Page 44 of Scarred

“You said it should have never happened. That’s what a mistake is,” I point out before grabbing my purse that had fallen on the table. “I need to get back. Connor is taking me dancing tonight, and I’m sure he’ll be wanting to leave soon.”

“Dancing?” He asks, frowning. “Where?”

“I don’t know. Some club,” I shrug because it’s not important. “It was good seeing you, Cayden. I guess I’ll see you at Scarlett’s dance class if you’re able to make it.”

I walk past him to leave, and his words stop me.

“That’s it?”

“What else is there to say?” I turn back and wait for him to answer. He’s in full struggle mode as his jaw ticks and his hands clench and unclench at his sides.

Even though conversations filter through the curtain, and jazz music can softly be heard, the silence in here is deafening.

“Just…just be careful tonight,” he finally says. “You deserve better than a random fuck, so you can tell Connor he’s fired as your wingman.”

“I don’t know,” I say doubtfully. “You left me in a pretty worked-up state. A random fuck might be exactly what I need.”

“This isn’t a game, Luna,” he grits out.

“Trust me,” I say quietly, swallowing down the hurt I felt seconds ago when he pulled away. “I’m well aware of what’s at stake.”

My heart being the biggest stake of all if this were to go further.

I walk out before I give in and beg him to finish what he started. My knees are shaky, and my heart races as I feel his eyes on me the whole way back to the table. I may have left him behind, but my body still feels him everywhere.

FIFTEEN

CAYDEN

Kissing Luna Bennett might just be the dumbest fucking decision I’ve ever made—and I’ve made a lot of bad ones.

I thought if I could just get one taste—one touch of her lips—that it would be enough to get her out of my system.

But, it’s done the opposite.

I want her even more, and I didn’t think that was possible.

Standing by the railing, I watch her hug Savi and Knox goodbye before walking away with Connor. His arm is on her lower back as he guides her through the crowd. I grip the railing until my knuckles are white, wishing I could be the guy she needs.

She has no clue the turmoil she left me with.

How could she?

No one, not even my teammates know that I haven’t touched another woman since Jules died. Luna’s lips were the first to make the past feel a little farther away. I expected the guilt to crush me, but I never expected the guilt to come from hurting Luna.

I knew she took my pulling away as a sign of rejection, and I let her think that because it’s easier than admitting how scared I am of losing myself in her. I’ve spent years mastering control, and one kiss from her and I’m barely hanging on.

I finally make my way back downstairs just as Knox and Savi are leaving.

“There you are,” Knox grins when he sees me. “Where have you been?”

“Talking to someone I knew upstairs,” I lie. “You guys headed out?”

“I need to get my wife home. She’s been on her feet today long enough.” He holds out her jacket and helps her into it.

“I’ve literally been sitting here on a couch, and before that I was sitting in the stands watching your game,” she laughs, but I don’t miss the way her gaze lingers lovingly on her husband.

“Yes, but our deal was two hours,” he reminds her, taking her hand. “And if I remember correctly, I promised you a nice, long bubble bath and a pint of brownie fudge ice cream if you hold up your end of the deal.”