Page 3 of The Claiming

Her hand falls away and she whines, “You’ve been avoiding me.”

“So.”

I’m cruel by nature and if anyone deserves that, it’s Kennedy James. She was a welcome distraction for the nights I craved a quick fuck, but she took that as a sign we were something more. Word has reached me she’s putting it about we’re exclusive and I have nobody but myself to blame for that.

I allowed her to hang around because she was convenient. She still is, but it ends today.

“Why are you being like this?”

“Like what?”

I carry on walking as Jesse smirks, enjoying the exchange like the drama queen he is.

“Cold.”

“Just beat it, Kennedy. I’m no longer interested.”

I quicken my pace and she falls back, Jesse’s soft chuckle accompanying me.

“Fuck, Frankie, that was to the point.”

“It’s all she understands.”

Jesse asks, “Is she welcome tonight? I wouldn’t mind a go at that.”

“If you like.”

“Revenge fucks are the best.” He nudges me. “I owe you more beers than I can count for the number of girls who have fallen on my dick just to make you jealous. Thanks, man.”

“Anytime.”

Jesse is the only one who can drag a smile from my lips and as we head to the gym, my thoughts turn to the party tonight.

If I’m honest, I may pass. It’s bad enough being back here, let alone dealing with the usual shit this place throws at you. Summer was a good one and I’m already missing the easy days and familiar depravity that accompanies my world. I live an unconventional life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If anything, I come to Rockwell to catch my breath because life at home is fast-paced and brutal.

* * *

We head homestraight from the gym to find Santiago lounging on the veranda, and he grins as we approach.

“What are you smiling at?” Jesse grunts as Santi throws him a beer from the cooler before tossing one my way.

We slump on the vacant chairs beside his.

“All done. Alcohol, cigarettes and condoms. What more is there?”

He heaves a self-satisfied laugh.

“Anyone off limits?”

His eagle eyes sear our souls and Jesse says with some satisfaction, “Apparently not.”

“Good. Ali is currently prowling through the new recruits, dropping the invitation to anyone of interest, so prepare yourselves for a thrilling evening of unadulterated pleasure.”

“I may pass.”

Jesse almost spits out his beer.

“What’s up, Frankie? I thought you’d be desperate to sink balls deep into a few new recruits tonight. What happened to you over the summer?”

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