And so, of course, we all turned to look and that’s when it all started going bad.
Avery and Isabella had been sitting on the couch with Nick and Julian, while I was standing near the bar and Quinn was still closest to the door. When she turned around to look through the glass walls into the Green room, some sonofabitch took it upon himself to fucking wink at her.
“Did that motherfucker just wink at you, Quinn?” I was already storming towards the door.
She leaped in front of me and placed her hands on my chest. “Stop it, Chase. So what if he winked at me? He’s most likely drunk and it doesn’t mean anything.”
I looked down at her. “Are you fucking kidding me? He can see we’re together and he’s still going to flirt with you? Fuck that, Q!”
She wasn’t really holding me back, but she still held steadfast. “How would he know that we’re together? You were standing by the bar and I was standing next to the door?”
I waved my hand to survey the room. “Look around and do the fucking math! Three guys and three girls, Quinn. I don’t care how drunk he is. I’m sure he can motherfucking count!”
“Stop it, Chase! You’re being ridiculous!” She looked over at the guys. “Aren’t you guys going to do something?”
I didn’t bother looking over when Nick answered, “Can’t Q. If it were Avery, she’d be holding me back too.”
“And we all know he’d already be dead if it were Isabella, Quinn,” Julian added.
“Oh, my God! You guys cannot be serious!” She looked to the girls. “Ace? Iz?”
Avery shrugged. “I don’t know what to tell you, Q. Chase is supposed to be the easy going one, so I don’t know what the hell is happening here.”
“Quinn, no man flirts with a woman if other men are around. That’s just asking for trouble,” Isabella pointed out, and I wanted to fucking kiss the shit out of her.
Quinn focused her attention back on me. “Chase, knock it off. It’s stupid, harmless flirting.”
“I’ll show that fucker harmless.”
“Chase, if you cause a scene, I swear to God, I will leave!” she snapped out.
I stepped to her until I was looming over her. “Then make it clear to everyone in that fucking room that you are taken, Quinn.”
I would have bet money that she would have either slapped me or walked out, but instead she surprised me once again with her unpredictability. Quinn stood on the tips of her toes, reached her hand around the back of my neck and then brought me down for a kiss that I wasn’t expecting.
She slid her tongue in to dance with mine and she tasted like alcohol and mint. I automatically wrapped my arms around her body and walked her backwards until we were up against the wall. I kissed her back like we weren’t in the middle of a club with people all around us. Had one of the guys not cleared his throat, I might have fucked her in front of everyone here.
I couldn’t control my breathing as I pulled back from her. “What was that?”
She looked me in the eye. “It was to calm you the fuck down, you psycho.”
I looked at her beautifully flushed face and reality came viciously crashing down on me. “Babe, the only thing that’s going to calm me down is my ring on your finger and my baby popping out of your vagina.”
Shock overtook her entire face and then she laughed.
She fucking laughed.
Quinn~
Chase was an idiot. Who in the hell proposes-if that’s even what he did-to a girl only because he’s jealous?
“You have got to be kidding me? That cannot be your way of proposing to me.”
“You’re right, it’s not. Even though I’m not ready to get married or even engaged, I was just telling you what I think it’ll take for you to quit making me fucking crazy,” he answered honestly.
I bit the inside of my cheek. I was being that stupid girl again. I knew I kept pushing him away, but I felt the blow as he informed me that he didn’t want to get married or engaged. My mind was telling me it was reasonable for him not to want to get married. Hell, my mind was telling me I didn’t want to get married just yet, but my heart ached because he’s known me just as long as Nick’s known Avery and Julian’s known Iz and time didn’t seem to matter for them.
God, I was so confused! Why did we have to say the ‘L’ word? Why couldn’t we have just been casual and fun? Why didn’t I stay my sorry ass home that fucking night we met them? I could still be having casual no strings attached sex with hot strangers. Instead, I’m an emotional mess over the sexy, hot as sin twit standing in front of me.
God, I made such fucked up decisions.
I finally took my hands off him. “I’m going to the bar. I need some back to back shots and just…a minute or two.”
He must have seen the seriousness in my face because, surprisingly, he didn’t argue. “Do you want me to go with you?”
I shook my head. “No.”
“Do you want any of us to go with you?” Ace asked with a little concern etched in her voice.
I waved my hand to the side. “No. I’m fine. I’ll be right back.”
I was out the door before anyone else could offer to babysit me. As I headed down the stairs, I let the music ease some of the tension setting in my shoulders. I crossed the dance floor to the bar and luckily I had cash in the pocket of my jeans.
I elbowed my way to the bar and flagged the bartender down. He came over right away, which meant big tip for him. “I can get two shots of Casadores, a Bud Light, and for shits and giggles, a shot of Hypnotic, please.”
“Do you need help carryin-”
I shook my head, interrupting him. “I’m not carrying them anywhere, handsome. They’re all for me.”
He raised his brows up at me and the edge of his lips quirked. “Coming right up.”
I turned around and scanned the dance floor. The music was on point and I wanted to just drink and get lost in the fun of dancing and mingling. I started be-bopping to the music when I heard the bartender call for me. I turned around and found myself face to face with all my requests.
Ahhh…good times.
“That’ll be $35.00, darlin’.”
I dug into my jeans and handed over $50.00. “Keep the change, darlin’.” He laughed and went on to help other patrons. I slam the first shot and let the heat of the tequila flow down my body. I had my eyes closed and was swaying to the music when I heard a voice next to my ear. “That’s some heavy artillery you got there, sweet thing.”
I opened my eyes and found myself face to face with the guy from the Green VIP room who winked at me.
Shit.
“It’s been one of those weeks.”
“So, you’re looking to drink it away?” He leaned in closer. “What else are you looking to help make your week go away?”
What a fucking douchebag. There was no way he didn’t see me kissing Chase earlier. “Whatever else I’m looking for my boyfriend upstairs can more than provide.” Hell, I didn’t even know if Chase was still my boyfriend or not. This entire relationship with Chase was all fucked to hell and it wasn’t lost on me that it was entirely my fault with my temper and assumptions, but right now, for the purpose of this creep, Chase was my boyfriend.
“Oh, really? Well, what kind of boyfriend lets his girlfriend run around unattended in a club?”
I slammed the other shot of tequila before answering, “The kind that isn’t insecure and trusts his girlfriend.”
“Or maybe he’s a pussy and he’s holding your purse like a good little pet until you get back?” He insinuated snidely.
Because everything in me wanted to break my Bud Light bottle in half and stab him with it, I made the grown up decision to gather my beer and shot of Hypnotic and walk away before I drew blood. I didn’t get very far when I felt his hand wrap around my arm and turn me around. “Hey, I’m talking to you.”
I had the bottle in my hand by the neck ready to bash it against his skull when I was blocked by a body I knew all too well and masturba
ted to often. Before I could say a word, Chase’s fist was already making friends with Douchebag’s face.
The guy didn’t stand a chance as Chase held him by his shirt and continued to rain down hit after hit. “If you ever lay a hand on my girlfriend again, I will fucking kill you!” Chase threatened. “She’s mine, motherfucker! Mine! You piece of shit!” I stood transfixed until two other bodies I recognized pushed past me to drag Chase off Douchbag.
“Shit, Q, are you okay?” Iz sounded breathless. They must have all ran down here as soon as they seen him talking to me.
“I’m fine.” I answered as I watched Julian and Nick holding Chase back. It wasn’t until then, that security showed up.
“Is it bad that I’m totally turned on right now?” Ace asked.
This was not a laughing matter.
Not really.
I shook my head at her and went over to Chase. I stood in front of him and placed my hands on his chest. “Chase…”
He looked down at me and his eyes were all wild fire and brimstone. Julian and Nick still had a hold of him, but I could see the blood on his knuckles, and Ace was right, this primal male possessiveness was hot as hell. His chest was heaving and his face was like granite. “You’re mine!”
Before I could respond, another voice joined the chaos. “What’s going on here?” I turned to see, who I presumed, was the owner. “Chase?”
Chase tore his gaze from mine and addressed the newcomer. “Sorry, Bri, but this guy was manhandling my girl, dude.”
“Get him out of here,” Brian instructed his security team
Douchebag was being hauled up and spitting nails. “What the fuck man? He hit me!”
This time I spoke, hoping it would save Chase some aggravation later if that asshole tried to sue. “No, he defended me after you put your hands on me you slimy fuck!”
“Take him outside and put him on the no-entry list,” Brian finished. He looked at me. “Are you okay? Do you want me to call the police or-”
“No. I’m good. Thank you. Sorry for-”
He placed his hand on my arm. “No need to apologize. I don’t need scum frequenting my business. He should never have touched you without your permission.”
I smiled. “Thank you.”
“Brian, man, can you close out our tab?” Nick asked.
“Let me run upstairs and grab our stuff.” Isabella was already running back upstairs to gather our jackets and purses.
Ace hugged my side. “I’m going to go help her. Be right back, Q.”
I turned back to Chase. “Are you okay?”
I could tell he was still livid, but I noticed Julian and Nick no longer had a hold on him. “No, Quinn, I’m not fucking okay.”
I ran my hand up and down his chest, trying to sooth the beast still clawing its way to get out. I didn’t know this Chase, so I wasn’t exactly sure how to proceed. Avery was right when she said Chase was supposed to be the easy going one. “Chase…”
“Not a word, Quinn. Not one fucking word,” he bit out.
After Nick paid our tab and the girls were back with our belongings, we all maneuvered our way through the front door of the club.
I was still at a loss when Avery piped up, “Chase, let me see your hands.”
“They’re fine, Avery.”
She put her hands on her hips and got serious. “No they are not fine. They’re bleeding you stubborn jerk. Do not think you can stop me from caring and taking care of you!”
I watched as he gave her a sarcastic smirk. “Awe, our secret is out, Ace. Now Nick knows you care about me.”
“Fuck you, dude,” Nick replied. “He’s fine, Imp. Chase’s not going to get all pussified on us over a few scrapes and scratches.”
“But he’s bleeding, Nick,” she uttered sweetly.
Chase pulled off his dress shirt and started wiping at his hands, leaving him in only a white tank undershirt and his slacks. His tattoos were on display for us all.
Fuck, this man was hot.
“Holy shit! Are you guys seeing what I’m seeing?” Avery all but shouted.
Isabella just nodded mutely.
“Seriously, Avery? First Julian and now Chase? You’re going to give me a complex, I hope you know,” Nick complained.
“But, Nicholas…look at him. He’s kind of perfect looking, don’t you think?” Avery argued.
“You’re lucky I know you love and worship me,” Nick settled, as he wrapped his arms around Ace.
She looked up, giving him a sexy smile. “Let’s get home then so I can love and worship you in the style you’ve become accustomed to.”
Envy tried to make its way into my heart as I saw how Nick looked down at her. “Sounds like the perfect end to a perfect evening.”
“So, the fight didn’t happened, Nick?” Iz asked.
He looked over at Iz and winked. “Oh it happened, but any time spent with you group of loons is still perfect in my book.”
“Awwwwe,” Iz mooned.
Julian finally joined in, “Alright, let’s all get home and get to some loving and worshipping.”
Again, envy tried to make an appearance when Iz jumped into Julian’s arms and he caught her and held her like she was the only other human being on the planet. Julian’s love for Izzy was an actual visible, tangible thing. It amazed me every time they were together.
Iz looked back at me. “Are you going to be okay, Quinn? Want us to give you a ride home?”
I felt Chase’s hand on my wrist like a steel manacle. “I got her, Iz.”
I nodded when she looked less than convinced. She was probably worried we were going to kill each other before this night was over.
She might be right.
Chapter 22
Virtues: Because life happens all the time
Quinn~
Chase drug me to the side of the building when we were finally alone and the words out of his mouth had me instantly shutting down. “I can’t do this with you anymore, Quinn.”
He was looking me straight in the eye, as I asked, “Do what?”
“Live in doubt all the time.” He ran his blood caked hands through his brown waves. “Wondering if you’re going to dump me every time you’re put out or I don’t cater to you.” He took my face in his hands. “When I looked down and first saw that fucker talking to you, I really thought for one second that you were actually going to hook up with him. Do you have any idea how that feels?”
I couldn’t keep my eyes from glossing over. “Yeah, I do. I felt it when I saw the redhead coming out of your apartment. I felt it when I saw you sitting at dinner with Olivia. And I felt the shit out of it when you brought Lydia to the barbeque. So, yeah, Chase, I do know what if feels like to see the person you care about with someone else. It seems like that’s all I’ve been experiencing since I decided to start fucking you.”
He blanched as he let go of my face and took a step back. “You’re not ever going to believe that I want only you, are you?”
“Maybe not,” I answered honestly.
“I admit I’ve made a shit ton of mistakes and I’ve let your pushing me away cloud my decision making, but I meant it when I told you I loved you. I do. I love you more than I thought would ever be possible. I’ve never cheated on you and I will never cheat on you, but more importantly, I’m not going to give up on you, Quinn.” He stepped towards me and cradled my neck with his hand. “You need to find a way to accept me and what I feel for you because I am not ever letting you go, Quinn. Ever. I know you have a lot of demons that won’t allow you to believe that right now, but it’s true. I can’t function without you and that alone is enough to bind you to me.”
The tears were really flowing now and I felt so weak. I loved Chase. I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t just trust that. Was I that scared of losing him that I was willing to never really have him? How fucking stupid was that?
“Chase, just…I need…I just need to go home.” I shook my head. “I have to clear my head.”
; He rolled his lips in and waited a heartbeat. “Okay, let’s get you home.”
“No. I’ll take a cab. I just...” I had to look away from his blue eyes.
“I can’t even take you home now?”
I shot my eyes back to his. “No! No, it’s not that, Chase.” I closed my eyes to buy me some time to regain my composure. It was always hard to think when Chase was near me. I opened my eyes and pleaded with him, “The truth?”
“Always.”
“I can’t say that I won’t let you stay the night if you drive me home and I really just need to think.” I opted for complete honesty. “I can’t think when you’re near me, Chase.”
“Thank fuck,” he whispered before bringing his lips down on mine. I wound my arms around his neck and he lifted me until my legs were wrapped around his waist and I was pushed up against the side of the building. I kissed him back with every emotion he has ever made me feel and he kissed me like I held the keys to the promise land.
It wasn’t until I felt his hand on my left breast that I pulled away and stopped the kiss. “Chase, please…”
He rested his forehead on mine. “Babe, you’re killing me. I fucking love you, Quinn. Please, baby, please, believe me.”
I touched the side of his face. “I want to, Chase. I want to so badly, but…”
“But what?” He set me down and started pacing away from me, frustration evident in his entire body. “What? What do you need from me? What do I need to do for you to trust this…trust me?”
“Right now, I just need you to let me take a cab home and give me some space to get my head on straight,” I pressed.
He let out a sigh. “How about I drop you off and promise to not go in?”
I was already shaking my head at his suggestion. I could admit I was weak when it came to Chase, and bullshit aside, watching him fight for me had turned me on something fierce. If I let him take me home, I’d be jumping him on the welcome mat. “This night has been…a lot. Can you please just give me this tonight?”
“Fine, Q. I’ll let you take a cab, but you have tonight to figure your shit out and that’s it,” he warned.
Chasing Quinn Page 26