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“You need a plan.”
I remember back to me giving him a blowjob without his actual consent and shake my head. “If he’s not ready, then I can’t force it. Surely, he’ll give in eventually. It’s just frustrating. Everything about him is perfect except that, and it’s not even my issue. It must be killing him.”
“I just don’t get why he’s denying himself. It’s like he’s punishing himself.”
I down one of the cocktails. “Hire this girl, she’s good.”
* * *
I’ve never witnessed Mac drunk. Getting him and Riggs back to the club was a task in itself, and as I watch him flop into the centre of the bed, I realise there’s no way I’m gonna be able to shift him. I sigh, reaching for his boots and tugging his feet free. Standing over him, he’s completely passed out as I unfasten his belt. His wallet and mobile are in his pocket, so I remove them, and as I do, I see a text message from Ruby. I can only see the start because the screen lock is on. Does she know what you did? is the line that stares me in the face.
I place his mobile on the drawers and continue to undress him. The message replays over and over in my mind. I sit beside him on the bed, staring across at the phone. I trust Mac, he’s never given me a reason not to, and checking his phone is a massive no. It means I don’t trust him deep down, otherwise, why would I be checking? What do I expect to find? Nothing good ever comes from snooping.
Placing a sheet over him, I decide to go downstairs. It was pretty quiet around here when we arrived home, so I’ll sleep on the couch.
Ace is watching a game on the large television. He eyes me as I lay a sheet out on the couch and slip under it. “You okay?” he asks, and I nod. “You sure? Where’s Mac?”
“He’s passed out wasted,” I say, smiling. “I can’t get in the bed.”
He frowns. “Weird. He doesn’t usually get in a mess.”
“I think he may have contacted Ruby,” I lie, watching him for a reaction.
His face remains impassive. “Really, why?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I mean, it’s about time, right? He’s been avoiding her for a long time.”
Ace nods too. “I guess so.”
“I know it was hard on him when they split. He’s carrying a lot of pain.”
“Look, Raven, I’m not gonna spill anything about Mac and his life back in Nottingham. If you wanna know shit, ask him.”
“I do. He doesn’t answer me.”
“Then make him. You deserve to know the truth.” He turns off the game and heads for the stairs.
I lay for another hour before I convince myself that it’s okay to have a quick peek at his messages to Ruby. Not because I don’t trust him—of course, I do—but he won’t explain his relationship with her, and don’t I deserve to know? I could kid myself and say it’s to protect myself before I get in too deep, but what’s the point? I’m already in deep.
Mac is still passed out on the bed. His snoring is ridiculous, and I smile as I approach him. He looks so peaceful and carefree without the worry lines creasing across his forehead. His mobile teases me from the drawers with its little message alert light flashing. I reach for it, then snatch my hand away again. What the fuck am I doing? This isn’t me. I don’t do this crazy shit. It lights up again with a new message, and I automatically read the first part.
Ruby: Please,Mac, please answer.
It’s so desperate, so pleading, I almost feel her pain. It’s how I felt when Vinn hurt me. And now, she’s going through that exact heartbreak. How can Mac soothe my heart and ignore hers? I snatch the phone up and press the home button. It’s locked with Mac’s fingerprint. Biting my lip, I stare between his hand and his phone. Fuck it. One look and I’ll never do it again. I carefully take his forefinger and hold it over the home button and it opens. There’s no going back.
I scroll to the top of the messages. It begins with Mac texting Ruby tonight at ten o’clock. He was in the bar with me and Anna then, already very drunk.
Mac: Stop calling me, Ruby. I’m not going to answer. I’ve moved on. You should too.
Ruby: What does that mean? Have you met someone???
Mac: Yes
Ruby: Wow, you really are a piece of work. You’ve left utter carnage here and you’re setting up a new life fuck knows where like nothing happened?
Ruby: Did you speak to Ace? I talked to him over a month ago and explained how important it was I speak with you.
Mac: I told him the same as I’m telling you. We’re done. I’ve moved on. Now leave me alone.
