Rake's Redemption (Wind Dragons MC #4)(50)

I laugh at that, shifting in my seat. “Yeah, I guess it is about time. But it’s more complicated than anyone knows. I mean, yeah, things are okay for now, but I don’t really know what’s going to happen in the long run.”

“Nothing worth having is easy, Bails,” she says. “Sin and I didn’t have it easy. Anna and Arrow probably had it the worst. Tracker and Lana had to fight for each other. But in the end it’s all worth it. And people might say Rake is the sluttiest out of the men, and between you and me, well, he is.” She shrugs unapologetically. “But I think if you get his heart, he will be the most loyal, devoted man you could ask for.”

I’m about to reply when she says, “Oooh, look, her pants are coming off now!”

“Do you care if Sin looks?” I ask curiously, watching the woman now dance around the garden in nothing but a G-string. No shame whatsoever.

“Sin might glance that way,” Faye says, a smug look on her face. “But that’s all he will do. He knows what he has, and he won’t do anything to ruin that. He wouldn’t survive if he lost me. And to be completely honest, I trust him. I know he won’t cheat.”

“The way he looks at you,” I admit, looking down at my lap. “I want that. Relationship goals.”

Faye touches my shoulder. “You already have that, sweetie—the look is just a little guarded and unsure right now. You just need to work it out with him. And for the record, I’m happy with his pick. All the men have picked awesome chicks, and it really makes my life easier.”

We both share a smile at that.

“Now,” she says. “It’s your turn to deal with this shit, because we’ve all been there.”

“Deal with what?”

She nods her head, and I look in that direction, to where a woman is talking with Rake, her hand on his chest, just like I had mine not even an hour ago.

“Who is that bitch?” I growl, rising from my seat.

Faye grabs my hand. “Don’t go up there. I have a better idea.”

I don’t like the mischievous, scheming look on her pretty face, but she’s the president’s wife, surely she knows what she’s talking about, right?

“What?” I ask, my blood boiling as I see the woman step closer to him, and him do nothing about it.

Nothing.

He invited me to this damn orgy party! Or whatever it’s called!

“I’m going to kill him.”

Faye gets in front of me, blocking my view. “Acting out right now isn’t going to teach him anything, and you’re both still in that unsure stage. Do you want to come off as jealous and crazy?”

“No,” I grumble quietly, exhaling.

“So can you go up there and make a scene about this? I mean technically he’s not yours, and he’s just talking to her,” she continues, giving me a look that says, Do you see where I’m going with this?

“What do I do?” I ask, feeling frustrated and unsure. I don’t know my place here. All I know is that I don’t want Rake flirting with someone else right in front of me.

“See that man over there?” she asks, discreetly pointing to a handsome dark-haired man standing in the corner alone, drink in hand.

“Yeah?”

“I saw him checking you out before. You should go and say hello,” she suggests, winking at me.

“Faye, I don’t think—”

“Trust me, Bails. Do it. Now.”

My eyes widen at her commanding tone.

Okay, if she thinks this is what I should do, then why not? She knows this lifestyle, not me.

I hold out my hand and she slides her drink in it. I tip it back, letting the alcohol slide down my throat.

Liquid courage.

I need some of that right now.

“Go get him, tiger!” she cheers, doing a little dance in her chair. “What’s your opening line going to be? Ask him if he wants to go halves on a baby!” She throws her head back and laughs. “Come on, that’s some funny shit.”

Where does she come up with this?

I block out Faye and walk toward the man, who is currently avoiding eye contact with anyone around him. He’s dressed in a white T-shirt, worn light jeans, and heavy biker boots.

“Uhh, hello,” I say, smiling sweetly.

Yeah, I’m smooth.

“Hey.” He grins, making me instantly relax, his gorgeous baby-blue eyes making me melt a little.

“I’m Bailey,” I say, standing next to him and leaning against the wall. “Why are you standing here alone?”

“Just people-watching” is his reply. “I don’t really like crowds.”

I suddenly feel really bad, because this guy is totally nice and I’m about to involve him in some party bullshit by trying to even the field with Rake. Feeling stupid, I’m about to say ’bye and walk away when Rake walks up to us.

“Demon,” he says to the man, eyes hard.

Demon?

“Why is your name Demon?” I ask, ignoring Rake. “You seem like a nice guy to me.”

Demon laughs, eyes dancing with amusement, but Rake on the other hand doesn’t look pleased at all. He pulls me into him, my back to his front, and pushes my hair to the side. He then kisses my neck. “Let’s go inside. Now.”