He returns with a plate of scrambled eggs and toast made from a hamburger bun. Taking back his phone, he slides it into his pocket without even checking it. He trusted me completely.
“Thanks.” Sinking my teeth into the toast, I clear my throat, my voice smaller than I intend. “For this, and for that. I… I appreciate it.” The words are inadequate, but they’re all I have.
His eyes soften to the point where the pain eases again. I don’t know how he does it, but I don’t mind having him here with me to keep my mind distracted.
The only thing he demands in return is that I eat every bite, leaving nothing behind. Sounds easy enough.
5
Hammer
“She’s pretty bad.” Next to me, Warden mutters his thoughts. “I thoughtIwas bad.”
“You are.” Frowning, I watch as Destiny tries to hit the cue ball but ends up dragging her stick against the velvet. Feeling pride bubbling up, the demand to stand up for her crawls up my throat, and more words fall out. “She’s never played, nor does she want to. Leave her be.”
I needed something to busy her with. Right now, the clubhouse isn’t very entertaining. The best thing I could really offer her is one of my hobbies. Playing pool and taking money from those who dare challenge me is one of the little things I enjoy. Right now, she’s still practicing the basics. She’s not ready to start making bets.
Destiny makes this little huffing sound when she tries again, her face pinched in concentration.
“Don’t go for the black ball.” Taking a sip from my bottle, the beer does nothing to calm me. After last night, I’ve been on edge terribly. I don’t want to admit it, but being near her isn’t enough.
I want to touch her again. Make her moan my name. My fingers won’t be enough. Not only do I want to plant myself deep inside of her, but I’ll never want to leave.
The bottle empties with a few bobs of my throat before I set it down amongst the others.
Is it the alcohol making me this worked up, or have I always been secretly sex-crazed?
Destiny ignores me, smacking the cue ball into it. We all watch as it barely avoids sinking.
“How long do you plan on babysitting?” He drinks from his own bottle, sighing under his breath. “Judge is stressing about those bastards making a move.”
I’m not babysitting. This is… different.
“We’ll be able to handle anything they throw our way.” Avoiding answering his question, I watch as she scrapes the velvet again. This time, she manages to sink a ball.
Her eyes light up in silent victory, and I catch myself tracing the slight curve to her lips.
“Play her in a game.” Tilting my head toward the table, Warden’s quick to grimace. “If you win, I’ll pay you back for the last match.”
I’ve already pocketed enough of his money; I’m sure I can handle losing a hundred bucks.
Warden doesn’t need to be told twice. He’s on his feet, joining her.
“Play stripes.” Sitting back, I drink in her annoyance as he sets up a game. “He can’t hit a solid to save his life.”
“Fuck off.” He sends a glare in my direction, and I catch myself smiling.
It’s always easy to get under his skin. Makes beating him easy, even if I’ve had too many to drink.
Destiny glances my way, her lips pursed together. She didn’t want to play at all, not even to practice. I need her to enjoy herself.
“Come here.” Curling my finger at her, I’m satisfied when she listens. Reaching for her, my hands glide against her sides, and there’s no denying how soft her shirt is.
She chokes on her next breath before her hands are on mine. She’s stopping me from touching her, but her flush is telling. I bet she’s still thinking about last night, too. Muttering something about my drinking too much, I’m half-willing to agree with her.
If anything, I’m getting tired of holding myself back from touching her like I want to. If she’d let me, I’d take her back to my room so I could entertain her there. We can find our own ways to have fun.
Looking up at her, I drink in her flush. She’s so pretty when she’s pink. Can she tell what I’m thinking? Is that it?
