Page 114 of Grim
I stepped back and avoided eye contact with either Grim or Jenelle. I forced myself to walk away at a normal pace toward the exit.
“What just happened?” Minnie asked once we were alone.
“I—” The words caught in my throat, and I looked at her, lost. What was wrong with me?
“You need to get out of here?”
“Yeah.”
“Look, Wet and Wild room number one is open for the next two hours. That always fixes you right up. I’ll cover for you here. Go do your thing, wear a shower cap or something, reapply fresh makeup, and come find me when you’re done.”
I looked over my shoulder and saw Grim speaking to Jenelle. I noticed her arms were at her sides, and he looked pissed.
“Yeah, thanks.”
“Anything for you, babe.” I rushed away, not wanting to be stopped by anyone else. I made it into the elevator, and when the doors closed, I took a deep breath. It wasn’t like I was in love with Grim, for God’s sake. I wouldn’t know what that feeling was like if it smacked me in the face, but I knew what he was capable of, and that loss alone was enough to make me cry. Shit, I’d been enjoying myself too. I couldn’t even let myself have a bit of fun without causing some kind of damn heartache.
Shore dropped me off at Minnie’s club and said he’d be glad to stay until I was finished, but the truth was I didn’t want a timeline.
“You go back, but thank you.”
“You sure, Kenna? I really don’t mind.”
“Yes, I’m sure. I appreciate the offer, though.” I squared my shoulders and attempted to look confident. “I promise to call you as soon as I’m finished.”
“Okay.” He looked uneasy but left.
I opened the door, waved to the bouncer, and half ran down the back hallway to my favorite room, where I could just be me.
I slipped off my dress, turned Sam Cooke up loud, and stepped into the box where the lights, water, and music took me away.
Grim
“What did you say to Kenna when I stepped away?”
“Nothing. Just a little girl talk.” She finger-quoted and batted her lashes at me. I stepped close and lowered my voice.
“I’m not in the habit of repeating myself.”
“Relax, Grim,” she dropped the act, “I was just letting her know I saw you first, that we have something special, and let her know you and I will end up together.”
“Oh, really. So, you feel you have a right to speak for me?” She just blinked as I seethed. “First of all, we aren’t even dating.” I glared down at her. This woman was in-fucking-sane. Who was she to speak for me!
“Are you dating Kenna?” She made my head hurt.
“If I was, that’s my business.”
“Look,” she looked around, “I just explained that you and I have something and that things are happening between us.”
“Again, I’m lost on the part where you think things are happening here.” I tried hard to curb my temper as so many people were around us.
“Grim, we just talked the other night, and I told you I would wait for you to be ready. I thought we had an understanding.” Her eyes were hurt. “It’s clear you’re playing around with that girl. I know we’re not exclusive yet, but she’s got puppy dog eyes for you, and it’s only a matter of time before she falls in love with you. That just wouldn’t be fair to her. I only hope it hasn’t gone that far.”
“Love?” I laughed at the idea. What Kenna and I ran on was pure venom and hot flame. All either of us wanted was sex. The kind of sex that repelled most women. It wasn’t easy to find a partner who could take what I needed to give.
“Yes, love. Because after our talk, she couldn’t even look at you. Regardless, it’s only fair that she knows the truth.”
“Can you hear yourself?” I grabbed her arms and held her against me. “If you ever,” I squeezed hard enough to get her attention, “speak on my behalf again, we’re over. This little song and dance I do, mostly for your father, I might add, is over.”