by M. Sinclair
I just needed to know.
That was what I continued to tell myself. He didn’t owe me an explanation. We weren’t dating, and I wasn’t sure we were even friends. Heck, he didn’t even know about the not so teeny tiny crush I had on him. Inhaling sharply, I steeled myself and knocked quietly on the front door, revealing to myself just how terrified I was of finding out the truth.
Hey Stratton, I heard some girl was blowing you last night and I just wanted to check if that was true…
Almost immediately, the door opened, and my eyes ran over Stratton’s shirtless abdomen and chest. Holy Christ. My gaze moved over each tattoo as I inhaled and looked up to his amused gaze, trying to not forget why I was here in the first place. Wait… Why had I come over here again? I think it may have been to touch him? Something along those lines?
Stratton’s throat produced a small rumble, his bright eyes darkening with heat as he stepped into my space, his head tilting in a predatory move. Oh wow. I had not expected that look, and my body turned into hot molten lava that had me shifting slightly, my pulse going haywire once again.
How in the hell was I supposed to think with him looking like this!?
“What’s up, angel face?” he asked softly, his voice deeper and huskier than normal. Shivers broke across my skin, and my nipples tightened against my halter top almost painfully, a flush overtaking my face and body. Well, if he didn’t know his effect before, he would now since my face was pink.
Then I saw his busted lip.
A metaphorical bucket of ice water fell on me as my eyes narrowed on the injury, my fingers brushing over it without asking. He winced slightly, and a scowl overtook my face as I slid my hand onto his chest, not able to help myself, loving how his large frame overshadowed mine. I liked being wrapped up in their shadows.
“Dahlia?” he asked again, sudden anxiety invading my consciousness.
I stepped back and walked towards the porch swing, needing some distance from his sexiness. Stratton was staring at me with confusion as he sat next to me, offering me a cautious look. I didn’t blame him—I probably looked like a nut job.
“How was the fight?” I hedged, realizing that was where he had been last night for sure. How had I not noticed his lip before? It was far worse looking now, legitimately split open. I ran my fingers through my hair, waiting for his answer as his gaze tracked the movement carefully.
“It was pretty good,” he admitted, a cocky grin that had my pulse jumping invading his lips before his gaze darkened. “Although coming back home to find out some fucker attacked you made me wish I’d come with.”
Okay, that made me feel a bit better, honestly.
“That’s awesome,” I noted about the fight, moving past the comment about last night, needing to ask my question. “Do they ever hold parties and stuff afterwards?”
His head tilted as his gaze narrowed in thought, trying to understand where I was going with this. “Yeah, sometimes. Why?”
Nevermind, I didn’t feel better anymore.
“Just wondering.” I offered a wave before adding, “More curious than anything.”
Remind me to never go into any line of work that required questioning someone, ever. I was horrible at it.
“I don’t usually go to them. I went last night to have a beer but then came home. I’m glad I didn’t stay any longer than necessary.” His answer was honest and clear.
“I bet women are all over you after watching you fight,” I tried to tease him as his face turned more serious, his hand gently grasping mine from where it was playing with my hair, intertwining our fingers.
Was I being obvious? Of course I was being obvious. ‘Obvious’ was nearly my middle name.
“Angel, what is going on?” Oh, he switched to ‘angel.’ He only did that when he was serious.
“It sounds crazy,” I mumbled under my breath. “You’re going to think I’m crazy.”
As if he didn’t already.
“Try me.” He sounded amused, but I could see the concern there. I think he really wanted to know, and that boosted my confidence.
“I was at the club today, and Abby Brooks was there.” I felt the rambling start, and I knew it was going nowhere good. “She told me she saw you last night. I paid it no mind, but then she said you were in a compromising… actually, she said you were getting a blow job from some girl. I was just curious, not that I have a right to know, but more just to be updated—are you seeing anyone? There is nothing wrong if you are, but I am just curious.”
Wow. What the actual heck had just come out of my mouth? I was an embarrassment to all smooth-talkers out there. My rambling was an issue.
Stratton’s smile grew as he let out a deep, loud chuckle, running a hand down his face as if both frustrated and extremely amused. My cheeks flamed as I stood up, planning to leave, before he caught my wrist and tugged me back down onto his lap. My eyes widened, because holy moly he was hard. But I was still embarrassed. I had clearly said something he found funny, but since none of it was amusing to me, I felt more awful than before.
This had been a terrible idea.
“Dahlia, angel.” His voice was lower and more serious as he tilted my chin, my gaze drawn to his lips that were no longer pressed into a smile.
“Yeah?” I mumbled.
“I can promise you that no one was doing anything to me last night. I was hanging out with my buddy, having a beer. That’s it. With everything going on, I don’t have time to date. Plus, as you can tell, there is only one girl I’m into, and it’s not some chick at the fight ring.”
Was it weird that I wanted to be the one to do anything to him… nope, not doing that horse and pony show today. Wait, what had he just said? My eyes snapped to his as he offered me an arched brow, daring me to deny the very obvious proof right underneath me. At least I wasn’t alone with my attraction. I had no idea what to do with it, though.
I inhaled shakily. “I’m sorry. I know it’s none of my business, I just had to know—”
“I get it,” Stratton voiced seriously, his fingers running along my jaw as he scowled at the bruising there. What came out of his mouth, though, was something different. “What’s this I heard about you dating Dermot?”
I let out a small laugh and shook my head. “He told Abby that because she was being a witch.”
He nodded in amusement, his scowl disappearing before reappearing as his gaze moved down my legs. “You’re wearing that skirt tonight?”
Huh? I stood up, adjusting it before looking over the white material and cute little yellow halter top I’d chosen to wear. “Does it look cute?” I flashed a smile at his scowl. “You have to answer yes, though.”
“You look hot as fuck, angel face. Not cute,” Stratton drew out as my eyes widened.
“You can’t say stuff like that.” I tried to cover my smile by hitting his shoulder. “Imagine what your MeMaw would think.”
Ms. Lori, his grandma, who insisted everyone call her ‘MeMaw,’ would probably be scandalized. Or find it hilarious, one of those two.
I honestly had no idea what to do with this side of Stratton, but I was loving it. Like, a ton. Stratton mumbled something, running a hand over his face, before pinning me with a hot look. “The guys are going with you to the club, right?”
“You should come,” I sang while boldly running my fingers through his hair.
“I’d love to.”
His dry, sarcastic comment had my mouth popping open, a laugh escaping before I shook my head. What the heck was up with him today? I loved it. He should keep it up. His hand wrapped around my wrist as he kissed the top of it. “Sorry, angel face, I’ll keep my dirty thoughts to myself.”
“Well, I didn’t say that,” I teased, feeling a bit shy. I think I was flirting, and I was almost positive I was being successful at it.
He barked out another laugh before the sound of a familiar car pulling up had him looking over the top of my head. I kept my gaze on him. “You’re positive you don’t want to come
with?”
“I can’t,” he admitted, his eyes filled with disappointment.
“I can stay and keep you and your grandma company?” I offered. As much as I loved this party, I could also totally get behind a cozy couch night.
His eyes warmed with something soft, but he urged me towards the stairs. “Go have fun, Dahlia. I’ll be fine. I promise.”
“You sure?” Kingston asked from his rolled down window, his gaze filled with curiosity.
“I’m good,” Stratton called back. “But get her a sweater or some goddamn pants.”
I rolled my eyes, scowling at his hot, muscular back as he went inside. Overprotective weirdo. I hopped into the SUV as Lincoln let me squeeze between him and his twin, and Dermot tugged on my hair lightly from the back as I flashed him a smile. Usually King liked to drive his car, so it was surprising he had chosen this one, not that I would ever complain about riding in the Cadillac. It was one of my favorites.
Yates turned from the passenger seat and frowned.
“Has that skirt always been that short?” he demanded speculatively.
“Yep.” I popped the ‘p’ and then offered a smirk. “Haven helped me pick it out.”
“Kingston, this is your fault,” Yates growled before turning back towards the front. Oh thank god, he was back to his normal self. I wouldn’t want him to get too sweet or anything.
That was dangerous territory.
Chapter Twelve
Dahlia Aldridge
On our drive towards the club, I scrolled through King’s playlist on his phone, Yates scowling at my choices as I flashed him a smile, not caring what he wanted. I could feel Sterling’s fingers playing on my lower back as Lincoln said something to him that sounded nearly pained. I would have looked back, but honestly, I was a bit worried about meeting Sterling’s gaze. I shouldn’t have been, but I was nervous. Sue me.
After picking Janelle Monáe, I sat back, Lincoln’s hand wrapping around my thigh as I offered him a curious look. Sterling chuckled softly as his brother stared out the window, causing me to look up at him as my cheeks turned pink. I could see amusement and relief flash in his gaze at whatever he saw on my face, his lips pressing to my temple. I found myself relaxing after that.
See? Everything was fine. With Sterling and Stratton, at least. I could deal with my other insecurities later, because let’s face it—most of them weren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Unfortunately.
As we pulled through the security gate, I found myself bouncing in anticipation. The valet immediately stepped up as Kingston put the car into park and Lincoln stepped out, helping me jump down from the large SUV.
I let out a surprised sound as I nearly slammed into King’s muscular frame, his fingers closing on my waist as I met his heated green eyes. He looked over my outfit and muttered a small curse, making me frown.
“Is it really that bad?” I asked sincerely, not wanting to look inappropriate.
“No,” Lincoln interjected while casting King a look, his arm wrapping around me and pulling me from him. “Come on, Dahlia. Trust me, you look beautiful.”
I couldn’t help the smile that grew on my face at that.
“That’s the problem!” I thought I heard Yates yell, but I was distracted by Lincoln leading me to one of the golf carts parked out front that would allow us to make it out back to the lake in a speedy fashion.
“Thanks.” I flashed one of the attendants a smile as he met it, flashing dimples before looking over my shoulder. His smile disappeared as he paled slightly and ran off. I turned and looked at Lincoln, who was next to me, his sweet, relaxed smile making me wonder what the hell the attendant’s problem was.
“What was his problem?” I asked curiously as Lincoln started up the cart, leaving the other boys calling after us, making me almost laugh.
Lincoln’s eyes flashed behind his glasses. “Maybe he realized what a creep he was being, who knows?”
Creep? Had he been creepy? I leaned into him and moved past the thoughts, not wanting to miss the stunning way the course seemed to light up in the sunset. Plus, I may have been gazing a bit at Lincoln, wishing I’d brought my camera because of how gorgeous he looked tonight. His eyes flashed down to me as I snapped my gaze away, his soft chuckle making me feel only a bit embarrassed but far less when his arm tightened around me.
Clearly he didn’t mind me staring like a creep.
My concerns disappeared as I watched the bonfire grow in the distance, the last few beams of the sunset glinting off the lake. There were already a good amount of people there, including my own parents, no doubt, who, if I had to assume, were set up underneath the designated beer ‘tent’ here, which was far more of a pavilion with a massive bar. That wasn’t even including the vendors set up throughout the area, with drinks and food being served up left and right. The entire space smelled delicious, and music was starting up, making a hum fill my chest.
I had a feeling people were going to drink a lot tonight, including our parents. Something that didn’t happen very often in public, but was always hilarious, in my opinion. One time, when Mrs. Ross had been drunk, she’d told me that she already had an entire plan for my wedding and the perfect dress designer picked out. Haven hadn’t clarified who I would be marrying, but now I was curious about what she thought, because frankly it was far more appealing now that I had graduated.
I could feel eyes on us as our golf cart came to a stop, the boys shortly following. I smiled up at Dermot when he appeared at the side of my cart, taking his hand as he helped me hop out. Not that I needed help, but I would never say no to his offer, wanting to feel what his rough hand felt like against my own.
Before finding a place to sit, we made our way towards the large bar that was closest to the lake. A familiar bartender stood behind it and offered me a smile, making me a drink without asking what I wanted. My mom had called her an alcohol genius, and I couldn’t deny that she was just that. Whenever she worked an event, I made sure she made my drink. After I grabbed my vodka and lime soda, I went to go sit down at a table that overlooked the lake. I could feel the guys hovering slightly, and I had to wonder if I was imagining that or if they were really standing that close.
King’s fingers rested on my hip as he sat down next to me, Dermot to my other side, the two of them wrapping me in a warm, familiar cologne. I had the urge to hold Dermot’s hand, but I didn’t want to push it, because he had been nothing but friendly towards me. Although, we were supposed to be dating… which was why it was unsurprising what happened next.
In some ways, I was happy it occurred now, rather than later.
“Dahlia,” Abby’s voice sang as I looked up to find her and Max standing there, completely focused on me. The latter had a predatory look in his eye that I knew I wasn’t imagining, because King stiffened next to me. The happy tone that had been surrounding the table was suddenly far stiffer as I felt the twins and Yates go quiet, silencing any conversation.
“Abby, Max,” I leveled, trying to keep that indifferent attitude up.
“I never caught your boyfriend’s name, so I wanted to make sure we officially met,” she purred as Dermot’s hand tightened on my leg, almost making me jump.
“I didn’t offer it.”
Had I just said that? I tried to not show my surprise at my own words as Dermot literally chuckled next to me. Abby stared at me before her eyes traveled to King’s arm still around me.
“Are you sure you two are dating?” she questioned.
“Why the fuck do you care?” Yates voiced, causing Max to offer him a scowl.
“Just curious,” Abby said, putting her hands up defensively.
“You’re never just curious, Abby,” Sterling leveled.
“Now come on,” Abby said, putting a hand on his shoulder, but Sterling rolled it back, detaching.
“Do not touch me.” His voice turned colder than I’d ever heard it as Lincoln narrowed his gaze at Max, the entire space chilling. King seemed completely relaxed now next to
me, his fingers still smoothing over my back.
“You should go,” I told Abby.
Abby finally let a sneer take over her face before she turned on her heel and stalked away. Max just offered me an amused smile and followed, as usual saying nothing but being an absolute creep. I breathed out and took a sip of my drink.
“She’s annoying,” I pointed out.
“I wouldn’t use such a nice descriptor,” Lincoln mused.
“I preferred mine from earlier,” Dermot offered. I nudged him in the side, and he flashed a smile at me before looking at King. “She’s right though, King. Dahlia is my girlfriend.”
King’s chuckle was legitimately amused as his fingers tightened on me, but Dermot didn’t remove his hand from my leg, either. “Is that right?”
Looking between the two of them, I saw something pass that I wanted to question, but then I was distracted by the band starting up behind us. I turned, noticing how much more crowded the space had gotten.
“Can we go sit closer to the fire?” I asked, knowing it would fill up if we didn’t.
“Let’s go.” Yates hopped up, and I followed happily.
On our way towards the bonfire, we made our rounds a bit, saying hello to some of our previous classmates. Everyone seemed in fairly good spirits and we didn’t linger, ignoring Abby and their usual group that of course consisted of the worst of the worst.
Luckily, it didn’t seem the Brooks twins affected my boys all that much, and it gave me the strength to move past them as well, feeling proud of myself for standing up to Abby, even in just a small amount. I could hear the volume rise as the sun disappeared, letting me know that everyone in attendance would probably have a bit of a hangover tomorrow.
After a while, we ended up finding ourselves sitting on a large blanket near the massive fire pit as I sipped on my second drink of the night, nearly finished with it. I didn’t make a huge habit of drinking unless it was celebratory, but I felt like tonight would very much count. Maybe it was the conversation with Stratton, or maybe it was how the boys were acting and consistently touching me, but something about tonight felt different. I just wasn’t positive if that difference was good or bad.
