“Because I said so. Unless you want to see something you might not like, I’d heed my command and stay upstairs.” I hang up and look at a frowning Axel. Holding up a finger, I grumble, “Don’t say a word.”
He chuckles. “Jesus, man… I’m glad I’m not you.” As he opens the door to leave, Amy arrives with my dinner.
“Here.” She hands me my plate filled with grilled salmon, a large kale salad, along with sweet potatoes and creamy spinach.
“Thanks, Amy.” I rub my head, needing sleep and the gypsy upstairs not a party. But I’m the president so I don’t exactly have a choice.
She sniffs and I can tell she’s pissed I’m not with Eve.
“Amy?” She looks at me as she reaches the door.
“Don’t get too attached to her. She’s temporary. Men like me don’t do relationships. I have a whole houseful of men and women who have to come first.” I don’t know if I’m reminding Amy or myself.
She stiffens. “Keep lying to yourself, Jason. You’re crazy about her and she is your future.” She opens the door and walks out.
“Fuck.” I almost throw a beer bottle but instead pick up my fork to eat. The small buzzing of the beer signs and the beat of music coming from outside the door make me more tired. I finish my dinner and lean back and close my eyes for a second. Warm hands are massaging my neck and caressing my chest. For a split second, I think it’s Eve, but this woman’s smell is all wrong, so I grab the hand as it starts to trail to places it shouldn’t.
“Crystal, not tonight,” I grumble and sit up. She leans forward, shoving her breasts in my face.
“It’s been a long time. I miss you,” she coos. I look at the door and wonder how I didn’t hear her come in.
I stand up and reach for a bottle of Wild Turkey. Opening it, I take a long swig. The spicy whiskey burns all the way down to my stomach.
“Sit.” I motion with my head. She does and her black skirt rides up as she crosses her tan legs. I take a seat next to her.
“We go back a long time. You were Chuck’s girl and that’s probably how it should have stayed.” Her eyes tear up at the mention of my brother. She looks years past her age: sun, smoking, and too many men and alcohol have not been kind to her. Suddenly I’m comparing my Angel to her. Eve’s dewy fresh skin that glows while Crystal looks like she needs a shower and a hose to take her makeup off, revealing every large pore and wrinkle. She’s only thirty-two, but she already frequents the plastic surgeon’s office for Botox and fillers. Her hair is too red and damaged, her breasts too big, and her smell is all wrong. I wake up every morning to golden sun-kissed tresses that smell like coconut and feel like silk when I wrap them around my hands or neck.
“Blade, why do you always hurt me?” It’s an honest question, so I give her an honest answer.
“You were never mine. I was young and grieving. But come on, Crystal, I’ve never lied to you.”
She looks at me and at her legs. “So you’re that attached to this girl?” She sneers “girl” and my patience starts to fade.
“It’s not your business. Be smart, Crystal. Stay away from her.”
She stands and reaches for the bottle of Wild Turkey and takes a sip. Like the pro she is, she doesn’t even shudder. “You always come back. I’ve put too much time and energy into you, Blade. Yes, Chuck was my first, but you will be my last.”
I stare at her, then start to laugh. “Perfect.” Taking the bottle from her, I drink from it.
“But stay away from Eve. I’ll let you know if I require you.” Her eyes narrow and she reaches for me, but I’m done. Have been for a while. Crystal was easy and for the most part knew her place. I’m not programmed to be monogamous. It’s not my life or future to be with one woman. I can’t imagine anything more hypocritical being who I am. It’s why I don’t ever want kids. Axel is right—as soon as I was kinged, I gave up my personal life. I watched my dad trot whore after whore in front of my mother. Hell, when Chuck and I were little, we had to call some of them Auntie whoever. So, I should just unzip my jeans and let her suck me off. But instead, I take her hand and guide her out of my conference room and into the loud party.The door to my room is locked. At first my drunk ass can’t figure out why I can’t get in. My whole body is pushing at the strong wooden door. Eve is inside—she’s my goal. At last, I take a step back and realize she has locked me out. I know I got after her about leaving the door unlocked, but now that I can’t get in, I wish I hadn’t.