Page 61 of Soft Tissue Damage
“Yes, I have hidden cameras all over my house, but I don’t look at her in bed or the shower.” Though I did watch my son go down on her. I point a finger at Tyrant. “Don’t judge me for being insane, Mercer. You’re just the same.”
“Vivienne’s my wife. I’m allowed to be insane.”
“You were insane before I was your wife,” Vivienne points out.
Their banter is irritatingly cute. I’m glad they’re happy in this beautiful house while four guys could be feeling upmy future wife as dozens more stare at her. I groan and swipe my hand over my face. I’ve never been a particularly jealous man, but lately the green-eyed monster has been rampaging around inside my skull. What if Elena meets some young, horny idiot and her friend persuades her that casual sex with him on her birthday is a great idea? I picture Elena pushed up against the wall of a club while some man paws at her and rips at her dress.
Is she wearing the red-soled shoes? I shouldn’t have given Elena fuck-me heels for her birthday. Scratch that. I shouldn’t have let her leave the goddamn house.
I shove my phone in my pocket and stand up. “I’m sorry. I have to go see that she’s all right. Thank you for dinner.”
Vivienne gives me a sympathetic look, which is kind of her. She should be telling me not to be so possessive over a woman who isn’t mine. “Leave Rosie with us tonight. Tomorrow morning as well.”
“Good idea, angel.” Tyrant smirks at me. “Give Elena a birthday kiss and calm the fuck down.”
I glance toward the nursery where I put Rosie down to sleep with Barlow and Huck. Vivienne and Tyrant are excellent parents. I installed the security system on this house myself, and I know it’s tight. “Are you sure?”
Vivienne smiles reassuringly. “Of course. You know I love Rosie, and it will give Tyrant some practice being a girl dad. He’s got his heart set on us having a daughter.”
Tyrant nods at the door. “Go get your woman. You’re no fucking fun in this state.”
“Thank you both. I mean it.”
“Bring Elena around sometime,” Vivienne says. “I’d love to meet her.”
I mutter something about doing that, but I’m already hurrying to give my sleeping daughter a kiss goodbye before jogging out to my car.
16
Elena
“Why are you not interested in any of these cute boys I’m pointing out? Is my cute radar off tonight? Are they all duds?” Justine asks me, worry creasing her brow. She looks gorgeous in a vivid purple dress with heavy gold earrings and her long, dark ponytail draped over her shoulder.
We’re standing at a high table just off the dance floor in the crowded bar, and I’m keeping a hold of my drink, just like Cullan told me to. It’s my third cocktail, and I’ve only had one soda, so I’m feeling a bit tipsy. I must make sure to have a water or something next.
I laugh and shake my head. “They’re all really cute, I swear, but I’m happy talking to you.”
This is our third bar tonight and I can safely say that the Flockton Street scene is not for me. I’m having a good time, but the pumping music, crowding bodies, and staring eyes are not what I’m used to, and I won’t be in a hurry to come back.
“Has Leon broken your heart?” Justine asks.
I shake my head. “I’ve been hurt and angry, but it’s passing. I wasn’t in love with him.”
“So who’s on your mind?” Justine presses, taking a sip of her drink. “From the looks of you, there has to be someone.”
I touch the silver pendant around my neck.
Justine’s gaze sharpens as she looks at the pendant. “That’s new. Birthday present?”
I nod.
“Who from?”
“Um, my boss.”
Her mouth falls open. “Mr. Grant gave you jewelry?”
I glance down at my feet in the exquisite black pumps. “And these shoes.”
