Camden's Redemption (Gloves Off #4)(7)
“Believe me, I don’t give a rat’s ass about making Blake jealous. There’s no way in hell I’m taking him back.”
“Oh, I didn’t think you would. But how about we take it to the next level?” He turned his face to the side, baring his cheek. “Give me a kiss and I’ll pour your shots.”
“How can I say no to that?” I leaned over to kiss his cheek, but he turned quickly and I ended up kissing him on the lips. The guys pounded on the bar and whistled. “You are so bad,” I said, shaking my head. “I think you need to give me an extra shot for that.”
“Oh, I’ll give you a little something extra,” he bit his lip and winked, making all of the guys hoot and holler.
I didn’t need to look over at Blake, I could feel his heated stare on my back. Hopefully, it pissed him off. I wasn’t the type to play games, but he needed to know I wasn’t the same person he f*cked over months ago. I may not have experience with many men, but I knew the way I wanted to be treated and it wasn’t by someone like him.
Peter set out another shot glass and filled them all up with vodka. “Drink up, baby.”
I tossed back the first one and then the second, letting them settle in my stomach for a while before I moved on to the next two. “So what all did you do while you were gone?” Gabe asked. “I was shocked Mason let you go.”
“I am too, but he knew I needed it. The job keeps me focused.”
Gabe put his arm around me and squeezed. “I know, kitten. We all know how hard it’s been on you and your brother. Did fighter boy ever catch on he was being followed?”
“Nope. I’m good at my job. Tonight’s the first time he’s ever seen me.”
“Uh-oh,” he teased, elbowing me in the side. “Make sure to stay away from him. We all know what he’s like.”
“Like she’d ever be interested in a f*cktard like him,” Blake spat.
Picking up another shot, I held it in the air and turned to glare at him. “Right now, I’d be interested in anyone but you.” Downing the fiery liquid, I grabbed the other shot and tossed it back as well. “I think I need some fresh air.”
I started to get up and so did Blake, but I held up my hand. “Alone,” I emphasized. “I’ll be right back.” My whole body felt warm and my head was fuzzy. Taking vodka shots on an empty stomach probably wasn’t such a good idea. Jason nodded at me as I walked past him and straight to the door. I used to love drinking but now I hated it. I was going to feel like shit in the morning.
The night air was warm and slightly humid, typical for late May. I could feel the sweat dripping from my neck on down spine. I was ready to leave. Pulling out my phone, I texted my brother and told him I was heading back to the condo. Being angry and drunk wasn’t a good thing if I was stuck in a bar with Blake.
Before Jason could stop me, I took off down the sidewalk. Blake hollered out my name in the distance, but I kept going, never once looking back. Please don’t follow me. I only had three blocks before getting to my building and then I could lock myself in the condo and not have to answer the door. Once inside, I rushed to the elevator and blew out a shaky breath, thankful I didn’t see Blake coming through the door after me. As it lifted to the top, the movement made my stomach nauseated.
Putting a hand over my mouth, I breathed through my nose, praying to God I didn’t throw up in the elevator or the hallway. I would never be able to live that down. The keys were somewhere in my purse. I searched around for them while trying desperately to not think about throwing up. My hands were shaking so bad I couldn’t fit the key in the f*cking hole.
“Come on,” I growled, trying to jam them in.
“Here, let me try,” a voice called out. When a hand closed over mine, I reacted quickly. Gripping his wrist, I twisted around as fast as I could and pushed my body into his, slamming him against the wall on the other side of the hall.
“What the f*ck?” he growled.
Shit, it wasn’t Blake. Abruptly, I stepped back, stumbling into my door. “Oh my God. I am so sorry. I thought you were someone else.” Now I was on the verge of spewing every ounce of vodka and wine I’d ingested.
Camden rolled his shoulder and approached cautiously, hands in the air. “Are you okay?”
I slapped a hand over my mouth and shook my head. With my other hand, I turned the key and barged through the door.
BROOKE. THAT WAS the name the guy at the bar shouted when she ran away. She wasn’t just a drunk vixen in a red dress; she was sharp and strong as hell. My arm hurt like a bitch. I’d never seen a girl move like she did, especially while intoxicated. She was the same girl I saw in the elevator earlier. There was something familiar about her, like I’d seen her before. Even in the way she looked at me there was familiarity there. Did she know who I was? I didn’t know but I was going to find out.
One thing was for certain, the girl had power. Her intensity reminded me of Gabriella. I didn’t know if I should go in after her, but she dropped her purse at the door and left the keys in the lock. Not exactly the safest thing to do even if we were in a swank condo building. I was probably going to regret this, but I picked up her purse and took the keys out of the lock, shutting the door behind me. Setting her stuff on the counter, I found a glass in one of the cabinets and poured her some water.