“Why didn’t you go to the clinic?”
“Changed my mind.”
“C’mon let’s get a table.” I grab her hand and can feel all eyes on us as we move toward the back for more privacy. Ainsley has never come to The Inferno since we opened the doors last month.
She slides into the booth first. The jukebox kicks on and the lights dim. Ainsley fidgets with some of the broken frays on her ripped jeans. I place my hand over hers, stilling the nervous activity.
Leaning in close my lips brush along her ear. “Got something you want to tell me, wife o’ mine?”
Twisting to face me, her lips are centimeters from mine. “I want us to try. I want to really try.”
Her words are not what I was expecting. Gazing into her eyes, I wish I could believe her but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy her attempt. “You giving up on that fairytale of my brother rolling up on his Harley to rescue you?”
“I don’t want to talk about him, Abel. He’s not part of this. Part of us.” Taking my hand, a slender finger rubs over my wedding band. “You’re my husband. You stood up and gave me your protection when you could’ve left me to fend for myself. “
“I could still hand you over.”
“You won’t.”
I lick my lips and motion for Carmen to bring me a beer. “You want something to drink?”
“Just a water.”
I glance at her knowing damn good and well why she only wants water but don’t comment.
“Can I get your lady friend a drink?” Carmen hands me a bottle of Bud and smiles at Ainsley.
“My old lady will take a water. No tap shit. Get her bottled and a cup of ice. Crushed not cubed.” She scurries off.
“I hate that term. I’m not old.” Ainsley looks at me, lips curving into a warm smile.
“What would you rather be called then? My old man calls my mother his top bitch.”
Brows lifting, her mouth opens but before she can comment Carmen is back with her water and ice. “Thanks.” Twisting the cap off the bottle, she pours the water over the ice, and squeezes the lemon slices over it. After taking a drink she gazes around the bar taking in the scene.
Drinks are flowing, club members and sweet asses are dancing and having a good time.
“What’s going through that head of yours?”
“I’m wondering which whore is yours.”
“All of them, but if you are wondering which one I’ve taken to my bed, then none of them.”
“Get real. I’m not stupid. You expect me to believe you’ve not fucked around once since we came to Texas. Since we got married.”
“I didn’t say that. I said I’ve not fucked anyone that’s here tonight.”
“What about her?”
“Who?” I look around then spot Oaklyn at the pool tables with ATL and Snoop.
“That bitch who can’t take her eyes off you.”
“You
jealous?”
“Just curious. She’s pretty. Looks like a stripper but pretty.”