had taken more time to get ready but this truly was a spur of the moment, now or never kind of thing, so Gavin's just going to have to deal with my leggings and oversized tunic. I'm sure I look every bit a hot mess, and I'm also sure that I really don't give a s.h.i.+t right now.
Given that it's one of their slower nights, there is no bouncer manning the front door, and I'm able to walk directly inside without drawing any attention to my arrival. It's no secret that Gavin and I have been hanging out and everyone that works here knows exactly who I am.
I slide my coat off and drape it over my arm the moment I step inside, the warmth of the bar a complete contrast to the bitter night air outside. I look around the room, scanning the faces of only a handful of customers before finally turning my attention to the female bartender who seems to notice my arrival instantly.
”Hey Val,” I say the moment I reach the bar. She barely looks up from where she's was.h.i.+ng gla.s.ses to give me a brief nod. ”Is Gavin still here or has he already left for the night?”
”Um...” She gives me a puzzled look and then gestures to her left drawing my attention to two people at the end of the bar.
It takes me a moment to recognize Gavin, not because he looks any different but because his face is almost completely hidden behind a big breasted, slender brunette that is practically sitting in his lap.
I ignore the sting of jealousy that floods through me as I set off in their direction, not really sure what's going on until I get close enough to hear them.
”Oh come on, Gav. You used to be so much fun.” The woman whines, grinding against his leg.
”And he used to not have a girlfriend.” I step up next to them, my eyes locking immediately with Gavin's, which go wide the moment he registers my face.
”Girlfriend?” The brunette pulls my attention to her as she steps up in front of me. ”You? Please.” She throws her head back and laughs, the sound slurred through her clear intoxication.
”As opposed to a catch like you,” I bite sarcastically, my nostrils flaring slightly.
I've never been in a real fight in my entire life, but given the amount of adrenaline pumping through me at the current moment, I have no doubt I could knock this b.i.t.c.h on her a.s.s and not even break a sweat.
”Now, ladies,” Gavin chimes in, pulling both of our gazes to him as he stands, stepping between us. ”It was good seeing you again, Abbey,” he says to the brunette. ”Val will get you a cab when you're ready to leave.” He turns, ignoring her clear disappointment as his attention comes to me.
”As for you, come with me.” His tone is harsh and clipped as his hand closes around mine. In one quick tug, he's pulling me behind him, away from the bar and down the hallway that houses the bathrooms.
At first, I think he's leading me toward the back entrance but then he veers left, pus.h.i.+ng his way through the door that leads into a small storage closet where they keep cleaning supplies and other various things stocked.
The room goes pitch black when he slams the door shut just moments after pulling me inside but then the light flickers on, basking us in a dim yellow glow.
”What the f.u.c.k are you doing here?” He takes a commanding step toward me causing me to step back.
”I needed to see you,” I stutter out, taking another step backward until my back hits the cold steel of the door.
”I thought I was pretty clear the last time we spoke.” He steps directly into me, his chest pressing into mine as his face hovers just inches away.
It isn't until now that I notice the alcohol on his breath or the bright red streaks that line his eyes.
”I'm sorry, did I ruin your fun?” I spit, anger creeping through my spine at the thought of what may have happened between him and that woman had I not shown up.
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