“Yeah, doctor stuff. My name's Dante, by the way,” he calls to my back as Borris follows me into my room. I linger at the door, waiting until he’s inside, then look back at my roommate, who is insufferable but hopefully temporary.
“That’s nice,” I say with an insincere smile as I slam the door.
If he’s nearly as smart as he thinks he is, he’ll stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of his.
I agreed to this because my friends are worried, but now, I’m not so sure it was a good idea.
Dante: Do you live off air? There doesn’t seem to be much food in the apartment.
I squintat the phone screen. How the fuck did he get my number? I’m certain I only used my email on the ad. Whatever, I don’t give a shit. It’s bad enough I have to deal with a one-night stand, let alone live with him, but as long as he stays out of my way and vice versa, it’ll be fine.
I smile at the guy beside me, who’s ordered us another round of tequila shots and beers. I enjoy the dark ambiance at my local bar, including the jukebox that only works every third attempt, and the rowdy arguments over the pool table near the back. More precisely, I enjoy the people; most of them are here to drink away their own problems with no inclination to pry into one another's.
My phone buzzes again, and I sigh as I look at it.
Dante: We should get the basics out of the way. Roommate etiquette. Things like allergies, blood types, and any previous medical conditions we should know about.
Is this guy for real?This time, I do reply.
Me: How the fuck did you get my number? And what are you, my mom or something?
His reply is immediate.
Dante: Well, considering how acquainted I already am with your body, I thought we could start with some mutual agreements. Or you can ride my cock again. Either is fine with me.
A warmth tricklesto my core at the reminder of the night we met. My body is a treacherous thing.
“Everything okay?” the stranger sitting beside me asks.
I place my hand on his knee with a sensual smile. “Everything’s fine. My mother’s just needy.” I lie as I throw back the tequila shot, ignoring when my phone vibrates with another message.
“You really know how to down those, don’t you?” the guy says appreciatively as he takes his own and then pulls a twisted expression. The bartender, who is well acquainted with my pickup game, is holding back a smirk.
I’m ready to wrap this up now. I have enough of a buzz from the alcohol, and I’m ready to forget all the problems of my day.
“Wow, you move on fast, don’t you?” a woman says from over my shoulder. I recognize the voice but can’t place it until I turn around and face the woman I’d brought back to my apartment only nights ago. Shit, I still can’t remember her name.
“Is this like your hook-up playground, where you find one victim after another?” she berates.
“I don’t thinkvictimis the right word. And I’m sorry if I led you to believe it was anything more serious between us. Weren’t we just having some fun?”
The redhead scoffs. Damn, I can still appreciate her beauty even now. “I received a message back from the number you gave me that it was the wrong one.”
I wince. That sounds about right.
“What’s going on here?” the guy next to me asks, and I can see the light in his eyes spark already, and I know without a doubt, this asshole is going to suggest a threesome. Because men just can’t help themselves. I ignore him.
This night has turned to shit. I stand up and grab my purse.
“Don’t take it personally, sweetheart. Besides, didn’t my friends catch you trying to steal one of my lamps? Shouldn’t I be the angry one here?”
Her face reddens, and I see it coming before it even happens, but I let her slap me. The thrilling sound echoes through the bar. If anything, I wanted it, and felt I deserved it.
“I bet you don’t even remember my name.” She fights back tears. “I thought we had something special.”
“Sorry, sweetheart, that’s not my game.” I pull a fifty-dollar bill from my purse and put it on the bar for the bartender. He’s watching, a small smile on his lips. Of course, this asshole is enjoying it. “Bye, Shaun.”
He nods back. “Best of luck tonight, Romi.”
