Shattered Heart (The Hart Series) (24 page)

“No
way!  He’s practically my brother-in-law by marriage.”  I can see the appeal
now.  Although Trevor is most definitely an asshat when it comes to the normal
social formalities, he’s way easy on the eyes.  If he could only keep his mouth
shut and his shirt off, I’m sure he’ll make a woman happy one of these days.

Autumn
sits up, adjusting her breasts as she stands and places a hand on Trevor’s
bicep.  “Game on.” 

I
roll my eyes and turn to Janice to find her sipping slowly on her drink, eyes
never wavering on Trevor.  Eyes that are thoroughly examining every inch of his
glistening body, from the tribal tattoos spanning both of his shoulders to the
intricate artwork bridging his biceps.   Janice is in complete awe.

“Earth
to Janice.”  I wave my hands in front of her.  “Are you okay?” 

“He’s
beautiful, Ely.”  I giggle as she coos in his direction.  As Autumn continues
to flip her hair, lick her lips, and make every attempt at touching Trevor’s
torso, Janice starts to slink back against her seat.

“What’s
wrong?”  I look over at Trevor who surprisingly seems uncomfortable as Autumn
claws him like a scratching post.  Or unsurprisingly, if you really think about
it.

“Why
are guys like that never interested in girls like me?”   

“Guys
like what?  Strippers?” I jest. 

“No,
guys who look like they could throw you over their shoulder and go all sexy
caveman on your ass.”   

I
turn to look at Janice and her melancholy is visible.  And depressing. 
Instantly, a bright light bulb goes off and I have the best idea of the
century.  Standing, I pull Trevor off to the side and ask for a favor.  “Hey,
can you take Janice and show her a good time?”

“Which
one’s Janice?  The ginger or the virgin?”

“Nice
way to classify my friends, asshole,” I smile to make sure he knows I’m
kidding.

“I
thought it was classier than saying the one who’s on the verge of humping my
leg or the one who looks scared of my penis.” 
Like I was saying…as long as
he keeps his mouth shut.

Well,
shit.  Might as well speak his language. 
“The one that
looks scared of your penis.” 

He
looks at Janice and seems to be making a calculated decision before muttering,
“You owe me.”  I nod as he turns away and pulls Janice up by her hand.  Trevor
throws Janice over his shoulder and smacks her ass as he calls over his
shoulder, “We’ll be back!”

“There’s
a little caveman to make you forget, Janice,” I whisper, watching as Trevor
disappears with my friend.

“What
the fuck?”  Autumn slumps next to me, watching Trevor head towards the back
area with Janice.  “Since when is meek a turn on?”

“Good
evening, ladies.”  Just when you think the night can’t get any more
interesting, a curve ball in the form of twins saunters over.  Practically
identical, both of their bodies symmetrically perfect: chiseled jaws, light
brown hair, hazel eyes, full lips, and abs I could wash my clothes on.  This
place is practically a meat market.  Beautiful men as far as the eye can see.

Autumn
gives a little wave with her hands and stakes her claim.  “These are mine!” 
She stands and takes both of them by their elbows, leading them off to the back
room. 

And
then there was one.

I
can’t even drink alcohol to get myself through this sad situation I’ve placed
myself in.  Instead, I get to sit awkwardly in a sea of gyrating hips, grabby
hands, and stimulated libidos and sip on my yummy, tasteless water.  I tilt my
head looking to the ceiling when something brushes my shoulder.

Another
fine specimen of male decides to occupy Janice’s seat.  I get we’re technically
at a strip club, but seriously…how many hot as fuck men can you put under one
roof before you have to call the fire department.

Silently
scrutinizing the men mimicking construction workers as they leave the stage, he
interrupts his own thoughts with a low rumble.  “You know, men who work in
construction aren’t usually that clean cut,” my newcomer leans over, sparking a
conversation.

“Excuse
me?”   

“I’m
just saying, if you’re going to use costumes or props you have to make them at
least a little realistic.  Construction workers usually have back crack and belch
a lot.  They definitely don’t wear thongs.”

I
giggle and turn towards Mr. Perceptive.  “So, what do you usually dress up as?”

“A
business man, of course.”  As the words leave his mouth, I finally notice the
loose tie around his neck, black trousers and bare feet. 
Fuck. Me.  The
same features of Alex.

“I
don’t think I’ve ever seen guys around my office dressed like that.  Normally,
they have shirts on and they most definitely wear shoes.” 
Wouldn’t life be
so much more fun if that weren’t the case? 
“So, what’s your story…business
man by day, stripper by night?”

“No,
more like college student by day,
male
entertainer
by night. 
Don’t objectify me,” he teases.  Reaching out his hand, Mr. Perceptive makes
introductions.  “Jackson.”

“Elyssa.” 
I take his hand in mine.  I must admit, even though it doesn’t make an ounce of
difference, he has the straightest, whitest teeth I’ve ever seen.  His smile is
absolutely one of his many fine qualities, which also includes his clean cut,
slightly ruffled, black hair and his dark brown puppy dog eyes.  Not to mention
his impeccable body.  These men must do crunches all day long.

“So
Elyssa, what brings you here tonight?”

“Trying
to make my friend forget about her dipshit ex-boyfriend,” I respond without
thinking. 

“Well,
since I don’t see her around it looks like your job here is done,” he chuckles
and continues to make small talk.  It’s nice to have someone to chat with while
Janice and Autumn enjoy themselves.

“So,
college student by day, huh?”  He nods.  “What are you studying?”

Jackson
and I continue to talk for what feels like hours, but in reality probably
around forty-five minutes.  I find out that he’s currently getting a degree in
marketing at UNLV.  He’s been in Vegas since high school and lives with his
brother.  I’m enjoying his company immensely, but feel guilty for occupying his
time when he could be rubbing on some woman’s lap earning himself several
twenty dollar bills.

Just
when Jackson turns the focus on me, I notice over his shoulder two people
exiting out of a backroom; one of them definitely not being someone that I
would imagine at ladies night.  And he’s not alone.  Alex, along with Sandy,
are laughing and talking into each other’s ears.  I must look as if someone
just killed my dog because Jackson’s voice breaks my stare with words of
concern.

“Hey
Elyssa, you okay?” he frowns.

“Uh…yah. 
Sorry what were you saying?”  I’m desperately trying hard to ignore the fact
that no less than twenty-five feet away is the love of my life standing next to
his ex-mistress.  Instead of reacting on the urge to jump over the bar and
pummel Sandy’s cougar ass, I fight the pregnancy hormones and keep myself
planted next to Jackson.

Focus
on Jackson, Elyssa.  He’s cute.  He’s giving you attention.  Just focus on
Jackson.

I
smile and continue to answer questions about my work and my degree.  Every so
often I glance over his shoulder, taking a peek at Alex. 
God, why does he
have to be so beautiful?
  Even in front of a perfect male specimen, Alex
captures my sole attention.  Dressed casually in a pair of dark jeans, fitted
black sweater that accentuates his biceps and chest, he leans against the bar
like he owns the place.  I brush the back of my hand against my mouth just to
make sure I’m not salivating while my mouth hangs open.

Jackson’s
left brow tilts up as he looks at me suspiciously.  “Elyssa, are you sure you
are okay?” 

“Sorry
Jackson, I must be tired.  I really should get going.”  I stand and grab my
purse.  Jackson stands with me, grabbing my hand to stop me from leaving.

“Can
I call you?”  I glance down at my small fist encapsulated in his smooth, strong
hands.  I can’t help but imagine what my life would be like having never ran
across Alex’s path.  So much would be different.  I wouldn’t have Arianna
jumping on my back every two seconds, practically stalking me.  That’s for
sure.  But, then again, I would have missed out on life changing events that
have stolen my heart, making me wish for more. 

Even
as his thumb begins to trace the palm of my hand, the more I think about it,
trading consistency for passion doesn’t seem like an unfair exchange.  I’m
flattered.  At the same time, I’m on the verge of a panic attack.  And the last
thing I want is for Sandy to see me go into full blown freak out mode. 

Not
having the strength to do anything about his willingness to move forward, I’m
two seconds away from kindly declining Jackson’s offer when I’m being carted
backwards and swept around a large, firm body.  Alex. 
Fuck.
  Going toe
to toe with Jackson, his nose flares.  My lame attempt to pull him back by his
elbow goes unnoticed.  Alex doesn’t budge.

“Dude,
what’s your problem?”  Jackson shows no sign of intimidation of the six foot
wall of muscle fuming at my side.  Alex’s chest rumbles with a growl in
response, continuing to glare at my new friend.  I know I shouldn’t be anything
but scared, or at least a little nervous, but I’m slightly turned on by his
outright dominance.  Not to mention the fact that both men in front of me are
equally as beautiful, both gifted with bodies for sin.

“Elyssa,
get your shit and let’s go,” Alex talks through his teeth, still standing
menacingly close to Jackson.

“She’s
a big girl.  She can make her own decisions.”  Jackson must have a death wish
to instigate anything while Alex continues to stare him down.  I know he can
probably handle himself, in any situation, but a girl he’s only known for an
hour isn’t worth getting in a fight over.

Alex
chuckles slightly, but his hands are now fisted with white knuckle force.  “I
suggest you back the fuck off.  She’s mine.”

Oh,
here we go!  Alex staking claim when no less than ten minutes ago I saw him
leaving a backroom with one of his exes.  No, screw that!  He can’t be with
someone else one minute and then try to possess me the next.

“Alex,
stop!  There’s nothing going on here.  Janice and I…”

Alex’s
head turns in my direction and once again a rumble erupts from his chest.  His
face still showing every sign of intimidation; his lips in a hard line, his
brows furrowed, his eyes blazing with anger.  Without breaking eye contact,
Alex bends over.  I shudder as my eyes flutter involuntarily, his breath
rippling across my skin as he gets closer to my ear.

Seductively,
in an almost purr, Alex whispers, “Do I need to repeat myself, Elyssa?  Get. Your.
Shit. Now. We need to talk.”

Pulling
back to look for a sign of understanding, blue eyes meeting green, Alex’s face
studies mine.  This man is absolutely infuriating.  I run my hand through my
hair.  I’m utterly outraged.  I open my mouth to protest, but a whimpering “no”
is all that squeaks out, which unfortunately does nothing to show my absolute
resolve.  I clear my throat.  If I’m going to have some semblance of control,
I’ll have to try that again.

“I’m
not going anywhere with you right now.  I’m here to have a good time.  With
Janice.  Whatever it is that you’re doing here, I would appreciate it if you
would let me be.”

“So
help me God, Elyssa.  If you don’t move your ass right now, I will throw you
over my shoulder and drag you to the backroom.”  Both Trevor and Alex appear to
be cut from the same caveman cloth.

Alex’s
back is to Jackson and when I see him moving towards Alex I shake my head
slightly; my silent protest in his efforts to come to my rescue.  Thankfully,
Jackson takes the clue and doesn’t come any closer. 

“Is
that what you want?  I don’t care what kind of scene it would cause.  They
won’t throw me out of here.  I know that for a fact.  Are you willing to chance
ruining your night because you won’t give me five fucking minutes of your
time?”

He’s
seething.  I know I have no choice.  I’ve never had a choice when it came to
him.  I come to an agreement that I’ll go, but only for five minutes.  Worrying
my bottom lip, I struggle to shove Alex aside, but he doesn’t budge an inch. 
Just when I think I’ve had enough, right when I’m about to get up in his face,
he leans over as if he is going to whisper again, but instead he seizes my
earlobe in his mouth and nibbles.  The feeling of his teeth against my skin is
a straight shot to the apex of my thighs, which happens to now be lit up on
fire.

That
was an asshole move.

Finally
giving me some room, he allows me to exhale the breath I didn’t realize I was
holding.  Whether it’s holding my breath due to his closeness or having the
wind knocked out of me with just a simple look.  I’m always having breathing
issues around him.  He has this power over me, not only because I’m pregnant
with his child, but because of one simple fact.  I love him.