“That makes one of us,” I muttered.
CHAPTERTEN
FREDDIE
Iwas baffled, completely lost at what had just happened. My heart ached as I rubbed my chest, hoping the sensation would ease over what Luke had done. He’d somehow done the impossible and rendered me speechless. Not many people managed that. I know I’d wanted him gone, but he’d stayed and I couldn’t figure out why that bothered me so much. Well, I didn’t want to accept why it bothered me; Luke had taken back control of the situation. To see him dressed in my clothes and eating my favourite food made me want to march him straight back into my bedroom and fuck his ass raw, claim him again so the world fell back on its axis like I needed it to be. Except Luke walked away from me and I just let him.
I spent the day wallowing away, hidden in my apartment, not wanting my mood to bring anyone else down. When I spotted Luke’s tie, I brought the cotton up to my nose, reveling in his scent. I couldn’t hold back the fact that I knew I’d fucked up, but I didn’t know what to do to make it better. I wasn’t a guy who knew how to stand tall and be leant on before, but I questioned if I could learn.
I didn’t want to see anyone, even though I had messages from Isobel, Chrissie and even Everleigh. I just wanted the quiet and time before I had to prepare for my evening shift tonight. It didn’t mean they went unread though, in case an emergency happened and one of the girls needed me. I’d never have forgiven myself if something happened and I couldn’t be reached when I spotted Isobel’s text.
Fred, just letting you know you’re working at The Wilden tonight. I just noticed the change in rotas when checking my hours. See you at five.
Fuck.What is it with having to work up at that bar? I didn’t even know if I had to work another shift with Luke or, worse, Robert. I could see Robert enjoying spending the night winding the pair of us up, except that would be torture with how Luke left me. I needed someone who could act as an alibi should things become too awkward. I couldn’t ask Isobel or Chrissie. I mean, they would still be working and the endless questions would probably make the situation worse than anything Robert could ever do.
Mark… fuck yes.
What are big brothers for? He owed me big time anyway, after some of the stunts he’d played in the past. Mark could entertain anyone with his seductive manner and make a drink sound like it was sex on legs.Smooth, fruity and runs straight down the throat like a wet dream.I’d heard the line too many times before, but it got the women buying all the drinks and the tips rolling in his pocket; the perfect bartender. A proper lady’s man and flirt—scrap that, player—he’d ensure everyone in the bar was kept on their toes. A huge plus if it kept all the bar staff out of my hair.
I grabbed my phone and scrolled quickly to Mark’s number. Hitting the call button, I rubbed my finger over the scabbed cut on my leg from when I hit it.
“Bro, this is a surprise. I’m normally used to a quick text from you. What’s the occasion for a call?”
“I know, sorry. It’s just easier to tap a few keys than to pick up the phone sometimes. But, you’re right. I do have something to ask you.” I held my breath in anticipation, waiting to hear the tone in Mark’s voice on whether or not I needed to prepare myself for a night of avoidance or not. I couldn’t let Mr. Granbler down, or Dawson, for that matter. I loved my job, even if I had been thrown in to cover elsewhere of late. I knew even if Mark couldn’t help me, I’d still be a professional and work my shift with my head held high, no matter how hard it was.
“Fred, you can always ask me anything. I’m your big brother. What do you need?” Mark uttered sincerely, making my heart ache. It was true I knew I could ask him anything, it was just that I was too stubborn to.
“Are you busy tonight? I understand if you’ve…”
“Hold on,” Mark interrupted sharply. “I’m free tonight. I’ve a night off from Keyo. Just tell me what you need.”
“Can you keep me company whilst I work the Wilden Bar tonight? Del’s got me covering up there at the moment.”
“Absolutely. I won’t ask any more questions after this one, so you don’t need to answer anything that’s awkward, but I’m assuming it’s to do with avoiding people—a man, maybe?” Mark rambled with a slight smugness to his tone.
“Yep, okay. Are you happy?” I asked. “I just need to be kept on my toes, whether that be with the place being busy or you dragging my attention away anytime I’m approached by a colleague.”
“Easy,” Mark uttered back. “What time shall I meet you there?”
“Shift starts at five,” I declared.
“Okay. See you up there.”
“Thanks, bro.”
I put the call down and breathed a sigh of relief. At least I had a get-out clause tonight. I hoped I wouldn’t need to panic about the potential of working with Luke or Robert and that Mark’s presence wouldn’t be needed. He could just enjoy himself instead. So, why did my heart hurt and feel like a dagger had been driven through it at the mere thought of a shift with no Luke?
* * *
Tonight’s shift was going to be so much worse than I’d anticipated. I walked through the door and Kai was serving at the bar tonight, instead of his normal daytime shift. I wondered why the change of plan but it was clear when Robert and Luke came dressed up in fitted shirts and trouser combinations and headed straight for me. Fuck. He looked so hot. Mark was already sitting at the bar, nursing his lager, when I held my head high and directed the pair of them to the bar area right next to him.
I couldn’t keep my gaze off Luke’s neck where he’d purposely undone two buttons and a slight red mark showed on his collarbone, one that I knew I’d caused last night. My mark. My imprint. I wanted to cover his skin in them and then photograph them all to memory as I drew lines, connecting them across his body. Damn.
“Can I take your order?” I asked Luke and Robert as they took a seat on the bar stools.
“I’ll have what he’s drinking.” Luke pointed at Mark’s lager and winked before placing his hand over Robert’s and giving it a squeeze.
“Same.” Robert’s gaze avoided mine as I noticed him try to shy away from Luke’s touch.