“Wanna tell me why the fuck I’m here, Hayes?” I yell as I stride to the bar, thankful I don’t have to go searching for the bastard.
“Hello to you too, friend,” he throws back. “Jesus, you’re such a grumpy asshole lately. I never thought I’d say this, but you were a lot nicer to be around when you were getting laid regularly.”
“Fuck off.”
He chuckles, then turns to face me with a shit-eating grin. “There’s an emergency situation in the VIP Black room thatneeds your attention. Before you ask what I know you want to, it’s unfortunately something only you can handle.”
What the actual fuck.
“If this is some fucked up childish prank like what you did to me back in high school, I will fucking murder you in your sleep,” I threaten as I make my way downstairs to the club rooms. “And I’m not cleaning up rogue bodily fluids. That’s why we have such a large budget for the cleaning crew.”
“No promises, big guy.” He’s lucky he’s been my best friend for almost all of our lives and I love him like a brother.
I’m at the door of the VIP room and memories begin to flood my brain as I remember how she kneeled right here. Waiting for me like such a good girl. The things we did in this room were next level. She broke so beautifully for me, and then we put each other back together. That was both the best and worst night of my life. I confessed my love and then realized I had to let her go.
I’m seconds away from turning back, but curiosity drives me to turn the handle and push the door open slowly. My heart skips more than one beat at the sight before me.
She’s here.
My Bella is in the middle of the floor.
Naked and on her knees.
Her pale, creamy skin is a stark contrast to the black that fills the room. She’s staring at the floor and her breathing remains even as the door clicks shut behind me. Her blonde hair hangs loose over her shoulders.
She looks the same, but different.
My eyes bore into her, like I’m searching for a sign that I’m dreaming and she’s not really here. Before I can be sure, she lifts her head slowly and meets my eyes.
“Hello, Sir.”
“Hi,” I manage to choke out.
Way to go, Ryker. Real smooth.
“Would you please sit in that chair, Sir?” she asks so politely, nodding toward the chair against the far wall. I lower myself slowly into the seat. I’m still not sure what’s happening, but she looks so fucking good and I missed her so much, I think I’d do anything she asked of me. I want to ask her why she’s here… like this in front of me, but I’m stunned and can’t form the words.
“You’re probably wondering why I’m here.”Okay then, she’s in my head.“I have something I need to tell you.”
I definitely have a million and one questions, but she obviously has a plan for how this is supposed to go, so I’ll sit here and let her say her piece.
I nod for her to continue.
“The day you broke up with me, was the worst day of my life. You shattered my heart into pieces and I’ll shamefully admit I spent way too much time wallowing.” Before she continues, she lowers to her hands and knees and starts to sensually crawl towards me. I palm my hardening cock to relieve some pressure before I make this awkward. Jesus fuck. She stops halfway and sits back on her heels. “You taught me how to love myself, despite outside influences telling me I shouldn’t. In the time we spent together, you always made me feel worthy of love. You made me feel like I’m enough.”
She crawls again and doesn’t stop until she’s at my feet.
“I didn’t understand back then. But I do now. I was stuck in an endless loop of shame and self-loathing, and you were my life raft. You helped me stay afloat. I’m here because I don’t need you to be my life raft anymore, because I’ve learned how to swim. I do, however, needyou.”
“You do?” It wasn’t meant as a question, but it came out as one. I reach down to gently stroke her cheek with my thumb.
“Yes,” she answers softly. “A few months ago, Mom and I had it out at her birthday dinner and she unknowingly backhanded some sense into me.”
I sit up straight.
“She fucking what?” I knew Christine was volatile, but I never thought she’d get physical with her.
“Relax,” she laughs freely. She’s so beautiful. I can’t tear my eyes away from her. “I’m glad she did it. For the first time in my life, I finally saw her for who she is and it all became so clear. I also know the truth about the medical fraud and the loans. She confirmed it, but Axel gave me all the details. I haven’t seen her since, despite a few efforts from her to reach out. I’ve made a lot of changes.”
