Messy Love(16)

He waved her argument away and leaned closer to her. I had to take a step back when the first thing I almost did was to grab him by the collar and pull him away from her. What’s wrong with me, damn it?

“We’d get you in, don’t worry. What d’you say?’’

I was looking down at my old chucks, but I felt it when her eyes landed on me. They burned through me, stocking the damn lust that had taken residence in my veins, pumping blood to my fast hardening cock. I’d never felt like I wanted to fight a chick and fuck her at the same time before.

“Sure, I guess.’’

I didn’t have to look at Ralph to know he’s smiling his smile that often got him laid by the end of the night. “Let’s exchange numbers so you can text me tomorrow when you’re there. I’ll get you in.’’

I tuned out after that and left the tattoo parlor with a wave for Kam and no other words for the others. I’ve had enough of this shit.





MARISSA


“Thank you for coming with me, Jamie. I hope it doesn’t bother Aimee,’’ I said, tightening my grip on his arm when QB District came into view with its electric blue neon shining on the fa?ade of the nondescript building. My palm was so sweaty my hand kept on sliding over the leather of his jacket.

“She's having a girls’ night with her cousin and sister at home. She was happy to see me leave. And anyway, after what you’ve told me about that Wyatt guy, I want to meet him. We’ll see if he’s a prick when I’m around too.’’

The anger in my brother's voice had me reconsider my supposedly brilliant idea of inviting him to this night out. Jamie wasn’t a fighter at heart, but I knew that in some instances he didn’t hesitate in throwing himself in with all the rage he could muster up. A few things could set him off, and the easier way to make him go ballistic was to hurt his wife or me.

“Don’t… you know, punch him.’’ I sighed, and with my free hand, I kept my leather jacket closed when a gust of wind swept over us. For a spring night in Atlanta, it’s oddly chilly compared to the usual hot and humid air. “I don’t want him to know he gets to me. The asshole would get off on it.’’ I screwed up my face at the thought and got my phone out of my pocket.

“I’m pretty sure he already knows, sis. You’re not that good at hiding your thoughts. Or your anger.’’

I mumbled something noncommittal and quickly typed a text for Ralph to let him know I was out. I glanced at the line of people waiting to get in, and I had my doubts as to if he’s going to be able to get me past the brick house of a bouncer at the door, checking IDs even when girls in barely-there attire tried to charm their way in.

“Is this Ralph?’’ Jamie asked me, tearing me out of my thoughts and pointing at someone going out.

I didn’t need more than a second to know it wasn’t Ralph, but Wyatt. He wasn’t wearing any jacket and his muscular arms, tattooed, stood out against the light blue of his t-shirt. As a future tattoo artist, I couldn’t help the appeal I felt at seeing his ink. But one quick glance at his scowling face killed the warmth invading my body before it reached out too far, and yet, his presence alone had me sucking in my breath while my heart went into a frenzy of beats in my chest.

With his long legs, it didn’t take him long to reach us, but he barely spared me a look. No, his scowl and dark eyes were on my brother, cataloging every single thing before he stopped in front of us and finally decided to stare my way.

“Marissa.’’ His voice was low, gruff.

“Wyatt,’’ I replied in the same manner, but it came out more shaky than I’d like. My whole body coiled tight while my fingers dug into my brother’s jacket. “I thought Ralph would come out.’’

“You mean you’d have preferred it,’’ he retorted with a sinister smirk that had me shivering. “He’s a bit busy in there.’’ He waved distractedly at the building behind him. “Who’s your guy?’’

“Jamie is my brother. Why?’’

Maybe it’s a trick of the city lights and the bright neon behind casting an eerie blue halo around him, but I thought his shoulders relaxed. A surprised look temporarily replaced his scowl as his eyebrows got lost behind his thick hair hanging over his forehead. He ignored me and faced my brother, extending a hand. I glared at them when my brother shook it without hesitation. I pulled my hand away from his arm and huffed silently.

“Hey man, I’m Wyatt Burton.’’

“I gathered. Just a friendly advice, keep your temper in check tonight around my sister.’’

Wyatt tilted his head, still fixing my brother, towering over him and muscles bulging as he crossed his massive arms over his equally big chest. I cringed and silently prayed these two weren’t going to go into it right now. I covered my eyes with a hand and took a deep breath.

“Duly noted,’’ Wyatt said with sarcasm so thick it’s grating.

I dropped my hand and glared at him. “Nice. Now get us inside.’’

“Eager to see Ralph again? I must warn you. He’s currently in much better company.’’

I hid my sudden disappointment, and to someone else, they’d probably think it’s because I was interested in the faux-hawk wearing guy, but it’s nothing like that. I came here tonight because Ralph was a friendly guy and I assumed maybe he’d play interference between his friend and me. Now, I could only count on my brother. Unless…