With a grunt, I lift the crate of bottles I came in here for to restock the bar with and heave them back out.
I try to focus on what I’m doing and not let my mind drift to what Ryder might be doing with my girl right at this second.
I knew it was a risk asking him to keep an eye on her when I couldn’t. He had a taste just as much as I had. But fuck, I never thought he’d…
Fucking naïve asshole.
Of course he’d want another go. She was incredible. And he’s Ryder. He’s never exactly been one to turn down a willing pussy.
Not that Kat is like the club whores or some of the skanks he’s been with in the past. But she’s willing. I’m more than aware of that.
When I promised D that I’d keep an eye out, I wanted to do it with the best intentions.
I’m starting to realize what a fucking stupid idea that was.
I never should have tried to do the right thing. I fucking wouldn’t if I knew it could result in me losing the only girl I’ve ever truly wanted to my best friend.
I guess some might say that’s karma.
I fucked everything up with D and Faith back in the day.
Is this my punishment? Watching my girl turn to Ryder instead of me?
As I shift crates back and forth to the two bars in the club, my cell continues to ring with the unknown number, and Ryder never fucking reads my messages.
I ignore the calls. Anyone who could possibly want me is in my contacts.
But the second my cell pings with a text, I drop what I’m doing, literally, and drag it from my pocket.
Unknown: Styx, it’s Faith. I need help.
“Fuck,” I breathe.
It really is the universe messing with me.
Unknown: Please, I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t desperate.
In a rush, I leave the conversation thread for fear she’ll send another one and know that I’m obviously staring at the screen.
“Boss, you going on break or what?” Chris asks when I pass him coming down from upstairs where he’s been setting up for tonight’s private party.
“Uh… y-yeah, I guess,” I mutter, my head still full of questions and confusion over those messages.
Faith hasn’t been in touch since the day she left town, after shattering D’s heart and leaving our friendship in tatters.
Why the hell would she ever think it would be a good idea to call me? Why would she think I’d ever want to help her?
For all she knows, I’m married with a family by now.
Whatever trouble she’s in, it must be bad. Really fucking bad for her to risk reaching out.
Pushing through to the staff room, my eyes linger on the couch and then the coffee table where we spent the majority of our time that night.
My cock hardens as the memories of my girl writhing and calling out my name play out in my head, banishingherimmediately.
But then another message comes through.
Unknown: Please, Styx. I need someone.