My fingers grip the bottle tighter when the blonde leans in to whisper something in Dean’s ear. He glances at a hallway behind them. And when he stands to follow her down it, my whole chest tightens.
Maybe this is how I pay my penance for the things I’ve done to him.
After all, I’m the one who told him to leave. This is simply him doing exactly what I asked him to do. He’s living his life. Enjoying it to the fullest. The trouble is, when I turned Dean away, I didn’t consider that I’d be around to witness his happiness without being a part of it.
“It’s probably just business,” Aimee says, but it offers little reassurance.
The blonde was eyeing him before she left the stage, so I doubt they’re just talking. Who could blame her for going after what she wants? Especially considering how good Dean looks tonight.
I force a smile and pretend not to care because I have no right to. I spent twelve years in a relationship with his brother, and while it was forced and fake for the majority of it, this is what I deserve.
“Hey, firecracker.” Havoc stops behind Aimee, caging her in his arms. “You ready to head to the shop for a minute? I need to pick up something for tomorrow, and then we can head home.”
“Ready.” She smiles up at him, then glances at me. “You ready to go?”
“Why would she leave with you when she’s got me to entertain her?” Soul stops at my side, wrapping an arm over my shoulders.
He’s donning his signature grin, drawing out the color in his green eyes. I can see why all the girls watch him when he walks into a room. He’s impossible not to notice. Although, a bit too pretty compared to what I gravitate toward, so I’m not interested.
“I’ll give Willa a ride back later.” Soul slides onto Aimee’s barstool when she stands up.
“I’m sure you will.” Aimee rolls her eyes, and they land on me. “He has a pretty face and says pretty words, but do not fall for this one. He’s nothing but trouble.”
“You love me, Aimee Landry.” Soul grins.
“I love him.” She points at Havoc standing behind her. “I tolerate you for his sake.”
“Whatever you have to tell yourself,” Soul says, and Havoc laughs, clearly not threatened.
Havoc wraps an arm around Aimee’s waist and kisses her on the top of her head.
“You okay staying with this guy?” she asks me.
“I’m good,” I assure her, not ready to go even if I don’t want to think about what might be happening down that hallway. “I’m used to wrangling wild animals. I can handle myself just fine.”
“I like you, Willa Elliott.” Soul slaps a hand on the bar when Brandy approaches. “She’ll have another.”
“This one is still full.” I hold up my beer.
“Then drink faster.” He takes a beer from Brandy and taps it against mine, watching me while we both take a sip.
The airiness in his gaze shifts when Aimee and Havoc leave, and it’s just the two of us. I get the sense he’s trying to figure me out for his club or for his friend. Maybe both. I don’t blame him for how I came here. Or after what I did to Dean. So I sit back and wait for Soul to get his thoughts off his chest.
Except that’s not what he does. He sits across from me, watching. Assessing me without asking a single question for a couple of minutes.
“What?” I finally ask when I can’t handle it anymore.
He smirks like that’s exactly what he was waiting for. “What are your thoughts on Kincaid?”
“My ex?” I quirk an eyebrow. “He’s a dick.”
Soul leans forward slightly. “Yet you dated him for a decade.”
“What’s your point?”
“Why did you do it?”
I narrow my eyes. “Because I cared.”
