“Does that mean we’re not?” I was confused.
“Yeah, we’re good, until you fuck up again.” He smirked like he was joking, and maybe for the most part he was, but I knew a small piece of him wasn’t.
“Wow, thanks for that vote of confidence, dick. I’ll just leave now, shall I?” Roman and I pushed up from the stool at the same time and met at the end of the kitchen island. I slapped his chest and carried on down the hallway without another word. Then a thought popped back into my head.
“Did you mean it about taking a few days off?” Roman was already halfway up the winding stairs when I asked.
“Of course I did.” He said as he half turned his body on the staircase, “I think it’ll do you good.” He nodded with a tight smile on his lips. “Oh, and don’t forget to call Alex. We could do with him onside.”
“Okay.” I answered compliantly. I knew he needed this. I couldn’t fuck him over twice in a lifetime.
He started back up the stairs, “Use the beach house if you want. You know where the keys are.” As he disappeared at the top, a thought grew in my mind. Malibu beach. What better place to go for a break. Sun, sand, sea and sex. But as far as sex was concerned, there was only one person I wanted that with. I really had changed, I thought to myself as a smile grew on my lips. With that thought, I turned back towards the door and left.
As I tugged the door closed behind me and set off towards my car, the sound of Rhys’s voice had my steps halting, I swung back around to face him. “You know she has feelings for you right?”
“Who?” The impatience in my voice was more than recognisable, I didn’t need this shit.
“Nikki. Who do you think?”
“Why do you care, Rhys?” I folded my arms across my chest and strolled towards him, stopping at the front of the Range Rover.
“I don’t like to see her get hurt.” He admitted.
“Is that all? Because this concern seems a little more than friendly, don’t you think?” I stated, it was fucking obvious why he was concerned about her. “Look mate, and we are still mates, yeah?” He nodded but stayed silent, “It was just a bit of fun. If she’s taken more out of us fucking than that, then that’s on her.” I slapped his chest. I cocked one brow and lifted the corner of my mouth. “She wanted exactly the same as I did.”
“But you get to walk away, unaffected, just as you always do.”
My chest lifted as I inhaled through my nose and exhaled on a loud huff. “Is this you asking for her or has she put you up to this?”
“She doesn’t know, and don’t fucking tell her either.”
I shook my head and walked up close, “Maybe it’s time you told her about those feelings you have for her, then you can stop using me as your excuse for being a fucking coward. Man the fuck up, dude.” I was done being blamed for everything. “You know I might be a fuck up, but at least I have the balls to own up to my own shit.”I pressed the fob on my keys and waited for the beep. My eyes were on him as I got inside my car, he leaned back against the front of the Range Rover and slid his hands into his pockets. Maybe that will give him something to think about. I refused to be everyone's drain.
Done taking the blame, I was sick of everyone’s bullshit, including my own.
I placed my phone in my hands-free holder, and while I waited for the Bluetooth to connect, I started the car. Karen still wasn’t here and there was no sign of Nikki yet, I was glad to say.
I quickly typed out a message as the engine rumbled away.
When you’ve got your camera, come to my place.
That few days away sounded damn good to me.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Karen
“Why of course. Whatever you say, Mr Wright.” I say to my cell as the message flashed up on my screen, just as I pulled up at Roman’s. I grabbed my cell and got out of the car, quickly sending him a message back before I went inside.
I’ll be there soon.
I hit send and shoved it into the pocket of my hoodie as I approached the front door and knocked. I didn’t know the access code to the gate, being new to the fold. As I waited, it took me back to the first time I was here. Only I knew it wouldn’t be Gav opening the door this time. The door opened within a minute of waiting, Rhys stood there as large as a mountain. A tight smile pulled at my lips as he nodded my way. “Come in.”
“I just want my camera. I left it in the car last night.”
“You okay?” His eyes narrowed.
“I’m good thank you, are you?”
