But from the looks of her now . . . it seems someone else might’ve corrupted her more than I would’ve.
When I walk back inside, the first thing my eyes land on, is Kai dancing on the bar, pouring vodka into random people’s cups.
I’m guessing Jameson is clueless to this, because I don’t see him dragging her down and tossing her over his shoulder yet.
“Oh fuck.”
I take off through the crowd, fighting my way over just in time to catch her bending down and pouring vodka into some guy’s mouth.
The guy reaches up and grips the back of her bare thighs, pulling her closer to him as she continues to pour it.
Anger swarms through me and my old instincts to protect her take over as his hands move higher.
Without hesitation, I snatch her by her waist and yank her down into my arms, grabbing the bottle out of her hand.
“What the fuck are you doing?” I growl.
She pushes at my chest, until I set her down to her feet, being careful she doesn’t twist an ankle in her tall heels. “Don’t touch me, Cole. I’m not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself.”
I stiffen when I feel a hand on my shoulder. “What do you think you’re doing, asshole? Don’t touch her like that. She was just having fun.”
Steeling my jaw, I rotate my shoulder and crack my neck, before turning around and slamming the asshole into the bar by his throat. “I will touch her anyway I want to. So how about you watch where the fuck you lay your hands, before I break them.”
He gets ready to get in my face, but stops when he notices my black Club Reckless shirt. “Alright, man. Was just helping Kai have fun now that she’s back. I’ll back off.”
It’s then that it hits me just who this jerkoff is. Hayden Luxx, Kai’s ex-boyfriend that dumped her for one of her best friends and left her broken hearted and devastated for months.
He’s the one she’ll probably never get over.
“I’m out of here,” Kai says angrily, while pushing past me. “Thanks for ruining my first night back, jerk.”
I give Hayden one last hard look, to make sure he gets the message, before I take off to catch up with Kai.
Before she can get too far, I wrap my arm around her waist from behind and pull her body hard against mine.
From the sound that escapes her throat, I’d say she likes it rough. So, I wrap my hand around the front of her neck and hold it, while I speak.
“If anyone fucking hurts you, I’m gonna be forced to kill someone with my bare hands.” My hand moves up her neck as I growl in her ear. “With this hand.”
“Oh yeah,” she breathes. “It’s not your job to worry.”
“Oh, but it is, darling.” I release her neck and step back. “It’s my instinct.”
Without saying a word, she tugs on the bottom of her dress and angrily walks off.
I stand back and watch as Jameson appears out of nowhere, looking pissed off as if someone just tipped him off to what was going up on the bar a few minutes ago.
I about lost my shit when I saw some guy touch her the way he did. If it wasn’t for the fact that she knew him, I would’ve done a lot more damage.
Looks like Jameson won’t be the only one standing in my way now. From the look in Kai’s eyes, she wants Hayden to want her just as much as I want her to want me again.
That’s not something I can let happen. That asshole isn’t getting the chance to break her heart again.
Just more reason for me to make sure she falls for me . . .
FIRST AND FOREMOST, I’D LIKE to say a big thank you to all of my loyal readers that have given me support over the last few years and have encouraged me to continue with my writing. Your words have all inspired me to do what I enjoy and love. Each and every one of you mean a lot to me and I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for your support and kind words.
I’d also like to thank my beta readers. I love you ladies and appreciate you taking the time to read my words. You know who you are! And Lindsey! Oh my goodness, lady. You helped me more than you can ever know! Thank you so much.
My amazingly, wonderful PA, Amy Preston Rogers. Her support has meant so much to me.
I’d like to thank another friend of mine, Clarise Tan from CT Cover Creations for creating my cover. You’ve been wonderful to work with and have helped me in so many ways.
Thank you to my boyfriend, friends and family for understanding my busy schedule and being there to support me through the hardest part. I know it’s hard on everyone, and everyone’s support means the world to me.
Last but not least, I’d like to thank all of the wonderful book bloggers that have taken the time to support my book and help spread the word. You all do so much for us authors and it is greatly appreciated. I have met so many friends on the way and you guys are never forgotten. You guys rock. Thank you!
VICTORIA ASHLEY GREW UP IN Rockford, IL and has had a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. After finding a reading app where it allowed readers to upload their own stories, she gave it a shot and writing became her passion.
She lives for a good romance book with tattooed bad boys that are just highly misunderstood and is not afraid to be caught crying during a good read. When she's not reading or writing about bad boys, you can find her watching her favorite shows such as Supernatural, Sons Of Anarchy, Game Of Thrones and The Walking Dead.
Contact her at:
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www.victoriaashleyauthor.com
WALK OF SHAME SERIES
Slade (Book 1)
Hemy (Book 2)
Cale (Book 3)
WALK OF SHAME 2ND GENERATION SERIES
Stone (Book 1)
Styx (Book 2)
SAVAGE & INK SERIES
Royal Savage (Book 1)
THE PAIN SERIES
Get Off On the Pain (Book 1)
Something For the Pain (Book 2)
STAND ALONE TITLES
Wake Up Call
This Regret
Thrust
BOOKS CO-WRITTEN WITH HILARY STORM
ALPHACHAT.COM SERIES
Pay For Play (Book 1)
Two Can Play (Book 2)
Hard & Reckless (Club Reckless Book 1) Page 17
