by E. L. Todd
“She can stay with us if it’s too cramped,” Scarlet offered.
“Yeah,” Sean said. “We have room.”
Ryan shook his head. “We don’t mind having her. She’s not a problem. Besides, she works long hours in the city. It would be a pain for her to commute.”
“Poor Hazel,” I said.
“She asked if we could go with her to the apartment so she can get the rest of her things,” Ryan said. “I said yes, obviously.”
“I think we should break a few of his bones to teach him a lesson,” I said darkly.
“I think we should talk to him first,” Sean said. “Flynn and I aren’t exactly close, but he doesn’t strike me as the cheating type.”
Ryan shook his head slightly. “It would be easier to believe he’s innocent, but…I really don’t think he is. There’s not a single explanation I can think of to explain everything.”
Scarlet gave him a firm look. “Don’t hurt him, Ryan.”
“I’ll do what I want,” he snapped. “No one hurts my friend and gets away with it. And since she’s so important to Cortland, I have to step up and protect Hazel. Cortland isn’t here, but I’ll do right by him.”
No one had an argument against that.
“How’s she doing?” I asked.
“She cried for a while when she first got to the apartment, but she’s been pretty quiet ever since. I invited her over but she didn’t want to come, saying she wanted to be alone,” Ryan said.
“Has Flynn come by?” I asked.
“No,” Ryan said. “He’d be stupid not to.”
A quiet sadness fell on the room. Now we were all even more depressed than we used to be.
“This sucks,” Sean said bluntly. “First, Monnique, and now Hazel. Can we just have a day in our lives when there’s no drama?”
Scarlet shook her head. “Never going to happen.”
“I hate to be insensitive to both Monnique and Hazel, but Mike’s getting married in a little over a week and we really need to have the bachelor party,” Ryan said.
I couldn’t believe my wedding day was so soon. Cassandra and the girls worked their asses off to throw it together as soon as possible. It was quite an accomplishment. “I really don’t need one. There’s more important things going on right now.”
“There’s nothing you can do for Monnique,” Scarlet said gently. “But I suspect Cortland won’t be able to make it, which is understandable. And there’s nothing you can do for Hazel either.”
Cassandra rubbed my arm. “I want you to have a good time. This is your only bachelor party. Well—it better be the only one.” She gave me a playful look.
I smirked then kissed her on the forehead. “It will be.”
“Then it needs to happen this Saturday. We’ll hit the Rainbow Room and play poker at the plaza,” Sean said.
“What about Cortland?” I asked.
Sean shrugged. “We’ll have to do it without him. He’ll understand.”
It still didn’t feel right without him here.
Silence fell as no one spoke. I had the perfect life and the perfect girl on my arm. She was pregnant and carrying my child. Everything was going well, and my mom had a good chance of a successful surgery. Now I felt bad for Hazel and Monnique, who were both going through the most difficult times of their lives.
Cassandra and I lay on the couch while we watched TV. Her body was hooked around mine and her face rested on my chest. Even when she was pregnant with my kid, she was still so small.
The TV was on, but I wasn’t really watching it. Instead, I was thinking about my two friends. Just the idea of losing one of my parents was enough to make me go into a depression. I loved them both so much. But to lose both….within a year. That was rough. And I felt bad for Hazel too. She was strong and secure on the outside, but I knew Flynn’s betrayal was eating her alive.
“Mike?” Cassandra whispered.
“Hmm?” My hand moved down her back, feeling the steep curve I loved.
“Do you…have any doubts?”
My hand stilled. “About what?”
“Me…”
I turned my head and looked at her. Her face was concealed underneath her hair. I had a feeling she did it on purpose. “No. Not a single one. Why?”
“I just…I don’t know.”
“You do know. Tell me.”
She rested her hand on my stomach. “You’ve been single your entire life, and now you’re getting married with a kid on the way. Doesn’t that…scare you?”
“No.” Not one bit.
“Are you sure?”
Where was this coming from? “Does it scare you?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, Mike,” she said firmly.
“I don’t have a doubt in my mind, Cassandra. You’re my soul mate. All I want is you.”
“But…”
“There is no but,” I interrupted her. “If anyone should have doubts, it’s you. I don’t deserve you. You’re marrying down and I’m marrying up. That’s just how it is.”
“Not at all.”
“Shows how much you know.”
She hooked her arm around her waist. “I guess I get scared that you’ll take off when everything hits you. That you’ll want to go back to your bachelor life.”
I was hurt. “I’m insulted you would even think that.”
“I’m sorry…”
“I’ve been around and I know what’s out there. I want a marriage in this house, with kids and birthday parties. I want a wife and a happy life. Believe me, my time before you was shitty. I used to tease Sean for his commitment to Scarlet, but in reality, I was just jealous. And now everyone is jealous of me.”
Cassandra fell silent. Her hand stopped moving.
“Do you feel better?”
“I think so.”
I turned off the TV then cradled her into my arms. Still holding her, I checked all the locks and lights then set the alarm.
“We don’t need an alarm,” she said as she hooked her arms around my neck.
“We don’t?”
“Not when I have a huge caveman to protect me.”
I smirked then carried her up the stairs. After I lay her on the bed, I pulled my clothes off and got into bed.
Her hands caressed my chest. “Bullets would bounce off of this.”
I smirked again. “Are you trying to butter me up?”
“Maybe,” she said playfully.
“You’re doing a good job of it.”
“What more do I have to say to get you on top of me?”
Her bluntness turned me on. “Not another word.” I moved over her then separated her legs with my knees.
Once I was inside her, I moved into her slowly. I was never in a hurry with Cassandra. I liked it nice and slow. I knew she did too. Her nails dug into my back while she moaned underneath me, loving everything I was doing to her.
My eyes were connected to hers, feeling my heart swell like it usually did. “I can’t wait to make love to you as your husband.”
Her eyes softened and a louder moan escaped her lips.
I dove into the moment with her, head first. With her, I was invincible. With her, I was whole. With her, I was the man I always wanted to be.
7
Hazel
The guys arrived at the apartment, wearing shorts and t-shirts.
“Thanks for helping me,” I said quietly.
“We got your back,” Mike said as he patted me on the back.
“We don’t mind,” Sean said.
Ryan was pissed. “Is the fucker going to be there?”
“I told him he shouldn’t be there if he wants to keep his legs.” My voice felt hollow, empty. I spent the last few days crying. My phone was off and I was cut off from the world. I didn’t even go to practice. I knew Flynn would be there, and I wouldn’t be able to avoid him.
I couldn’t believe this was happening. Flynn was the best thing that ever happened to me. And now
he was gone… Our love ended so quickly, just as fast as it began. He was my whole world. He gave me strength and confidence when I didn’t have any. He put me back together and showed me that I could really be loved.
But that was all a lie.
I wasn’t special to him. I was just one of the many.
I knew how pathetic I was when I actually wanted to entertain the idea that he was telling the truth. But I reminded myself it didn’t make any sense. He was caught in the act and he was scrambling for an excuse. I’d already been taken advantage once. I refused to go through that again.
I zoned out, lost in my thoughts.
Mike rubbed my back. “It’ll be alright.”
My thoughts shattered. “Thanks…”
Sean stood across from him. “You’re sure he really did this?”
There was no doubt. “Yes.”
He studied me for a moment before he nodded. “Okay. We’ll give him hell.”
I didn’t care what they did to Flynn. I just wanted to get my stuff so I could move on. I was sick of men. Maybe I would just start sleeping around instead of looking for a respectable guy. They were all selfish pigs. What was the point? I would quit dancing and find a better job so I could support myself. And then I would just move on without looking back. I couldn’t survive in theatre when Flynn was constantly around. I wouldn’t be able to avoid him.
I quickly realized my life was nothing but a collection of bad decisions. I never should have majored in dance. I never should have followed Kyle to the city. And I never, ever, should have taken a chance on Flynn. It was stupid. “Sean?”
“Yeah?” he asked, concern in his eyes.
“Can I have a job…?”
Sympathy moved into his gaze.
“I’ll do anything, even be a janitor. I just really need something.” I felt pathetic asking him.
He patted my shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll find you something. And it will be better than being a janitor.” He winked at me.
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you so much.”
“We’ll find you an apartment,” Mike offered. “Don’t stress about anything. We got you.”
I missed Cortland like crazy. He hadn’t been answering his phone since he went to Seattle. I stopped calling after the guys told me what happened. I didn’t mean to be insensitive and bother Cortland when Monnique’s dad died. I stopped calling. Fortunately, Ryan and the rest of the guys picked up his slack and treated me with equal love. I was grateful to have them.
“You ready?” Ryan asked. He was definitely more upset about everything than anyone else. While everyone tried to comfort me, Ryan marched around like he was going to war. I knew he cared about me, but I had no idea just how much until now.
“Yeah,” I answered.
“Let’s go.” He walked out the door first and the rest of us followed.
When we arrived at Flynn’s door, I took a deep breath then pulled out the key. It was heartbreaking to know this would be the last time I’d step into that apartment. I wasn’t even there long enough to really make it my home. We fell apart so quickly. Perhaps I was doomed to be alone.
I finally got the key in and opened the door. Flynn wouldn’t be here, not if he wanted to walk for the rest of his life, so when I saw him standing in the living room, I was surprised.
I stilled and locked eyes with him. Depression and sadness were heavy on his face. He looked like he lost the world. But that was his own fault. I didn’t feel bad for him. I quickly looked down. “You shouldn’t be here.”
The guys came in behind me, their eyes darting to Flynn.
Flynn wasn’t alone. Ian and Johnny stood beside him.
“You think we’re scared of your cronies?” Ryan asked with a laugh. “We’ll still break your limbs, you piece of shit.”
Flynn ignored his words and stepped toward me. It was like he didn’t see anyone else. “Hazel, you’re making a mistake. I didn’t do anything with Zahara. Johnny and Ian can back me up.” He turned to them. “Tell her.”
“You think their words hold any value?” Ryan asked incredulously. “My boys would lie for me in a heartbeat if I asked them to.”
“They aren’t lying.” Flynn kept looking at me. “Just hear them out, please.”
“Don’t make this harder than it needs to be,” I said. “Just let me get my things.”
“No,” Flynn said firmly.
“Then I’ll knock you out so we can,” Ryan threatened.
If Flynn was scared, he didn’t show it. “Just listen to them.”
Johnny stepped forward. “Hazel, he’s telling the truth. We were watching the game when she came over and asked to use his phone. She walked down the hallway, and that must have been when she left her underwear. Flynn loves you. He would never do that to you.”
“Your words mean nothing to me,” I said quietly.
“We aren’t protecting him,” Ian said. “We love you like one of our own. We wouldn’t risk hurting you just to lie for him. Flynn is a great guy and he wouldn’t betray anyone like that. You know him just as well as we do. He’s honest, always honest. He wouldn’t do this, Hazel. And if he did, he would come clean about it.”
Flynn stared at me in desperation. “Baby, please. Zahara is manipulating you and you’re falling right into her hands.”
I marched past him and headed to the hallway. “Get out of my way, Flynn.”
Flynn grabbed me and pinned me against the wall. “I know this looks bad. I do. But you know me, Hazel. You know I would never, ever do this to you—not to anyone. Please. Give me some time to prove it to you.”
“Get off me.”
Flynn didn’t move.
Ryan grabbed him by the arm and jerked him off. “Give me a reason…” His eyes shined with murder.
Flynn turned to him. “Ryan, I know we haven’t known each other for long, but I’m not a cheater. Come on. You know how much I love Hazel. I would never do anything to hurt her. Please help me out.”
Ryan stared at him for a few seconds before he punched him fast and hard. It happened so quickly I couldn’t even process it. “Bother her again, and you’ll get more of it.”
Johnny and Ian rushed forward, ready to defend Flynn.
“Don’t do anything,” Flynn said immediately. “Stop.”
His friends halted in their tracks.
Flynn went to Sean. “Come on, man. Please hear me out.”
Sean stepped away. “Talk to me again and I’ll punch you harder than Ryan.”
Flynn sighed then looked at Mike. After Mike gave him a look of menace, he stepped back and didn’t even bother. “Hazel, you’re making a huge mistake. I didn’t do this to you. I didn’t!”
I walked into the room and grabbed my things. The guys helped me stuff everything into garbage bags, being quick about it.
Flynn paced back and forth in the hallway, gripping his skull.
I ignored him and tried to get my stuff as quickly as possible. I had to get out of here.
When we had our bags, we dragged them into the hallway outside the apartment.
Flynn was desperate. Tears were in his eyes and he was jittery. “What can I do?” His voice cracked. “What can I do to prove I’m being set up?”
I refused to look at him. This was hard enough. I wanted to break down into tears at every second, but I held it back, not wanting to give him the satisfaction. I cried too many tears over Kyle, and I refused to repeat that sadness with Flynn. “Just leave me alone.”
“I can’t!” He grabbed me by the wrist and forced me to look at him. “Hazel, I love you. I love you so damn much. I don’t want anyone else but you.” I wanted to believe him, to just forgive him because I loved him so much, but I couldn’t. “Zahara is tricking you so she can get to me. Baby, please believe me. You know I would never do this to you. Think about our entire relationship. This makes no sense.”
I yanked my arm away. “Don’t call me.”
“I’m not giving up on you. I�
�ll prove it to you.”
“Just leave me alone.”
“No.”
Ryan came between us then looked down at Flynn. “Back off.”
Flynn closed his eyes for a moment and a few tears appeared on his cheeks. “Hazel, please.”
I knew he was really upset if he was willing to cry in front of five men. The notion pulled at my heartstrings but I stayed strong. “Please leave me alone. I’m sick of being treated like shit from every guy I meet. I want to start over and just be by myself. Don’t talk to me. All you do is hurt me.”
“Don’t say that…”
“I thought you were the one.” My voice cracked as I said it. “You preyed on my vulnerability and insecurities. You knew how hurt I was when Kyle cheated on me and left me. But you had absolutely no problem doing the same to me. You have no right to tell me you love or care about me. And if you do, deep down inside, then just leave me alone. Don’t call. Don’t search for me. Don’t bug my friends. Just leave me the hell alone.”
Flynn gripped his skull and sighed. “Hazel, I didn’t do it. You’re throwing us away for no reason. You need to trust me. If you did from the beginning then you would see through the bullshit of this situation. Think logically and you will see all the flaws in this mess. It makes absolutely no sense for me to cheat on you. Why would I ask you to live with me if I wanted to get laid by someone else? Come on, Hazel. Pull your head out of your ass.”
The words hurt. I turned away, unable to look at him.
“I should kill you for that,” Ryan threatened.
Flynn ignored him.
“The only reason why I haven’t beaten the shit out of you is because Hazel asked me not to. But if you bother her, that restraint is out the window.” Ryan gave him another glare before he walked out.
I grabbed the last bag then headed out the door.
Flynn grabbed me. “Think about it, Hazel. Take the time to think.”
“You’re making a mistake,” Johnny said. “He’s not lying.”
“He’s not,” Ian said. They both looked just as desperate.
“I can’t be with someone I feel this uncertain about,” I said quietly. “Everything between us was a mistake. I never should have trusted you.”