Page 68 of His to Possess
"Now," I said, forcing myself to relax back into the booth, "we enjoy the night. It's been a while since we've all gotten together. Let's not waste it by delving into some deep, philosophical discussion about my state of mind."
Remy leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "You can't run from this forever, Rex. We're your friends. Talk to us."
I held his gaze, my jaw clenching. "And I will. When I'm damn well ready."
I clenched my jaw as Colton leaned in, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Remember Cora? God, she was a firecracker. Couldn't get enough of you, Rex. And the way she begged when you…"
"Enough!" I took another sip of my drink. The whiskey burned, but it wasn't sufficient to drown out the memories. Not enough to silence the voice in my head that whispered Laurel's name.
Remy picked up the thread, his eyes sharp and calculating. "Or what about Amanda? Now there was a woman who knew her place. Worshipped the ground you walked on, didn't she?"
The mention of her made me snarl. "I said enough."
But they didn't stop. One by one, they recounted my past conquests, each story carefully chosen to elicit a reaction, which I wouldn't give them the pleasure.
I watched with growing irritation as Colton snapped his fingers, summoning a parade of scantily clad women into our private lounge. They slunk towards us, all long legs and practiced smiles, their eyes gleaming with the promise of a delightful night. I had seen this routine a hundred times before, but tonight, it grated on my nerves.
Colton leaned back, a self-satisfied smirk plastered on his face. "Take your pick, Rex," he said, gesturing to the assembled beauties. "Or take them all. You know how I love a good show."
The offer hung in the air, tempting and dangerous. In the past, I wouldn't have hesitated. I would have reveled in the power, in the dominance I could exert over these willing bodies. But now, as I looked at the women before me, I felt nothing but a hollow emptiness. Their beauty paled in comparison to Laurel's fierce intelligence, her stubborn independence, the fire burning deep inside her.
"Not interested." I waved them away with a dismissive flick of my wrist. The women retreated, confusion and disappointment evident on their faces.
Silence descended on our table. I could feel the weight of my friends' shocked stares, but I refused to meet their eyes. Instead, I took another swig of whiskey, relishing the burn as it slid down my throat.
Remy was the first to break the tension. "What the hell was that?" he demanded, leaning forward. "Since when does Rex Compton turn down a sure thing?"
I fixed him with a cold stare. "Since I decided I have better things to do with my time."
Colton chuckled, but there was an edge to it. "Better things? Like what, exactly? Sulking in my club and drinking yourself into oblivion?"
"Fuck off, Colton. I don't owe you an explanation."
Nolan interjected. "No, but you owe us some answers. This isn't like you, Rex. Something's changed."
I slammed my glass down on the table, whiskey sloshing over the rim. "Nothing's changed. I'm just not in the mood for your games tonight."
"Games?" Colton laughed, but there was no humor in it. "This isn't a game, my friend. This is an intervention. We're worried about you."
"Worried?" I scoffed. "Or just pissed that I'm not willing to play tonight?"
Remy leaned in, his eyes narrow. "Is this about that girl? Laurel?"
The sound of her name on his lips sent a jolt through me. I struggled to keep my face impassive, but I knew they had seen the flicker of emotion.
"Leave her out of this."
I closed my eyes, unable to stop the flood of memories that washed over me. Laurel's defiant gaze, her sharp wit cutting through my carefully constructed walls. The way she had dared challenge me at every turn. Her touch, electric and addictive, leaving me craving more. When I opened my eyes again, I saw the realization dawning on my friends' faces.
"So it is about her," Remy said, his voice tinged with surprise.
I scowled, unwilling to give them the satisfaction. "You don't know what you're talking about."
Nolan leaned forward, his eyes gleaming. "Oh, I think we do. This Laurel's got you all twisted up inside, doesn't she?"
"Fuck off." I said, but the venom in my voice lacked its usual bite.
Colton chuckled, shaking his head. "Never thought I'd see the day. The great Rex Compton, undone by a woman."
