Page 23 of Sanction

A knock at my door has me shutting my drawer quickly.

“Hey sister, Ember and I are going to Maxi’s, want to join?” My mom pops her head in with a smile I haven’t seen in a while. Not since dad. It’s good to see her smiling.

“Sure.”

It’s a Friday night. Maxi’s is busy. A band is playing and Jambalaya is tonight's special, so it’s definitely crowded. Maxine sat us near the back so the speakers wouldn’t be blaring in our ears as we ate. We ordered, but nature called, so I slipped out of the booth, and headed towards the ladies room. I turned the corner, but who stood in front of me had me anchored in place. Travis.

He was leaned up against the wall as Violet, one of the club girls, sucked and kissed his neck. I know he sleeps with them, I’m not naive. He’s a man, and they usually are led by one thing. Their dicks. I just haven’t had to see it with my own eyes.

Nausea waves through me and I close my eyes to try to reign it in. When I open them, his head is tilted back, eyes staring up at the ceiling. I turn away as quickly as I can, making my way back to the table. I don’t even feel like being here anymore. I seem to have suddenly lost my appetite. I bite down on my lip as I slide back in the booth. I’m trying like hell to keep my emotional outburst tucked away. I’m strong. I’m not some weak girl who crumbles. I won’t let this hurt me. There is no reason it should anyway.

When our food comes, I pick at my grilled chicken with my fork.

“Dani, you alright?” Ember asks.

“I’m good, just tired.” I lie.

They both eye me like they know I’m lying, but they don’t press for more. Mom starts a conversation about the most recent Netflix show they're obsessed with, but I tune them out. I reach for my tea, taking a swig when Travis saunters out from the hall. He’s alone and my eyes dart back to the bathrooms. Sure enough, a few seconds later Violet emerges, adjusting her tight skirt and fluffing her hair.

My stomach coils. I hate that this hurts. I hate that it actual breaks my fucking heart in a million different ways.

I try not to watch him, but my eyes keep glancing over as he joins Widow and my brother. He grabs a beer and brings it to his lips as Violet walks up behind him, snaking her arms around his waist.

It makes my blood run cold and my pulse races.

Chasity walks up next, stepping between my brother and Widow. She’s no better than Violet, as she practically gropes Maverick at the table.

“Dani.” I’m pulled away by a voice to my left.

Dice, one of the prospects stands next to our booth with his curly hair and crooked smile. He’s cute, close to my age, and probably a more realistic option for me.

“Hey Dice,” I say with a smile.

“Wanna dance?” He asks.

Do I really? No. But I need to.

“Sure.”

I step out and take his offered hand as the band begins to play the next song.

He curls an arm around my waist and I latch onto him.

“You look nice tonight.” His shy smile makes me chuckle.

“Thanks, Dice. You use that line with all the girls?”

“Nah, just the pretty ones.” He smiles.

I laugh and shake my head as he moves me around the floor. Like a blanket, awareness floats over my skin as goose bumps appear. He’s watching. When Dice spins me, I catch his gaze. Travis’ jaw is clenched tightly as Violet is tucked beneath his arm. His eyes flare with something tiptoeing jealousy, but he doesn’t let it fully show. He can’t, my brother is at his table.

Because I can’t help myself and pissing him off is my favorite pastime, I snuggle in closer to Dice. His hand lowers on back, nearing my ass, and I press my cheek to his neck. Dice is a good guy, I feel bad using him as a pawn, but after what I had to witness, Travis can enjoy the fucking show.

Travis’ eyes narrow on me as I peer over Dice’s shoulder at him. Violet leans into him, so he pulls her closer, still leaving his eyes pinned on me. Bastard. Dice spins me again, using the momentum to tug me to his chest as the song ends.

“Thanks for the dance, Dani.” Then he kisses my cheek.

I chanced one last look at Travis and immediately regretted it. As soon as our eyes connect, Violet raises up and kisses his lips.

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