Page 50 of Resisting Temptation (Men of Honor 3)
When Evans came into the gym this morning and told me I was coming to the piano bar tonight, I had grunted and said, “Oh yeah? And why would I do that?”
“Because it’s for Faith’s birthday, and she doesn’t know many people yet. And because, if you don’t I will punch you in the fucking face.” After that he had turned and walked out, not even bothering to wait for my response. Probably because he knew what I would say.
All day I told myself I shouldn’t go, that I couldn’t trust myself to be near her, but my need to see her had won over commonsense. I need to know that she’s okay, because the pain that was on her face when she left me yesterday has been haunting me ever since. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it… From her panic attack at the sight of my scars, to her guilt from thinking I blamed her… Jesus, I still can’t believe she fucking thought that. Yeah, well, if you wouldn’t have been a dumbass and told her why from the beginning she wouldn’t have thought that.
Then I think about what came after—the memory of her sweet taste that I have never forgotten, or the sound of her whimpering my name in need, the way her body came alive under my touch, my hands remembering every beautiful curve. All of it was fucking perfect, even if it was stupid, up until my fingers glided over her smooth, wet panties and she froze in fear. The look of shame and humiliation that darkened her expression still has my chest constricting with rage. They fucking did that to her, they made a beautiful, innocent woman, who should only know mind-blowing pleasure, feel ashamed and scared…
The sudden ding of a text pulls me from my enraged thoughts. Digging my phone out of my pocket, I see it’s from Evans.
Pain in my ass: Where the fuck are you? I’m serious. Get your ass here or I will fuck you up.
I grunt. Yeah, I would like to see you try, asshole. Ever since second grade, when I saved his rich ass from getting beat and having his fucking shoes stolen, the guy has been nothing but a pain in my ass. Okay, he’s all right sometimes, but most of the time he’s a pain in the ass. Hence my contact name for him.
Shaking my head, I don’t respond since I’m here and get out of the truck. As I get to the entrance the bouncer moves aside easily and doesn’t card me, clearly being able to tell I’m over twenty-one. I’m thankful he doesn’t ask me to remove my beanie. Being that this is an upper-class place I expected him to but I’m glad as fuck he doesn’t.
A loud melody of a piano and a booming voice of someone singing Journey assaults my ears as I enter. I scan the crowded, dim-lit, upscale bar, with red walls and black leather tables, looking for familiar faces. Some chick bumps into me giggling then stops to eye fuck me. I turn away without giving her a second look. Jesus, I fucking hate crowds.
I quickly spot Sawyer with his hand raised, waving me over to where they’re sitting, which is directly in front of the stage. As I make my way toward them, my eyes do a swift scan of the table for Faith and I quickly catch sight of her deep, red hair. My heart kicks up in anticipation and my cock hardens painfully. Stupid fucking dick!
I’m glad to see our table is full of everyone I know. Cooper, Jaxson and Sawyer all acknowledge me with a nod. While Kayla, Julia and Grace give me a smile and a wave. Katelyn gives me her usual death glare, which I ignore, and Red has yet to turn around. I take the empty seat next to Sawyer, which is directly across from her.
“How are you doing, Cade?” At the sound of Kayla’s question, Faith’s head snaps to me and her beautiful green eyes widen in shock. She recovers quickly and gives me a small smile. And it’s the saddest smile I’ve ever seen on her.
I instantly know something is wrong. More wrong than what happened with us yesterday. Because even with her makeup and hair done up, her sweet, innocent face is drawn and pale, and her eyes tired and haunted. She looks like she hasn’t slept in a week. Yet, she’s still the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.
“Hi,” she greets me softly. So soft that I barely hear her over the music.
“Hey, Red. Happy Birthday.”
She smiles again, “Oh, thanks. It’s not for another two weeks. We’re celebrating a little early.”
I feel everyone staring at us, but my eyes don’t leave hers. When I stare at her with questions, she glances away nervously and looks back at the stage again. Yeah, something is definitely up.
Sawyer punches me in the arm and gives me his usual asshole grin. “You got here pretty quick after my text. I scared the shit out of you, didn’t I?” I glare at him, which only makes him chuckle.
Grace elbows him playfully. “Stop antagonizing him.”
“Listen to your woman before I have to embarrass you in front of her.”
He smirks and shakes his head, “Not going to happen, Walker. We aren’t in second grade anymore.”
I grunt. “Doesn’t matter. I can still kick your ass and you know it.”
Grace rolls her eyes at our pissing contest. “Both of you stop. No one is kicking anyone’s ass. You guys are best friends and you love each other.”
Evans and Jaxson both burst out laughing. I do not find it that funny, and am just about to tell her that I do not love this dickhead but before I can reply the song finishes and the place erupts in applause.
“Thanks everyone, you can never go wrong with Journey,” the guy at the piano says into the mic. “Okay, next up. I have been told by a good friend of mine that someone is here celebrating her birthday tonight, and that this someone can sing better than the best.”
