Page 60 of Once A Villain

He chuckles. “That hurts.” He leans against the bar, his eyes traveling down my body.

“I’m sure your ego will survive.” Pouring another shot, I down it one gulp and slam the glass on the bar. “What do you want?”

“A drink,” he says, holding up his glass, his smirk growing. I slide a bottle over to him, and he fills his glass, the amber liquid splashing.

“Why are you here, Griffen?”

“I could ask you the same thing.” He slowly sips his drink, his eyes never leaving mine. He’s dressed casually, his shirt clinging to his muscles. His dark brown hair is tousled perfectly, and the cuts and bruises on his face are fading, his injuries healing.

“You could,” I reply, leaning against the bar, mirroring his stance.

“I’m here for a good time, same as you, I suppose.” He finishes his drink and refills his glass. The alcohol flows through my veins, making my body relax slightly.

“What happened to your face?”

“Aww, are you worried about me, Rory?” His smirk morphs into a cocky grin, and I feel heat rise in my cheeks. “I’m flattered.” He places a hand on his chest, his smile growing.

“No. I figured if someone could beat your ass, they’re worth meeting.” My words are cold, but the effect is ruined when drunk laughter bubbles out of me.

“Oh, doll, you are bratty. I like it.”

“I’m not your doll, and you don’t get to like anything about me.” My words are harsh, but the anger is missing. Before he can respond, a loud voice booms from behind us.

“Rory, what the fuck are you doing here?” I turn and see Jamie with an uncharacteristic scowl.

Why does he look mad at me?

He starts to speak, but Griffen steps forward. “Everything’s good, Jamie, just having a drink with the little spitfire.” Jamie’s eyes are locked on Griffen. “You don’t need to worry about anything. Trust me.”

I start to walk toward Jamie to hug him, but I’m suddenly yanked back. Griffen’s arm snakes around my waist, pulling me flush against his body.

“Just let him go,” he whispers in my ear, his breath warm and making my heart race.

Stupid Hawthornes and their stupid effect on me.

I pull away from Griffen. “What the hell was that? Jamie has never looked at me like that. Something’s really bothering him.”

“Calm down, Rory. It’s nothing.”

“No.” I stomp after Jamie, determined to find out what’s going on. He’s one of my oldest Sovereign friends. If something’s up, I’m going to find out.

“Jamie! What the hell?” I catch up to him, and he stops, turning around, his blue eyes hard and his expression serious.

“What are you doing here, Rory?”

“What do you mean? I always come to your parties.”

“Where is Axe?”

“I don’t know. And I don’t care. Now, why are you acting like this?”

He grabs my arm and pulls me into the hallway, away from the crowds.

“Rory,” he sighs, his eyes softening. “Axe came to my house. He made itveryclear how he felt about us hooking up.” My mouth falls open, and my heart sinks. “So, excuse me for not being too happy to see you here.”

Axel did what?!

“Shit, Jamie. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know he did that.”

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