Desertion

“Well, Kelly was dragged off as soon as Brooks saw what she was wearing. Holly’s about one second from getting arrested for public fornication and Kadence is trying to be polite and lady like, but we can see her squirming on Nix’s lap.” Lissy laughs, breaking it down for everyone who wasn’t clued in on what is about to go down. In short, we are about to be ditched for sex. Great.

“Yeah, it’s probably for the best,” I say, looking back over at Jesse. I can’t keep my eyes off him. It’s the first time I’ve seen him since the funeral. He looks good. Really good. Seriously, why does he have to look so good?

“Hey, you ran off.” Grant breaks my stare when he leans down into my ear, reminding me he’s still here.

“Oh, sorry.” I turn back and look up at him. “Looks like our party is over.” I bite at my lip, not sure how to play this out. An awareness starts to grow in me as I feel everyone’s eyes move between Jesse and Grant.

“Looks that way.” He sighs, taking in the men now sitting in our space.

“Yeah, so you can run along now.” Jesse’s voice cuts through the awkwardness, taking it to a whole new level.

“Excuse me?” Grant turns his gaze to where Jesse sits, then steps around me and places himself between Jesse and me.

“You heard me.” Jesse shrugs; his normal smartass grin lifts at the side of his mouth. Jesus I’ve missed that.

“You got a problem there, man?” Grant calls him out, not really understanding what he’s getting into here.

“Grant—” I begin but shut up when Jesse stands and steps into Grant’s space.

“Yeah, you.” Jesse’s grin grows deeper when he notices just how much he stands over Grant. A thrill spikes through me seeing him stake his claim, but I quickly shake myself out of his spell.

“Jesse, what’s your problem?” I step around Grant and plant myself between them.

“This guy is. Fucking rubbing up on you on the dance floor. You that hard up, sweetheart?” He keeps his stare on Grant but addresses me. Asshole.

“That’s none of your business, Jesse.” I step closer into his space, ready to take him on. No way is he going to just push his way back into my life this weekend when I’ve told him no.

“Oh, it fucking is, sweetheart.” He shakes his head, not giving in.

“Jesse, I’m no longer your concern. I’m a big girl and I’ve got this.” I turn and take Grant’s hand. “Let’s get out of here.” I find myself saying, getting lost in the frenzy Jesse brings to my life.

“No fucking way are you leaving with this asshole, you hear me?” Jesse’s hand snakes out taking my free hand in his.

I try to pull out but he doesn’t relent.

“So what, you don’t want me but no one else can have me, is that it?” I drop Grant’s hand and step back into Jesse’s space, ready to go up against him again. His grasp on me tightens when I move in close but I don’t read into it. I’m going to stay strong.

“This has nothing to do with you and me. You’re in Vegas, Bell. You don’t go off with fucking strangers, ever.” His voice drops and his head dips closer to mine.

“What if I wa

“Sweetheart, you need a cock, I’m more than willing to help you out. But you’re not having his.” He pulls back, releases his hold and directs his stare back to Grant on the last sentence.

“I don’t want yours. Been there, done that. I’m not some hang along.” I throw his words from the funeral back at him, regretting it instantly.

“Jesus,” someone curses beside us, but I don’t have a moment to react when I watch Jesse cringe.

He quickly recovers before lowering his gaze. “I deserve that, but put all of that shit aside right now, sweetheart. You’re not being smart.” His hand reaches out, grazing my fingers. I snatch mine back not needing his touch. “I’m not letting you leave with him. Don’t do this to hurt me, think about it,” he pleads, and it’s his tone that makes me listen.

He’s right. Whether it’s because he’s here in my space, or I’ve had too much to drink, I’m not thinking straight. I do want to hurt him, but at what cost?

“Grant, I’m really sorry.” I turn back to this i

“It’s okay, Bell. I get it. Here’s my number, maybe we can get coffee some time.” He leans down and kisses the side of my face.

“Thank you.” I smile and take his card. He steps back, throws one more glare at Jesse then turns and walks away, leaving us standing there awkwardly.

“Well, that was rather anti-climactic,” Lissy a

“Shut up,” I say, moving over and taking a seat next to her. I can’t bear to look up at Jesse, so I focus on Kadence and Holly across from me.

“You okay?” Kadence mouths and I shake my head, too embarrassed to get into it right now. She offers a soft smile then turns to look at Jesse. I move my stare to my feet, still not ready to address what just went down.

“Okay, well, I think that concludes the night’s activities. Thank you for a great night, guys, but I need some beauty sleep before my wedding tomorrow.” Holly winks and then lets Sy pull her away. Kadence and Nix say their goodbyes shortly after and follow behind them, obviously in need of their own beauty sleep.

“Well, this blows. I’m nowhere near ready for this night to end. We still had strippers to see.” Lissy sulks next to me then turns her body toward Beau. “Unless you wa

“You good to get up to the room?” She turns back to me then shifts her gaze to Jesse.

“I have my room key. I’m good.” I keep my eyes off Jesse and try to figure out a way I can murder her and get away with it. She was telling me to get over him earlier. Now she’s pushing me to talk to him.

“I’ll make sure she gets up, Lissy,” Jesse adds, finally stealing my gaze.

“I’ll be fine, but thank you.” I give him a smile that says I don’t need him, and then turn back to Lissy. “Go.” I roll my eyes when she bounces her brows.

“Love you, let Jesse walk you up.” She laughs, stands, takes Beau’s hand and lets him pull her away. Well shit.

“So looks like it’s just you and me,” Jesse finally says when they make their way through the club.

I look over to Hunter for help, but he just shrugs before standing and leaving us alone. Great.

“Listen, Jesse, I’ll be fine to get up to my room,” I tell him as I come to my feet. I reach for my bag and get ready to walk off, before his hand reaches out and stops me.

He tugs me into him and whispers in my ear, “I’m not willing to risk it.” His hot breath hits my skin, forcing an awareness to spike through me that starts from his hold around my wrist and heading straight to my stomach. I try to pull out of his hold, but it’s pointless when he just pulls me closer.

“I’m quite capable, Jesse.”

“I’m sure you are, Bell, but I’m insisting.” His touch and the way he rolls his tongue over my name has my breath quickening. “Please, don’t fight me,” he adds before stepping back and cutting our co

Resigned to him following this through, I nod once and let him lead the way to the elevators. He stays close to my side, his palm on the small of my back. I want to step out of his touch, tell him that having him in my space is messing with me, but I don’t. I just keep walking, vowing not to engage with him again.

“So, how have you been, Bell?” Jesse finally breaks the silence when we come to a halt in front of the elevators.

I don’t respond at first. My vow not to cave, is fresh. I refuse to give in.