“One for Dutch courage. You probably need it right now.”
I hate that Delilah’s hand slips from mine to claim her drink and takes a sip, her sweet lips resting against the glass, pure torture for my libido.
Sunday leans on the bar.
“I’m happy to show you how it all works here. I have a room in the same block, and you are welcome to knock on my door any hour of the day. I may not be there at night though—just saying.”
She swings her gaze to Razor, who, as usual, doesn’t respond, and Sunday rolls her eyes. “For some reason, I can’t shake this guy.”
Delilah grins as Razor shrugs. “Nothing’s stopping you, darlin’.”
I note the cloud in Sunday’s smile and the way her shoulders sag, and if I could thump some sense into my brother, I would. He is besotted with her, and it appears it’s reciprocated, and yet he won’t make it official. He keeps her at arm’s length, and I know why, but he will never tell her the reason.
She pulls her shoulders up and stares at him defiantly. “Well, he’ll have to find a different body to play with soon because I’m out of here shortly.”
If she had dropped a bomb, it would have been less destructive because I sense my brother tense as he shoots her a sharp look. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, didn’t I tell you, honey? I’m heading home in two weeks. Ryder found me a place at beauty college and has arranged an apartment and everything. I’m starting again and it’s all thanks to the Reapers, so it’s been fun while it lasted but well, I suppose that’s all it was and a girl can’t live on fun forever, you know.”
Before he can respond, she answers a call from one of the Reapers and heads his way, and I turn to my brother who appears frozen.
“Did she tell you she was leaving?”
“No.”
I note the pulse flicker in his jaw and his fingers tense against the bottle, and then he drains it in one, slams it down on the counter and scrapes back his stool.
“I’ll catch you later.”
He says nothing and pushes his way through the room, and I notice how Sunday’s face falls as she watches him leave.
Delilah leans closer and whispers, “What just happened?”
“Usual shit, darlin’.”
My gaze trails after my brother, and I’m torn between wanting to check on him and staying with Delilah, who needs me more right now.
CHAPTER 25
DELILAH
This place is intense. The people are intense, and I’m overwhelmed. I recognize a few faces, but most of them are new to me. It’s like a candy shop for men and women here. Fit guys and pretty girls coming together like a breaking storm. I am under their spell and can only stare around in shock as I witness a scene many would never understand.
Pretty girls laughing with impossibly handsome men, a few openly making out and many alone, watching the game or chatting with friends. The beer is flowing, drinks apparently freely available, and then there are the couples who are standing in huddles, loud laughter breaking out, expressions of amusement and toleration.
Music thumps, adding to the chaos, and the air is thick with easy tension.
It’s a lot to digest, and then it all changes, and the air stills as one couple makes their way into the room.
Ryder King and his wife Ashton enter, and the respect on the men’s faces is evident as he acknowledges every greeting, his hand tightly holding hers. She is utterly gorgeous, sweet, pretty and friendly, and as they draw near, she catches my eye.
“Hey.”
They head our way, and I swallow hard.
“How are you, honey?”
She appears concerned, and I swallow my nerves. “I’m good, thanks.”
