by Nola Marie
The truth is, it probably would have because it scared the fuck out of Zoey all over again. She had to relive those memories and nightmares all over again. Whether we found out what happened five minutes later or five years, it was going to affect her.
The elevator stops on the twelfth floor with a ding. The doors slide open allow me to stumble my way out. I am probably six feet from Tori’s room when I realize Maddox is at her door. I watch as she opens the door for him. He props a hand on each side. He shoulders are hunched and his head looks down.
Tori wraps him into a hug, but that hug turns to a kiss. That kiss turns to him hoisting her up with her legs going around his waist. He walks into the room with her then slams the door behind him.
Anger. Lots and lots of anger builds inside of me. I turn back toward the elevator to go in search of that redhead. Fitting considering right now all I see is red.
Tori
“FUCK!” I hear making me jump out of a pretty deep sleep.
My head pounds and the room spins, as I struggle to remember where I’m at.
“No, no, no, no. This isn’t happening. This didn’t fucking happen.”
My eyes struggle to focus. My ears fight to understand and recognize the voice. I look down to see that I am totally naked. My bare breasts are on full display as I sit up in the bed.
I begin remembering lips, hands, and -. OH MY GOD. Maddox and me.
“Shit!” I hiss as I pull the sheet back up to cover myself. I look around to see a totally naked Maddox scrambling to find his clothes that have been thrown in various places around the room.
I climb out of the bed, taking the sheet with me to find my own clothes. Out of my bag I quickly work myself into a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. I come across Maddox’s jeans and underwear and throw them at him. “This doesn’t leave this room,” I hiss at him.
“No fucking shit, Tori. What the fuck?”
“How much did we have to drink?” I question as I try to remember the details of the night before.
He winces but doesn’t look at me. “I don’t know how much you had to drink. I was too busy trying to get myself drunk. Plus, you left before me.”
I huff out a breath. This is not the best thing to wake up to. To realize you’ve slept with your friend and have no real recollection of the events. But still, he’s acting like we’ve committed some sort of atrocious crime.
Once he has himself decent, I walk to him to make him stop for one second. He tries to shrug me off. “Maddox, stop being a dick,” I tell him angrily. “Whatever happened, we’re two consenting adults. Stop acting like we’ve done something wrong.”
He shakes his head with a humorless laugh. He drags his fingers through this expensive haircut. “How the fuck would you know if you consented, Tori? You were plastered.”
“Are you serious right now? You think that you took advantage of me? Maddox, I might have been wasted, but I remember enough to know I was a willing participant. Extremely willing.”
“Neither one of us knew what the fuck we were doing,” he says squeezing the bridge of his nose.
“Exactly, and that’s why no one is going to find out about this. Right?”
He finally looks at me. He gives a dark chuckle then shakes his head. “No one finds out,” he finally agrees.
“And we’re good. We can’t act weird around each other or everyone will know something happened.”
He pulls me into a hug with a kiss to the top of my head. “We’re good, Tori, but now I’ve got to stop saying you’re like a sister to me.”
I slap his chest with a laugh. “You’re such an ass.”
“Never claimed to be anything else. You feeling any better about Zane?” He’s looking at me with worry in those damn bright blue eyes.
“You feeling better about Zoey?” I counter with a raised brow.
“I’ve been hung up on her for eight fucking years,” he shrugs. “Don’t figure I’ll be getting over it just because she and Jax got married. Hell, they may as well have gotten married when they were eight. Look at us. Both fucked in the head over those twins.”
I laugh again. “Well, mine is more of a crush.”
“He’s being an ass,” Maddox growls.
“I can’t say I blame him. I would be the same way if it were Cara.”
He moves to sit on the sofa in the room pulling me beside him. I curl into him as I realize somewhere along the way Maddox really did become my friend in the three years since I met him. Possibly my best friend as I think on some of the things that I told him over the years.
“You’ll be okay, Tori. You are too goddamn tough not to be.”
He’s right. I’ve never let myself get hurt by a guy. I’ve never let myself care enough about a guy to get hurt. The only reason Zane is different is because he’s Zoey’s brother. I like him, but he’s just another guy.
At least that’s what I keep telling myself.
“So, at least tell me it was good,” Maddox says. I turn to look at him with confusion until I realize what the ass is referring to. He waggles his eyebrows at me making me laugh again.
“Yeah, Mads, it was good. What I remember anyway. At least a seven. Possibly an eight.”
“What the fuck? That’s it?” he grins wider.
I elbow him in the stomach making him grunt. “Stupid dumbass.”
“I need to get to my room to pack.”
“Yeah. I do to. Meet you downstairs in half an hour?”
He nods as he stands. I walk him to the door with my arms around his waist. I open the door as the room across from me opens. I see Zane walk out with the redhead he was talking to last night.
I don’t mean to, but I completely freeze at the sight. Jealousy, hurt, and anger course through me, but there’s absolutely no reason for it. We’re not together. We’ve only been on a couple of dates for God’s sake. But, dammit, if it doesn’t get to me.
Then suddenly, Maddox grabs me by the face, planting his lips on mine. Sober, I realize we have a lot more chemistry than I ever had with Ryder, and the sex with him was great - I think. But it’s still not the fire I felt when Zane kissed me.
He pulls back, lowers his mouth to my ear. “Was he watching?” I swallow hard with a nod. “Good. Son of a bitch needs to pull his head out of his ass. He barely tolerates me, so he’ll definitely be thinking about this for a long time.”
I look up at him with a wide smile. “Thanks, Mads,” I say loudly enough for Zane to hear.
Maddox winks at me and walks away. Zane stares angrily at him then turns his gaze to me. When our eyes meet, I allow him a breath of a moment before turning around and slamming the door.
Thirty minutes later, I’m downstairs waiting on Maddox so we can catch a cab to the airport. The elevator dings. I turn around in the lobby to see Zoey coming out of the elevator. Behind her is Zane and Maddox each being escorted, to put it nicely, by a very pissed off Jax. Zane and Maddox are each sporting busted lips and black eyes.
Zoey walks to me with a very concerned look on her face. “What happened?” I ask as I take in the smirk on Maddox’s face and the fury on Zane.
“Jax went looking for Zane. Found him and Maddox in Maddox’s room going at it.”
“Oh God this is all my fault.” I feel horrible. Zoey’s worried face pulls at my guilt as does the growing bruise on Maddox’s cheek.
And Zane. He’s so angry. So, pissed. I know that’s my fault too. Although, at this moment, I don't care how angry he is. I'm fucking pissed myself because he is being an asshole.
“No. This is Zane’s fault,” Zoey declares loudly glaring at her brother. “He can’t get mad at you for anything or Maddox. He’s the one who made the decision to ignore you.”
Jax pushes Maddox my way. Maddox leans into my space with another smirk. “It’s not your fault, Tori, but it sure is fun seeing him all worked up, isn’t it? Mr. easy-going is quite worked up but I’ve always had that effect on him.”
Zane starts to go after Maddox again c
ausing Jax to grab him again.
I narrow my eyes at him. At the audacity he has. The nerve on him to think he can act the way he is. I walk to him them grab him by the hand dragging him away from the rest of the group. When I’m sure we’re out of earshot, I whip around to face him. My own fury fills me, and I am certain it is reflected in my face. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I blast him. “Who the hell do you think you are?”
“When did you start fucking Masters?” he growls.
My eyes go wide as I realize he must have seen when Maddox and I went into my room last night. But I don’t allow myself to flush with embarrassment or shame. I am twenty-two years old, and Zane Valen isn’t my boyfriend. He has ignored me for weeks. I have done absolutely nothing wrong. “That was one time because we were both very, very drunk, and dealing with something. Not that I owe you any kind of explanation. You have avoided my calls and text for weeks. You barely looked at me last night and when you did, it was with disdain. You've treated me like fucking trash, and I've got news for you Mr. Valen, I am not trash. Not to mention the fact that you had that redhead leaving your room this morning.”
“I found the redhead after I saw Maddox carrying you into your room with your mouths glued to each other as I was on my way to talk to you.”
I fight down the feeling of guilt that threatens to rise. I had no idea Zane was coming to talk to me. How could I have known? He treated me like shit all night, looking at me like I grew horns. I tell him as much with venom lacing my tone.
“You and Masters a thing now?”
I almost laugh at the ridiculousness of the conversation. It is absolutely insane that he is acting like this. It is insane that I keep having feelings of guilt bubble in my stomach.
“You know what Zane, not that it’s your business, but no, we are not a thing. It was a one-time thing because we both were seeking a little comfort and distraction last night. Maddox was trying to forget his heart is broken and I was trying to forget how the first guy I ever really fucking liked kept giving me the brush off. But it was definitely a one off. A thing of the past. Just like how I feel for you. A mistake I won't be making again.” I turn from him to march off.
“Tori,” he says grabbing my arm. Without thinking, just knowing that I want him to stop touching me, I quickly turn, tweaking his arm until it is wrenched behind him then force him to the ground.
“Do not fucking touch me again. You do not get to treat me like trash then touch me. I don’t give a fuck who you are.”
I let go of him then walk toward the others. Zoey’s eyes are wide with shock. Maddox is trying hard not to laugh, but the smile is there regardless. Jax looks like he’s not sure if he wants to hang onto his anger or laugh himself. Finally, he turns to me. “Get him out of here,” he gestures to Maddox.
“He didn’t do anything wrong, Jay,” Zoey says with surprise and disapproval.
“I know he didn’t, Angel. But I can’t exactly ask her to get your brother out of here.”
“It’s fine, Zo,” Maddox tells her. “We were on our way to the airport anyway.”
“I’ll call you both,” Zoey says giving us both a hug.
Jax shakes Maddox’s hand then shakes his head with a smirk. He leans over to give me a hug. “I know he’s being an ass right now,” he whispers in my ear, “but Zane doesn’t lose his cool if he doesn’t care.”
I nod understanding what he’s telling me but not really feeling any better. He's hurt me and I don't get fucking hurt. I cast a quick glance his way to see him still sitting on the ground looking pissed.
Maddox and I leave together for the airport.
I walk into Lucky’s to watch Sons of Sin play. They are on fire tonight. Every note is phenomenal, and Maddox is hitting notes with a power I didn’t know he had. The place is packed like I’ve never seen with them literally turning people away at the door. Everyone is loving them.
They are pouring sweat like this is the most important performance of their lives. Dane is pounding the drums with a ferocity I have never seen. Ryder’s guitar solo is beyond complicated and absolutely perfect. Angel is thumping that bass with absolute perfection.
Women clamor around the stage screaming and shouting like they’re watching Panic at the Disco or Fallout Boy or some other well-known band. Men are jamming out like it’s the best rock band they’ve ever seen. I have to admit they really are the best band I’ve ever seen, and for once I know that this isn’t bias. They are electric.
After nearly two hours of playing, they set the instruments aside and come off stage. Ryder and Maddox take their places behind the bar. They could both use a shower, but obviously can’t. They shake the sweat from their hair at me making me shriek. “Assholes,” I yell at them. Dane walks up behind me wiping his face on mine. “Are you joking?”
I turn to see Angel walking out of the bar. I don’t know much about him at all. He's the newest member of the band, replacing Jake when he had to quit after his girlfriend took off. My heart bled for the guy. He loves music but he can't take care of his daughter at night and be here.
I wish Angel would hang around a little more. I would like to know his story. He never hangs around once a set is finished though. He’s always so closed off. I’m not sure why. I’ve asked the other guys and all they can say is he isn’t into anything but the music. I think maybe they know a little more than they say. Then again, maybe they don't.
“You guys were great tonight. Like really, really great.”
The three of them exchange smiles, and I instantly know something is up. I ask but they don’t divulge a thing. Ryder actually goes so far as to lock with lips with an imaginary key. I narrow my eyes them. “Let’s just say that things could possibly change for us tonight, Tori,” Dane tells me.
“But we don’t want to get our hopes up just yet,” Ryder adds.
“Or fucking jinx it,” Maddox continues.
“Then I guess I’ll let it slide for now,” I tell them.
We continue to talk for a few minutes before some girl catches Dane’s eye and he’s off in the corner with her while Maddox and Ryder make drinks for the customers. I sit there sipping a rum and coke quietly thinking about my next client’s work. They’re asking for a full back piece that will take several sessions to complete. They want a dragon with bold intricate lines with a tribal feel, but they are leaving the design itself up to me. I hope I can come up with something they’ll like. It will be my first tattoo where I’m not working from a picture or something.
My phone ringing distracts me from my thoughts. I glance at the name on the screen and roll my eyes. I get the call at least twice a day like a freaking telemarketer. I’ve considered blocking it. I’m not sure why I don’t.
“Why don’t you just answer the damn call, Tori?” Maddox asks.
“Why should I? We weren’t anything. We talked and texted for a few weeks. Went on a couple of dates. That’s it. Then he ignored me for weeks, and I didn’t blame him. I just wanted a chance to explain myself.”
“Which was what he was coming to do when he saw -,” he lifts a brow at me not wanting to say out loud what Zane saw with so many people around. I’m not sure if he notices or not, but Ryder is listening to our every word.
“It still didn’t give him the right to go after you,” I hiss lowly. “Or to be so fucking insulted like I did something wrong.” I suck in a long, hard breath then blow it out as if I needed the strength to keep going. “It’s better this way, Mads. Nothing was ever going to come of this. He lives in River City and I live here. His work is crazy. Besides, I don’t do the long-term thing. I’ve never had a boyfriend last more than a month or two. I don’t know how to do a relationship.”
“The guy just wants to talk to you. Not marry you,” he tells me, shrugging off everything I’ve just said.
My eyes narrow into tiny slits as I realize something. Something that kind of makes me feel like Maddox is a traitor. “You’ve been talking to him, haven’t you?” I accuse. H
e gets that fucking cocky ass smile on his face that tells me all I need to know. “You fucking traitor. You’re supposed to be on my side.”
He laughs at me with a tousle of my hair. “I’m not on either side. Look, according to Zoey, Zane hasn’t acted like this over a girl but one other time, so you’re not just like all the other girls.”
“Zoey told me the same thing. I just don’t know why. Why are either of you telling me this?”
He leans forward on the bar. His eyes searching for something. What I don’t know, but I keep my expression neutral anyway. Finally, he shakes his head going back to wiping a glass. “Just answer the phone, Tori. If nothing else, tell him to stop calling you.”
I blow out another breath. This one of frustration. “Thanks for ruining my night,” I grumble.
But the more I think about it, the more I think maybe Maddox is right. So, I stand to go outside. To call him back. To give him the chance he never gave me. The chill of the night sifts around me when I exit the building, making me wish I’d brought my jacket out with me. But this won’t take long. Just a quick phone call. I’ll hear him out then ask him to leave me alone.
The phone rings once, twice, three time before going to voicemail. Oh well. I tried.
I turn to go back inside when someone grabs me by the elbow. Without thinking, I quickly grab the hand and hip toss them to the ground.
“Son of a bitch,” a familiar voice calls up to me. I look down to see Zane rubbing the back of his neck. “That’s the second time you’ve put me on my ass,” he smirks.
“You shouldn’t touch without permission,” I tell him without an ounce of apology. He stands to his feet. His six-foot something frame towering over me by at least half a foot, and I’m five-eight. “I’m not worried because there won’t be a third time,” he tells me with a smirk.
And damn I have to struggle to remember that I won't give him a chance to hurt me again. That I don't need his kind of complicated, but the way those powerful legs look in those jeans that mold to him like a second skin makes it pretty hard to concentrate. “What do you want, pretty boy?”
