“I fucking knew there was something going on with you two.” My head turned towards the lethal tone of Nikki’s voice. She stood, all prim and proper, as I put my gaze on her. A fierce pout tensed her jaw, while her fingers gripped her hips with hard eyes on me.
“Nik. What the fuck do you want me to say?”
She didn’t answer, just glared. Karen spoke as she pushed me away and came around me, “Nikki…”I was tired, tired of fucking everything.
“Don’t.” Her finger shook from side to side between us, “This isn’t your fault. I blame him.”
“Fucking women!” I sneered, she shook her head at me again for probably the third time tonight, then turned and marched back inside.
“What am I going to do now? She’s gonna hate me.” Karen worried her lip between her teeth.
“Nikki hates everyone, don’t take it personally.”
“Gav,” She huffed loudly at my answer, it was her turn to drop her head into her hands this time. “Not everyone thinks like you.” I went to her and took her hands away from her face until her eyes met mine. “I actually care what people think of me.”
“Come home with me.”
She stared for longer than a beat until she finally spoke up, “On one condition.”She breathed deeply and held my hands.
“Go on.” I was desperate to get out of here.
“Only if you tell me everything.” Her finger pointed gently into my chest, “You fucking tell me everything about you, Gavin Wright, including what went on in there.”She swung her arm around to point at the casino. I nodded. It couldn't wait any longer. It was definitely time. “The good, the bad, and the downright ugly, and we take it from there.” I agreed again. “No more hiding.”
I brought her against me, her body soft on mine as her forehead fell against my chest. I clutched the back of her head in my palm and held her there. There had never been any inclination to explain myself to anyone. If people didn’t like it, fuck them, but her - she reached me on a level I didn’t understand, a part of me didn’t want to let that go, but I was worried that my usual dickhead self would do something to ruin it. It was what I always did, and why I disappointed people.
“I’m sorry I slapped you.”
She turned her chin up towards me, “Don’t be, it’s not the first one and I doubt it’ll be the last.” My fingers moved into her hair, and I held her against me. We stayed like that for a fewminutes until I saw a cab approaching. I lifted an arm up in the air and hailed it down, took Karen’s hand then pulled her with me to the curb. As soon as it stopped, I made her get in first and I followed her in. I gave the driver my address as we set off down the darkened road. Within seconds my phone dinged, I knew exactly who that was, but I wasn’t about to answer him right now, he could wait in line.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Gavin
It wasn’t often I was nervous, but today I was. I hated that feeling. Karen took my hand and squeezed gently as we sat in the car on Roman’s drive. Karen was worried about what Nikki had to say after everything went tits up yesterday when she caught us outside the casino. “It’ll be fine, I promise.” I squeezed hers in return and exhaled. The frustration seeped out of my pores. Yet again, I had to explain myself. I bet Nikki loved running back to Roman and telling him what she’d seen.
“Are you coming in?” I asked quietly. It wasn’t like I needed her to or anything. Her eyes were soft as she gazed into mine, a little flicker of guilt sparked in them as she looked away.
“Not right away. I need to change my clothes.” A small smile tightened her lips, “If I’m going to come under fire, and maybe fight for my job, I’d rather be wearing armour,” she snapped the material of her dress that she still had on from last night, “my own clothes, other than…this.”
“Okay.” I nodded being agreeable.
“And anyway,” she leaned forwards, “I have no panties on…” she whispered slowly, a slight twinkle flashed in her eyes.
I cupped her chin in my hand and grinned wickedly, “Come here.” My lips caressed hers. Something changed last night. She switched something in me. I didn’t know how to explain it. I didn’t want to analyse, because then I’d run from it. Not physically, but emotionally I’d be on the next plane out of here.
“I won’t be long, I don’t think.” She stated against my lips as she broke the kiss, and with a quick nod I released her and let her go.
“I better go in. No use putting it off any longer.” I slipped out of my car as Karen did the same, she went to her own and I strolled over to the gate. As the rattle of her engine started up, I looked back, almost worried she wasn’t going to make it home in that death trap. That car did not sound healthy. As I watched her leave the driveway, I knew I couldn’t stall any longer, I had to go inside. I entered the key code in the electronic keypad, it bleeped and turned green, then I slipped through the gate. The loaded spring ensured it closed behind me.
Rhys and Roman were at the kitchen island drinking coffee as I reached the patio doors. I took a deep breath in and slid open the door.
They both looked up as I entered. I lifted my hand, “Hey.”
“Well, look what the cat dragged in.” Roman stated with that stern look he has when he’s angry. I’ve seen it more than a few times. His eyebrows came together and twisted up his face. “Does your phone not work?”He sneered.
I didn’t answer straight away, I needed caffeine first. I poured the black liquid into my cup, the aroma filtered up my nose as I inhaled. In just a small sip, the tangy flavours burst on my tongue as I took a seat opposite them. “Did you really want me to answer last night?” No. The answer is no. “In fact, I’m surprised you thought I’d answer.”
“No, I guess not. I’m surprised you’re here this morning, if I’m really honest with you.”
