Seduction (7 page)

Her eyes narrow. “What if I refuse?”

“I’ll throw you over my shoulder and carry you out of here.” She takes a deep breath. She’s wondering if I’m the kind of man who keeps my promises. I am. Her perfect lips form the most attractive frown I’ve ever seen. I laugh softly. I know what Marisela craves. “Care to test me?”

She shakes her head.

“Go put your street clothes on and meet me by the front door in ten minutes.”

She’s convinced I’ll do it. And at this point,
I will.

My heart beats with anticipation as I walk to the dressing room. I shouldn’t fall for that ridiculous alpha shit. I shouldn’t like him at all, but I do. I’ve always been drawn to jock types—jerks, really. I smile inwardly. But I sense something different about Craig that I’m sure most women overlook because they’re distracted by his physical attributes. Don’t get me wrong—I could stare at him forever. But after months of misery with Estevan, I need to feel good. Alive again. I want to laugh and talk all night. And I want to make love on my own terms, even though Craig thinks he’s in charge.

None of the girls acknowledge me. I don’t care; Robyn warned me about the cold-shoulder treatment. I left my duffel bag on the floor earlier. I unzip it and pull out a pair of jeans and a white T-shirt. I lay them on the corner of the nearest vanity, then kick off my heels. It’s so cold in here. I slide into my Levi’s and reach for my top. When I shake it out, a used tampon falls on the floor. I stare in utter revilement. It’s not my time of the month. There’s a bloodstain in the middle of my shirt. I hear snickering. I look behind me. No one meets my gaze. How am I supposed to find out who did this? Eight or nine girls are lounging, all of them openly enjoying the spectacle.

I’m pissed. Hurt. Offended beyond expression. “Who does that?” I ask angrily. No answer. There’s a sexy half-shirt among the costumes my sister gave me; I dig it out. I’ll wear it home. I look down at the tampon again.
Really? Immature little
…The dressing room door opens. It’s Craig.

He looks at me. I’m still topless. A smile plays at the corner of his mouth. “Almost ready, darlin’?”

I know my cheeks are red, so I avert my eyes.

“What’s wrong, Marisela?” He moves closer. He immediately spies the tampon and T-shirt on the floor, near my feet. “Is that yours?”

“No,” I snort. “I’d
never
do that.”

He nods. “Is that your shirt?” He points at it.

“Yes.” That’s all I’m going to say.

Without another word, he squints at the girls sitting at the tables. “Catty little bitches,” he says. “Haven’t I warned you about doing this kind of shit before? Clean it up. I expect to see all of you at the employee meeting on Monday. If not, I’ll write you up.” He shakes his head in disgust and faces me. “Have another shirt to wear?”

“Yes.” In my hand. I put it on and slip into my heels.

Craig throws my duffel bag over his shoulder and takes my hand. “Ready to get out of here?”

More than ready.

The minute we cross the JFK Bridge, my cellphone rings. It’s in my lap. Estevan’s number.
Crap.
I ignore it, but it rings again. Incessant calling and other forms of harassment is his M.O. It’s how my ex keeps himself in my head—in my life. He knows it and I hate it. On the third call, I pick up.

“What?” His chain of garbled profanities tells me he’s been drinking. “I’m so happy college is paying off for you. With a choice vocabulary like that…You’re in Corpus?” I’m stunned silent. I gaze at Craig. He’s staring at me.

“Ask him where,” Craig whispers.

“Where are you?” At his cousin’s, Ishmael Torrez, a real piece of work who used to hang around Austin every weekend. “No, I’m not coming over. I want you to leave me alone, Estevan. Sure—that gets my attention. Yeah, makes me want to drop everything and grovel at your fucking feet.” I hang up. More threats. I’m sick of it. Maybe Craig should take me home; I’m exhausted.

“Don’t even think about it,” he says before I have a chance to ask.

Great,
he’s mind reading again. I’m useless. I admit it. Estevan is the only real boyfriend I’ve ever had. There were a couple of guys in high school I made out with. Nothing serious. Despite Craig’s reputation as a philandering pig, he’s treated me better than any other man has. I’m thankful for his compassion and company right now. “How did you know?”

“You’re a little predictable,
kid.
”

I scowl. I hate when he calls me that. “You’re not that much older than me.”

“Nearly six years.”

“Yeah,” I say. “I guess that makes you geriatric.”

“It makes me
something
…” He glances at me. “What did he say this time?”

I stare out the passenger-side window. I don’t want to ruin the moment—I like feeling happy.

“Marisela.” He turns down his street. “Tell me.”

“He’s staying at his cousin’s on the west side.”

Craig pulls into the driveway and turns off the engine. Neither one of us moves. “Does he know where Robyn lives?”

“No,” I answer. My whole body tenses. “He doesn’t know where any of my family lives, but he knows their names.” My shoulders sag. Corpus is the kind of place where there are only two degrees of separation between people. “I’m sure he’ll find me with a couple of phone calls. And…” It hits me. What if he calls my parents?
Oh shit.
I haven’t even called them yet.

“And?” Craig’s hand grips my thigh.

I gaze at him. “Estevan wants to destroy me.”

“Why?” His eyes make me weak-kneed. “What did you do to piss this guy off? Cheat?”

I gape at him. Does he really think I’m capable of stooping so low? “I’m not
you.
”

He grunts and squeezes my leg harder. “I don’t mess with girls in committed relationships,” he assures me. “There are too many single women out there to risk getting shot at.”

What an arrogant slut. “You don’t hide anything, do you?” Why am I jealous? There’s nothing between us, not really.

“Do I need to?”

I remember all too well my sister’s random texts about Craig. His relentless pursuit. His jealous outbursts whenever he saw her with Garrick. The close-to-stalking behavior he exhibited before Robyn fully committed to my brother-in-law. And then I squeamishly recall the night I first laid eyes on him at Robyn’s apartment. I mistook him for Garrick. When I found out he wasn’t, my heart skipped a beat. I had the hots for him even then. Maybe that’s why I’m here now. Fulfilling a teenage fantasy. Maybe I’m just a self-deprecating idiot who falls for losers. “Maybe you should.”

“Really?” He leans over the center console. “Jealous?”

Pushing buttons again, all the right ones. I’m in complete denial. I look him directly in the eyes. “Of what? You? I can have my choice of men.”

“Careful, baby,” he says, his eyes still focused on me. I can’t read his expression.

I pull back a little. “I’m not afraid of you.”

“You should be.” I hear my door lock. Child-safety mechanism.
Great,
more of that
kid
crap. He pounces—his right leg slides over my seat. I’m stuck between him and the locked car door. He frames my face between both hands and pulls me close. His mouth locks over mine. I imagine slapping him. But my traitorous body opens up instead. My lips part and his tongue pins mine. See, I am useless. Prone to this guy’s lethal seduction.

He pulls back and I shut my eyes, his masculine scent all over me.
Damn him.
“See…”
God,
he’s cavalier. “…one kiss and you’re tongue-tied.”

“Yeah.” I glower. “Because you rammed your big effin’ tongue down my throat.”

“I’d like to ram something else somewhere else.”

“Fuck off,” I croak.

He gives me a dark look. I cross my arms over my chest. He hits his keyless remote, slides out the driver’s side, slams the door, struts to my side, opens the door, and offers me his hand.

“What?” I snap.

“Get out of the car,
now.
”

“Take me home.”

“No.”

We’re deadlocked. Too stubborn to give in—too egotistical—yes, I am too—to admit there’s more than sexual tension between us.

“Get out.” I smack his hand away and climb out myself.

Craig’s neighbor is washing his Porsche in the next driveway. I look in his general direction and he smiles. I wave—he’s cute. I hear Craig exhale. I’m not interested in pursuing an argument or staying here much longer. I’m still staring at the neighbor when I see Craig unlock his front door.
Good,
he’s going inside. Instead, once the door is open, he marches toward me.

“Hey, John,” he calls to his neighbor. “You’ll have to excuse us…” He sweeps me off my feet. John shakes his head and smiles.

I kick my legs. “Put. Me. Down.”

“Be still, you little brat.”

I kick again. “What’s wrong?
Jealous?
” We’re inside now. He kicks the door shut and carries me to the sofa. He drops me on the leather cushions. I bounce. Before I can get to my feet, he lowers himself on top of me. He pins my hands above my head.

“Flirting…in
front
of me?” He can’t finish his thought. His mouth captures mine. There’s nothing gentle about the kiss. It’s brutal, possessive. I squirm. I need to get away. I’ll ask John for a ride. Anything but stay here and let Craig win. Anything…His massive hand slides between my legs. He caresses gently at first, then angrily. I’m so wet. It feels so good. I won’t be able to remember my own name soon if he doesn’t stop.

She’s provoked me for the last time. Toying with me—fucking flirting with John in my front yard. I feel her excitement through her jeans, all heat and moisture. I can’t curb my frustration. I need to be inside her. I want to hog-tie and tease her. She deserves it. My dick throbs. I’m pissed. In lust. Jealous. I’m still holding her wrists with one hand. I love how she looks stretched out underneath me. Almost helpless. But I know she wants me. She can’t hide anything from me. She wants me to fuck her. I’m going to. Now. On this couch.

I release her hands. She doesn’t move. She’s wide-eyed and restless. Afraid. I unzip her pants and seek the liquid heat I felt.
Holy shit.
I can smell her excitement. My fingers slide inside her. She moans; her hips jerk. She’s ready. I’m ready. I thrust deeper. She sighs, then rides my hand. I close my eyes, withdraw my fingers, and then suck on them. So sweet, so fucking sweet. I stand and slap her high heels off. Next, I tug her jeans off. I gaze at her—the tiny lace panel covering her snatch reminds me of a bow on a holiday gift.
My gift.
I’m about to tear into it. I’m so hard it hurts to move. I slide out of my pants and boxers.

She’s staring at my shaft. I close my eyes and groan. I’m too vulnerable with this one; her gaze penetrates deep. I open my eyes, then peel off my shirt. I cover her body with mine, rubbing my cock up her wet slit, across her stomach, and down again. Her skin is burning. We’re covered in her juices. I stretch, fisting her long hair. “Protection. Upstairs.”

She shakes her head violently. “Don’t go. I’ve been tested recently—I’m safe.”

My gaze is locked on hers. “So am I, every three months. You sure?” I know better, but the temptation is too strong—I don’t want to stop.

She swallows, hard. “I want to feel you—
all
of you.”

My knee instinctively comes up between her thighs. I nudge her legs apart and push her panties aside. I’m big—it’ll hurt. I position my cock at her opening. She bucks against me. I smooth hair out of her face, framing her cheeks with both hands. I love looking at her eyes. Those full lips. Even her little Roman nose. I kiss it. Unidentifiable feelings wash over me. I care—too much. She moans. I kiss her eyelids and cheeks. I nibble her throat. Our hips spiral. I feel an electrifying pulse, then I gently bite her lower lip. Her tongue seeks my mouth and I catch it with my teeth, then cover her lips with mine.
God.
The moment our tongues collide I thrust inside her. She cries and I freeze. She’s too small.

“All right?” I whisper, nuzzling her ear.

She nods. I’m only halfway inside her. I thrust again. I grit my teeth—
holy shit.
With a last lunge I’m completely sheathed. Her slit is so tight. I pump. Pleasure shoots up my spine. It feels like she’s gripping me with two fists. I can’t stop moving. I withdraw halfway and drive into her. Again and again. She’s wild—loud. It turns me on too much. All the squirming and moaning. I stop to recover my endurance.

She cries and grips my arms. “More.”

I reach down and lift her legs. “On my shoulders, baby.” My mind is sharply focused on that split she did onstage.

She’s unbelievably flexible—a gymnast or some shit. Her heels rest on my shoulders. My gaze sweeps her face. Her eyes are closed, her lips parted. I force her shirt up and cup her breasts. I pinch her nipples and she exhales. Very slowly, I start to move. I’m so deeply rooted inside her I swear I hit bottom. Her eyes pop open. I see hunger in them—unadulterated pleasure. I’m so close to bursting. I intensify my strokes. Hell, I’m pumping mercilessly, half punishing, half rewarding her. No woman does this to me. No one. Within minutes she’s pulsing, the muscles inside her snatch gripping me so tight I can’t hold it.

“Marisela, shit…” My hips jerk and I throw my head back. Release, finally. I come in painful waves inside her, completely spent.

I gently lower her legs. She’s so beautiful. I flip her on her side and curl behind her. It’s done now. I’m not sure what’s going to happen after this. We moved way too fast. But I know what’s
not
going to happen. Estevan or any other asshole won’t come near her as long as I’m in the picture. For now, Marisela Gonzalez is mine.

I wake up when the AC kicks on. It’s noisy. Craig’s arms are wrapped around me. He’s still asleep. What time is it? I check my watch. Midnight? We’ve been passed out for three hours. Disabled by our lovemaking. I can’t believe we did it. I should feel ashamed—I’m not. I wanted him. I want him again. But I need to get home. Robyn is probably worried. I slip off the couch, careful not to wake him. I kneel, feeling my way around in the dark for my pants—my cellphone is likely in my back pocket. Where are my jeans?
Damn it.
I scoot around the other side of the couch. Moonlight is flooding through the open blinds. I can see well enough not to smack my head on any furniture.

Under the side table along the opposite wall? I get on all fours and reach. A light turns on. I gasp.
Please don’t see me like this,
please.
My ass is facing the kitchen, hiked in the air. That’s where the light came on. I reluctantly, almost painfully, look over my shoulder. Sure enough, Craig is leaning against the counter, naked, his arms crossed over his chest, fully erect, his face twisted with lust.

“Like to put yourself in compromising positions, don’t you?” he asks.

I don’t know what to say. I know what I want…wish for. “Looking for my pants.”

“These?” I back away from the table, then stand. My jeans are hanging from his fingers.

“Can’t you be nice—even now?”

“It’ll cost you, baby.”

“I think I already paid you full measure.”

His eyes twinkle. “I can’t deny that. Come here.”

I straighten my top—the only stitch of clothing left on my body. Sometime during our sex my panties were ripped off. Like in a movie. I creep toward him, excited, but unsure of what he intends to do. When I reach him, he gives me a toothy grin and hands me my jeans. That’s it? I punch his chest. Teasing me again.

“Ouch.” He rubs his pectoral. “Were you expecting something else?”

“Yeah, a ride home.”

“Don’t be silly—there’s no rush.”

Yes, there is. The more time I spend here, the less time I have to reorganize my life. It feels like I’ve been in Corpus for weeks already. So much is changing so fast. “I need to take a shower,” I say. “I’m sticky.”

“Want me to join you?” He’s still hard.

I do. I don’t. I can’t let him. “I’m sure I can handle it on my own.” I turn away and head upstairs, my jeans draped over my shoulder.

“Nice ass…” I hear as I reach the second floor.

He has nice everything. But I won’t inflate his already overgrown heads. I flip on the light in the guest bathroom. There’s a garden tub and separate shower. A hot bath. I turn on the spigot and close the drain. I love scalding hot water. I take my top off and look in the mirror over the sink. Considering what I just did and after sleeping for hours, my black mascara and eyeliner look pretty good. Hell, I’m surprised Craig didn’t lick it all off. But our lovemaking differed greatly from what we started this morning. Not as many kisses, more desperate—possessive.

The tub is three-quarters full now and I shut off the water, then climb in. I groan as I recline against the wall. The world always looks better from a bathtub. I could sit here forever.

I shake my head and groan under my breath the minute she disappears upstairs. That ass. When I turned on the kitchen light and saw her on all fours, I wanted to ram inside her again. I didn’t expect her to want to go home so soon. Most women beg to stay the night so we can play again in the morning. But Marisela isn’t any other woman. She’s stubborn, almost uppity. I don’t mind snobs. It’s a turn-on. Makes it more satisfying when I dominate them. Knocks the snootiness right out.

I head to the half bath next to the garage. I turn on the light and grab a washcloth and towel. I wash my face and crotch. I’ll take a shower after I drop her off. Her scent is still all over me, and I want to enjoy it a little longer. I’m infected with her. More than I want to be. Maybe Desire is the safer choice. My
relationships
don’t usually last more than a few months. Long enough to get familiar, short enough to avoid deeper feelings. On my part. I’ve received five marriage proposals in three years. One from a lawyer who works downtown. She’s still my attorney. I smile. Another from a dancer at the Den. She no longer works there.

Not that I categorize Marisela with them. I don’t know where we’re headed. I don’t want to hurt her. I care. I turn off the water and towel dry. I’m worried. I stupidly let my little head override my common sense. No protection. I didn’t ask her if she’s on birth control. But
damn,
it’s been too long since I’ve felt the inside of a woman without a rubber on. The difference is amazing. I turn out the light and run upstairs to my bedroom to get dressed. Marisela is in the hallway.

“Okay?” I ask, flipping on my bedroom light.

She looks at me. “Sure. Ready to go?”

I wince. I want to kiss her so she’ll change her mind and stay the night. “Give me a minute,” I say dispassionately. “I’ll meet you downstairs in five.” She nods and slips by me.
Wow.
Never had that happen before. I open my closet and grab a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. I get dressed and slip on my Doc Martens sandals. I look around the room. My wallet and keys are somewhere downstairs. I turn out the light. I hope Garrick and Robyn are sleeping; I don’t want them to know what’s going on yet. I jog downstairs.

Someone is pounding on my bedroom door. “What?” I grab a pillow and fling it at the door. I stare at the alarm clock on the desk. Nine? I didn’t go to bed until after two.
Shit.
“Who is it?”

Robyn opens the door. “Rise and shine, sleepyhead.”

I swipe the pillow from underneath my head and cover my face with it. “Really?”

“Long night?” she asks.

“Long everything.”

She snickers. “Get used to it. You’re officially employed at the Devil’s Den. And since you are, I’ve invited someone over for breakfast you haven’t seen in a long time.”

I uncover my face and shoot up. “Who?”

“Macey.”

“Best friend Macey?”

“Yes.”

I smile. I absolutely love that girl. She’s so funny, and I’m going to work with her. “When is she coming over?”

“She’s downstairs already. Has a key to the house.”

I scramble out of bed, half-naked. I grab a pair of shorts from the dresser and a halter top. “I’ll be right down.”

Robyn laughs and closes my door.

If I can get in good with Macey, maybe the girls at the club will back off. No more used tampons in my clothes. I brush my hair and put on some powder and lipstick. I look in the mirror and shrug. Who am I trying to impress? I open the door and rush downstairs. I trip on the last step and tumble into the kitchen. Robyn turns, Macey stands.

“Good God, girl,” Macey says. “You all right?”

“Yes.” I’m embarrassed, but unhurt. I climb to my feet and hug Macey.

“Look at you.” Macey holds me away from her. “She looks just like you, Robyn. Twins.”

“That’s what they say,” Robyn agrees. She turns back to the counter.

I smell oatmeal and see fresh strawberries and blueberries on the table.
Yummy.
I’m so hungry, an aftereffect of Craig’s crazy lovin’. I sit down.

“I heard what happened last night,” Macey comments.

I shake my head.
No, please don’t.
Too late.

“What?” Robyn serves us.

“Nothing.”

Robyn looks at Macey, her hand on her hip.

“Desire wrapped a used tampon in Marisela’s shirt.” Macey won’t lie about anything for me. Robyn is her best friend.

Robyn’s eyebrows crinkle. “That bitch. Why?”

I’m not talking. I don’t even know who Desire is, but I’ll look out for her in the future.

Macey showers her oatmeal with a handful of blueberries. “Because Craig dumped her.”

“What are you talking about?” I ask sharply—too piercing.

They both stare at me.

“Yup,” Robyn says. “The bastard strikes again.”

“I can’t believe it.” Macey looks disgusted. “What did that asshole do to you, baby girl?”

I flush instantly. “Nothing.”

“Shit.” Macey shoves her spoon in her mouth. “You can’t hide that freshly fucked look from us. Want me to kick his worthless ass, Robyn?” She looks at my sister.

Robyn’s mouth opens, then closes. “Unbelievable. Marisela, how could you fall for his…shallowness? I mean I love him like a brother, but he’s a dog.”

I fist my hands under the table. Here we go again. I’m an adult, capable of making my own choices. “It’s not like that.”

“You think he’s going to commit and you’ll get that happily-ever-after we all want?” Macey asks.

Robyn rolls her eyes. “We trusted him to take you to the club.”

“Yeah, well,” I say, “maybe I’m the one who instigated the whole thing. Ever think of that?”

Robyn sighs. “Did you?”

I swallow. “Yes.”

The most obnoxious laugh I’ve ever heard busts out of Macey. “That’s fresh,” she says. “A baby like you doesn’t have the skills necessary to seduce a man like Craig. He let you think you did, but it’s all him.”

I’m through being the target of their doubt and ridicule. “Who’s Desire?” I need to know. I deserve to know. Did Craig dump her for me?

“Another conquest,” Macey says. “Not his girlfriend, but she sees it differently.” Macey twirls her finger by her temple. “Crazy bitch. And she’s pissed at you.”

Robyn takes a deep breath and puts her spoon down. “Marisela, you need to be really careful. Some of the girls at the Den are vicious. And Craig—well, I don’t need to tell you what he’s capable of, do I?”

I deeply appreciate her concern. I know her experiences with Craig are mixed. However, it’s been a long time—people change. “He’s different now.”

“You mean he finally got over Robyn because Garrick nearly kicked his ass?” Macey throws me a look. “And he targets you because you’re the next best thing?”

“Macey!” Robyn cries.

“That came out wrong—
sorry.
”

Tears burn my eyes. “How long ago was he
seeing
Desire?”

Macey’s jaw locks. “Three days.”

“Oh. My. God.” My heart thumps. My hands twitch.
Three days?
He screwed another girl less than a week before me? “That’s disgusting.” I trusted him. I wanted him so bad. I thought…what was I thinking? He warned me. How can I face him again? “I’m a fool.”

Robyn and Macey both nod. I nearly fall out of my chair. “What am I supposed to do?”

Robyn grabs my hand from across the table. She gives it a good squeeze. “Stay away from him if you can. Ignore him. Be cordial at work, nothing more.”

“Dirty dog,” Macey mutters under her breath.

“Look.” Robyn perks up. She opens her purse and takes out a wad of cash, then slaps it on the table. “Garrick and I want you to go to the mall with Macey and buy a new wardrobe. Get some costumes, too.”

I tap the stack of hundreds. “That’s a thousand dollars.”

“Yep.” She smiles. “Consider it a coming-home gift. And after a couple more days, we’re going to see Mom and Dad, together.”

My mouth drops open. “No.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll call them.”

“You can call before we drive to Odem.” She’s not going to take no for an answer.

“Fine.” I can’t deny her anything. Saint Robyn. My only true friend in the whole world right now. “Why aren’t
you
taking me to the mall?”

She grins. “Garrick and I have an appointment with the doctor—ultrasound time.” I love that’s she’s so excited to be pregnant. I want a niece—a miniature Robyn to hug and play with.

“Call me after the appointment?”

“You bet.”

“Come on, baby girl.” Macey taps my shoulder. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. We’re getting your eyebrows waxed, too. Cara Delevingne brows look shitty on you.”

I can’t believe she just said that to me. I laugh. Macey is crazy. I stand, walk around the table, give Robyn a big kiss, then shoot upstairs to get my sandals.

I hate shopping, but I need to buy a birthday gift for my mother. That’s what I was doing here yesterday before I spotted Marisela. I’m in Dillard’s looking at silk scarves when I see Marisela across the aisle, admiring herself in a full-length mirror in the women’s department. I don’t believe in coincidences. She’s wearing a strapless lace cocktail dress. She’s stunning. I head in her direction.

“Baby.” I come up behind her.

She frowns, then turns around. “Get away from me.”

What the fuck?
I stare at her; there’s pain and humiliation in her eyes. Why? “What’s wrong, Marisela?”

“Wrong?” She pokes me in the chest. “As if you don’t know.”

I really don’t. “Tell me,” I growl.

She crosses her arms defensively over her chest. “You used me, asshole. Sleeping with me when you already had a piece of ass. Desire? Remember her? The one who wrapped her bloody tampon in my shirt because she knew what you were doing. How can I get mad at her? You played me.”

I didn’t want her to find out this way. I scan the department. It’s early on Sunday—no one is around. I sigh. “I’m sorry. I broke it off…”

“When?”

“Days before I met you.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Yeah, Craig.” I hear a familiar voice.

I whip around. Watchdog Macey is on duty and she looks angry. “Leave her alone.”

“Can’t do it,” I say. “Some things are private, Macey. This is one of those moments. Go away.” I gesture rudely for her to shoo.

She thrusts her hands on her hips. “I’m not going anywhere,” she says, raising her voice. “You are.”

“No, I’m not.” I clasp Marisela’s arm. “Come on, baby. We need to talk.”

She shakes loose. “Screw you.”

I’m pissed. A saleswoman appears from nowhere. “Is everything all right, ladies?” Her gaze sweeps over me disapprovingly. “Do I need to call security?”

I stare at Marisela. She looks away. I growl at Macey. “You’re acting like a bitch.”

“You need to leave,” the clerk says, pointing toward the doors.

I clench my fists. “Marisela.”

“Go away, Craig.”

Fuck.
I can’t believe it. I leave—I’ll see Marisela soon enough.