With a weary sigh, I glance around the space, finding a small table tucked into a dark corner. Taking a seat, I settle in for what I know will be a night of bad singing. But if it takes sitting through what I can only describe as torture, to make Anais see what she means to me, then so be it. I’ll spend the rest of my days in this dirty place if need be.
I don’t know how long I sit there, staring at the girl who has my heart, but when she eventually steps up on the stage I have to grip the table to stop myself from going up there and dragging her out. Anais is a stunningly beautiful woman on a bad day. But with those lights shining down on her, highlighting every curve, every perfect inch of her, she looksotherworldly. One look around the bar, I know every guy in here sees it too. I even spot the goofy prick who was walking with her at school the other day.
My blood boils hot in my veins, as three words play on repeat in my mind.
Anais is mine.
Anais is mine.
Anais is mine.
The music starts up and I go completely still when Anais starts singing. Off-key and completely out of tune. But I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. Because she doesn’t care what she sounds like, or who’s watching her belt out the lyrics and, quite frankly,ruinForest Blakks’If You Love Her.
As I listen, it becomes obvious with each word out of her mouth, this song is directed at me. Something twists inside me, uncomfortable and painful, as she pours her heart and soul into this one song. And when it comes to an end, and her shoulders slump, I’m hit with a startling realization. I did this. I caused this damage.
My throat turns dry and, mortifyingly, moisture prickles my eyes. I’m not worthy of this woman and it’s about time I start accepting that. For weeks I kept her a secret, treated her like she was no more than a fuck, when really, she was so much more.
A shadow falls over the table, breaking me from my thoughts. My head snaps up to find Harrison smirking down at me as he pulls out a chair and takes a seat. “God, she is fucking awful.” He grimaces.
My lips twitch. “Yeah, she really is. But even with that terrible voice you get caught up in her orbit.”
The smirk drops, a scowl taking its place. Harrison runs a hand through his hair, inhaling sharply. “Look, I might becoming around to the idea of you with my sister, but don’t say sappy shit like that to me.”
I laugh, “Noted.”
He eyes me curiously. “So why are you hiding back here instead of talking to her?”
“There’s about a ninety percent chance she tells me to fuck off. Again. The odds aren’t really in my favor, and honestly, I’m about ten seconds away from throwing her over my shoulder, taking her to my penthouse and not letting her leave until she forgives me.” His eyes widen. “Didn’t think that would go down well with either of you,” I mumble.
“Jesus fucking Christ, Maxwell. You sure know what to say to make me want to fucking hit you, don’t you?”
Chuckling, I lean back in my seat. “I’d like to say I’m joking, but it’s getting to that point.”
Just then Anais starts screaming a version of Fleetwood Mac’sSilver Springs. I glance over, and sure enough her eyes are locked on me as she belts out the chorus, penetrating my armor and hitting me straight in the soul. Fuck me. I feel the words in every inch of my body. It sounds dramatic, but I’ll never get away from the sound of my brat. Never. And I don’t want to.
“Think this one’s for you.” Harrison grins.
“No shit.”
He sighs, taking his eyes off his sister and turning to face me. “Why don’t you try talking to her, like a normal person.”
I bare my teeth, biting out, “You don’t think I’ve tried? Fuck Harrison, I’ve ignored work the last three days, just so I can stalk her on campus, begging her to talk to me. She’s made it quite clear she doesn’t want to. She can barely stand to look at me.”
Pride flickers on his expression. He chuckles. “That’s my sister. I’ve taught her well.”
“Not helping,” I grumble.
He shrugs. “If you want her, then you need to fight for her. Do something she’d never expect.”
“Like what?” I ask, curious.
“Hell, if I know. You’re an asshole. Do something…non-asshole.”
Before I can respond, I see a familiar flash of dark hair out of the corner of my eye, sashaying toward us.
“Harrison, what’re you doing here?” she asks softly. Her gaze shifts to me briefly before going back to her brother.
Guess that’s the only acknowledgement I’m going to get this evening.
