The Grand Pact (The Grand Men #1)(108)

Would he hear me out if I tried?

Am I naive to think this is fixable?

My mind is a muddle, and I’m not fully concentrating when two guys come tumbling through the throngs of people. Their fists are flying at one another, and they fight to stay on their feet as women and men grab at their limbs to try and break it up.

I put my hands out, anticipating the inevitable as they continue in my path.

It happens fast.

They fall towards me, and I squeeze my eyes shut as I wince.

My feet lift from the ground, and I snap open my eyes as I’m enveloped in warmth. Elliot’s arm is hooked around my waist, holding me to his body as he steps backwards and away from the people who are now brawling on the ground.

Once we’re clear of the mess and locked in the confinements of the less wild patrons, he places my feet on the ground.

His hand doesn’t move, and neither do I.

We stand still, and I don’t believe either of us want this moment to end. Our bodies are one, the closeness so familiar and yet sorely missed. He shifts me, and I’d think it was thoughtless, but then I feel his rock-hard cock against my back. “These boots.” I feel his hot breath rasp against my ear, and goose bumps sheath me.

His fingers dig into the sliver of skin at my waist, and my head drops back to his chest, desperate for his hands to explore further.

His tongue traces my ear, and my lips part. “Outta my motherfucking head,” he whispers, his mouth dragging over my cheek. “I don’t want you there.”

I turn in his arms fast, looking up into his eyes to search for the lie.

His eyes scan my face, and his chin lifts a fraction of an inch before he pulls back. The hand on my waist works to turn me away from him again, and then he’s pushing me in the direction of the others.





Elliot





We walked home.

Well, Scarlet, Megan, and I walked home. We went to the beach and ended up soaked right through, thanks to the girls.

They choose to go through the main entrance of the house while I slip around the back, wanting the peace and quiet of the ocean in my ears before I end my night.

Mason, Nina, Charlie, and Lucy left in the cars when Maxwell couldn’t be found in the club. I could tell it bothered Lucy not knowing where he was, and I couldn’t understand it. The prick spent the majority of the night with another woman.

It’s ironic, really, that she can spend the best part of three years telling people we’d never be compatible because of the way I work, yet she will fuck a guy who’s happy to openly screw her over.

I’m removing my wet shirt, not expecting anyone to be up when I spot Mason and Charlie sitting at the firepit with the little prick. I come to a stop in front of the house. My eyes gravitate to the right, towards the bifold doors, and I catch Lucy watching me from the kitchen island. She’s wearing a bikini, her hair wet and pulled over one shoulder. She’s chopping something up, but her eyes are firmly fixed on me.

She looked fucking incredible tonight, and at one point, I almost caved. I almost gave her the chance to open her pretty fucking lips and tell me how sorry she was.

And then she left to go find him.

My tongue swipes over my teeth, and I stuff my hands in my wet trouser pockets.

I stroll over to the firepit.

Maxwell follows me with his eyes as I round the flames and sit opposite him.

I’d like to think I’ve made it quite clear I don’t like him. We’ve not spoken a word since I got here.

“You’re fucking wet, Montgomery,” Mason hisses, pushing my knee away as I sit down next to him.

“The girls fucked me over,” I tell him, tipping my chin up at Maxwell. “Why do you think it’s okay to disrespect Lucy like you did tonight?”

Mason and Charlie stare him down just as hard as I do. They knew I wasn’t looking for a peace offering here.

The piece of shit smiles around his glass, swaying in his seat. He’s been on something all night. “You know how Lucy is.”

He leans back in the seat, looking for her through the window. His eyes roam her body, and I fight the urge to smash his face into the firepit. “Just look at those sweet tits.” He looks back at us, not gauging our moods as he continues. “She knows what she gets, and I know what I get—which isn’t a fucking lot.” He pauses and points as if he’s just remembering something. “The girl can suck a dick; I’ll give her that.”

“Watch your fucking mouth,” Mason snaps, sitting forward in his seat.

Maxwell eyes him, running his hand over his buzzed head.

“She isn’t going to call me out,” he tells us as if it’s obvious. “She’s too afraid to be on her own. And while she can’t give me any, I’m sure as shit going to find it elsewhere.” He shrugs, finishing his drink and pointing it at Charlie as he sways. “Sue me. Lawyer.”

“Alright, I think we’re done,” Charlie says, sensing my mood and giving me a look as he stands.

Maxwell throws his arms out wide with a smile. “What? I’ve not offended you, have I?”

“She doesn’t give you any?” I ask, my eyes wild as I sit disgusted by his entire being. “The fuck does that mean?” I grit out the words, not giving a shit what it might start.

“I don’t know, I’m no doctor. She’s been bleeding for months, and I don’t get a day off because of it. Or a day on.” He laughs again, and Mason’s knee starts to bounce. “She’s on some kind of birth control that’s fucking with her.”