Page 10 of The Vow We Made
“Wow Luke, that’s not like you. Everything alright?” Georgie says while rolling her eyes.
“She’s not really my type, that’s all.”
“Another one bites the dust eh, mate? Does she know you were lying through your teeth?” I ask him.
“She’s a smart girl and I didn’t promise her anything.” Luke replies, his tone cocky.
“I think you’ll find you did. You said you’d call her.”
“Leave it out Georgie. Everyone says that. Aiden, back me up here.”
“He’s right George,” I shake my head and bite my bottom lip for a minute. “It’s a sad fact but that’s how it works, otherwise he’d have to explain why he has a fiancée in Thailand.”
“Fuck off.” He scowls, not finding this old joke funny. There is no fiancée, but there is a beautiful girl no longer working the streets of Bangkok due to his marriage proposal and the purchase of the biggest, fuck-off diamond known to man. Of course, she said yes, but he never saw her again. From that day, all his relationships have been short and sweet and I doubt he’ll ask anyone to marry him again.
Georgie slips her hand through the crook of her brother’s arm. “I just want you to be happy, Luke. Find a nice girl and put a ring on her finger.”
“You’ve got a short memory, Georgina. He’s been there, done that.” I shouldn’t wind him up, but it’s too easy.
“Sorry mate, I forgot to give you something.”
“What’s that?” I ask, knowing full well what’s coming, but I’ll let him have this one as he slides his hand in his pocket.
“Hold on, I’ll just get it out… ah, there it is.” With the stupidest grin on his face, Luke pulls out his hand producing his middle finger insult.
“How rude,” Georgie protests but it’s exactly what I expected.
“It’s definitely time to get out of here.”
“Good idea,” Luke agrees, putting the collar of his jacket up. “I don’t want Kirsty making a surprise re-appearance.”
I finish up my drink, slam my pint glass on the table and shout over to Will that we’re leaving.
“You coming, Georgie?” I ask out of courtesy, knowing full well, she has other plans.
“No, not tonight Aiden. I'd rather get home and see my man. You carry on, and I'll see you soon.”
“Will do.” I kiss her on both cheeks and take her hand when I notice Will and her brother already halfway out the door.
“But you know I’m not going anywhere until I’ve got you a taxi.”
* * *
VICTORIA
“Just stay with me. Donotleave my side.”
“I’m right here.” Steph grabs my hand and mouths, “I’ve got you.”
Alien hands fall to my hips and my flesh prickles with alarm. I don't want to be touched by this smarmy arsehole, but my attempts to push him away are met with persistence. I'm irritated when his palms return and rest on my hips. It's time to make my position perfectly clear and with firm determination, I turn on my heels and drop the security of my friend’s hand, only to be shocked at the sheer size of the man in front of me. The bulk of his biceps span the circumference of a basketball and the tiny buttons, barely holding his shirt closed, are near to bursting under the strain of his chest.
My stomach turns as I work my focus up from his thick neck to his smiling mouth. “Keep your hands to yourself. I’m not interested,” I bark, allowing myself an invisible pat on the back.
Steph has her palm in the air ready to high-five, until it drops, just as the expression on her face does. His hands are once again possessively holding me.
I can’t believe the audacity of this idiot. “Listen mate, I’m not joking. Get lost!” I shout, and to my horror, his hot breath runs across my ear.
“You don’t mean that.”
