The Irresistible Bundle (20 page)

Carina looked at Valentino. She watched his eyes darken and his jaw tighten in anger. Obviously this had been an ongoing argument. She suspected it had everything to do with her VIP table. The one which she doubted would get maximum usage; especially now since she wasn't sure who'd she be inviting for the celebration.

She squeezed his arm as he opened his mouth. His brows furrowed as he looked at her. The other man finally acknowledged her presence. His jaw dropped realizing too late who boss man was with.

"Valentino" Carina said in a loud but soothing tone. "I will not take business away from you. Take the VIP table. Half my friends aren't even of legal age to enjoy the full benefits of that section. I can have one of the smaller booths. I'm thinking of only bringing three or four friends. That would be a tragedy to waste that impressive section to a group of less than 10."

The other man beamed. He was impressed that she was willing to give up such a prestigious reservation on the busiest night of the year but he was equally awed by the fact that she recognized the business implications. "We'll make it up to you" he quickly added. "I will section off an area for you and your party with the same service and benefits."

Valentino remained silent listening to them. They each had solid points. If parties were bidding for that table in the VIP section, it could set precedence for future events. He pondered the possibility of closing off a section just for Carina and her party. The booths made money but not nearly the amount that his VIP section did.

"Okay" he concurred. "The Northwest corner that has that oversized booth... and if she needs the adjacent booth I approve that as well." He pointed towards a section that could easily be roped off. It was away from the crowded bar and VIP section and had easy access to the dance floor.

Carina watched the other man look away. Apparently that was the second best location within the club. Valentino stared down the other man. He was not negotiating. She watched with awe as a predatory gleam crossed his face. "That section will also be Carina's corner anytime she comes into the club."

The man blanched but wisely said nothing. Carina was not his employee. She could refute his order. "Not the corner booth Valentino. I can take the one to the left whenever I come with a small party. If there's more than four of us then you can accommodate us accordingly. But I don't want that massive corner whenever I come."

"Carina" he growled.

"I won't come then" She haughtily replied. She crossed her arms in defiance daring him to say otherwise. The other man gaped at Carina's audacity but she would not be swayed. There were a dozen clubs up and down this street that they could go to.

"You win" Valentino sighed chagrined with them both. How the hell had she called the shots? This was his club. His manager was obviously pleased with Carina. They would later have a word in private; things wouldn't have ended up this way if he hadn't approached when she was present.

"I see Desirae!" Carina beamed. She looked to Valentino. She wasn't sure where he was guiding her before.

"Your table will be ready for you when you head over." Valentino said pointing to the agreed upon booth. "Let my servers know what you want and they'll bring it to you." He chastely kissed her mouth before they parted ways.

Carina scurried away as she watched a contrite employee follow his boss into the office. She knew they'd discuss what just occurred but she was grateful that he'd brought it up. There was no way she would bring enough people to make up for the loss of business her presence would cause. She also preferred the now agreed upon booth. They were less exposed and she felt better about not taking away so much business. She wasn't sure if she'd frequent this club enough to even make it an issue but at least she knew what was transpiring for New Year's Eve.

Carina pulled Desirae away from the middle of the dance floor where she was sandwiched between two guys. Desirae began to protest until she saw who was pulling her away. Desirae waggled her eyebrows as she took in Carina's flushed yet satisfied appearance. They cackled with laughter as they danced to the rhythm of the music.

Desirae didn't stray from her roommate for the rest of the night. She wanted to go home with the bartender and didn't want to put up with other guys hitting on her. The girls noticed Valentino watching them from a distance. They knew he wouldn't like seeing Carina dancing with some overly friendly douche.

The girls settled into "their" booth as the club closed down and everyone cleaned up. They watched the bartender take care of things on his end while Valentino oversaw the closing process.

"I don't want to go back to campus until you do" Desirae broke the silence. She looked at Carina. They both knew that once Jaxon sobered up he'd be looking for her.

Carina nodded. "Call me if bartender boy doesn't do sleepovers. Valentino's place has several bedrooms where you can crash."

"As if" Desirae haughtily scoffed. "If he tries to shoo me off I have my lovely pirate that I can call. He's still calling me begging for more."

Carina's eyes bulged in surprise. She hadn't known that Desirae remained in touch with him. Des was known for her occasional one night stands; she usually didn't go for seconds unless they were good in bed. "I'm thinking Sunday afternoon."

Desirae nodded her agreement. There were plenty of people she could call up if need be. "I'll call you to confirm." They hugged as the handsome bartender approached.

Being the boss' girl, he couldn't joke about taking them both home but damn he would've. "Ready" he purred to Desirae.

Desirae winked at her roommate as she strutted off with the bartender. "By the way" she called looking over her shoulder. "Valentino has your overnight bag."

Carina scrunched her face. "I didn't pack one."

"Ah but I did" her bestie winked as she was whisked away. Carina smiled, grateful that at least one of them planned accordingly.

It wasn't long afterwards that she was escorted out by Valentino. He held her waist as the car pulled up to take them to his place. He kept his word. He worshipped every inch of her body. It was only as the sun came up to greet a new day with their bodies exhausted and sated that they finally gave in and closed their eyes.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Jaxon stirred bumping into a warm body. His head screamed in agony while his stomach revolted. Fuck... it'd been a while since he'd gotten this torn up. He reached out feeling soft skin. His hand followed the trail of ribs and cupped warm breasts. He froze palming small perky breasts. These were not Carina's round heavy breasts. He swallowed the bile that quickly surfaced.

Fuck... Fuck... Fuck...
He'd fucked up. Again. The last he remembered, he was fondling some chick but their clothes were still on. That was his rule - no fucking, no sucking... just touching. Jaxon slowly opened his eyes. Blonde hair covered her face; he recalled the chick from last night. They were still in the living room of the sorority house. Jaxon slowly lifted his pounding head. Whiskey was not his friend. Pete and the guys were also passed out. Everyone was buck ass naked. It was like they'd had a fucking orgy in the living room.

He tried to remember what happened last night but it hurt to think. It hurt to breathe. He had to get the fuck out of there. If they'd all gotten piss-ass drunk maybe no one would remember that he'd stayed and banged this chick.

Jaxon looked around. His clothes were strewn all over the place like everyone else's. He slowly crawled to each piece of clothing and swallowed the vomit threatening to escape. He couldn't leave any proof of his overnight stay. He had to get the hell out of there. He stumbled as he dressed and quietly exited the house. He squinted against the bright sunlight. What fucking time was it?! He patted his pocket, relieved to find his phone.

Jaxon entered his apartment building, avoiding everyone's gaze. This wasn't that bad. He'd slipped but he could get back on track and stick with his rules. He could still have Carina as his girl but enjoy the occasional contact of some random chick. He wasn't technically cheating.

Jaxon made it to his room in time before the previous night's contents come out full force. He spewed into the toilet, recoiling as he tasted the still strong whiskey exiting the same way it came in. Damn he drank a lot last night. No wonder he fucked up. As long as he kept his head on his dick stayed in his pants. Last night was testament to that.

Jaxon needed to pay Carina a visit. This may not have happened if they'd had sex in the last two weeks. He bit his inner cheek fuming with righteousness. He hadn't spoken to Carina because he was still fucking pissed. She hadn't made any effort to stay with him during the break. Hell, at least he thought she'd come home Friday so that they could stick to their weekend ritual... but no... She'd texted late Saturday that she'd gotten back. That's nice...

He showered and downed two bottles of water. He needed to eat something but he wanted to make sure the water stayed down. Jaxon scowled at his empty refrigerator. He didn't really want to go to the student union but apparently he had no other choice. He dragged his aching body out of his apartment in time for an early dinner. If he timed it right he could catch Carina. He prayed for a civil conversation. His head couldn't handle anything less.

"There you are" his rowing teammate called from across the hall. Jaxon barely nodded unsure if his head would explode.

"Did your girl find you last night? She came knocking at your door and Chris told her you were at the sorority party."

Jaxon blanched. What the fuck? Why the hell would that bastard tell Carina where he was? Of course the fucking prick wanted her; they all did. Jaxon stormed out of the building. Why couldn't he remember what happened? That's why he didn't drink whiskey often. He always blacked out with that shit. He grit his teeth debating what to do; should he go see Carina now or eat something first?

His stomach rumbled with impatience making the decision for him. He slowly trudged to the student union. He didn't miss the outright accusatory glares. He must've royally fucked up last night if the news was already in this room.

Jaxon looked around but Carina's table was occupied by other students. He grabbed a light dinner to go and ate outside. He needed to clear his head and make a plan. He'd just gotten Carina to commit. She was already skittish, now with this shit she wouldn't even try. Maybe he should just stick to what they did best... just fuck and hang out. They made great fuck buddies. No. That wasn't good enough. He couldn't stand it if she began dating someone else. She was a prize and everyone on this fucking campus knew it.

Jaxon finished his meal watching the sun set. Carina and her group never made it to the student union. Determined, he headed to her building. He approached a cutie and asked her to get Carina outside to meet him. She willingly obliged. Carina was the only one who ever fought him tooth and nail. Every other girl did whatever he asked. Jaxon checked his phone. The battery was low but he hadn't missed any calls or text messages. Cutie came back; apparently Carina and Desirae were MIA since last night.

He called her as he walked back to his place. Her beautiful voice informed him to leave a message. "Belleza... where are you hiding? We need to talk." He paused. Should he say more? Better not... he hung up. Maybe she hadn't seen anything. Maybe not...

Jaxon gritted his teeth at Pete's approach. This was the last fucking person he needed to be around when he spoke to Carina. "Dude last night was fucking phenomenal!" Pete crowed. Students from 100 feet away looked at them. There were no secrets to be kept with this fucking prick.

"I don't remember anything" Jaxon muttered rubbing his head in irritation.

"You don't remember banging that chick so good that she cried" Pete scoffed. "Dude you were on a whole 'nother level last night. I don't know what the fuck happened but you banged almost every girl in there before you passed out! Sweet!"

Jaxon's hands fisted. His dick was sore but there was no fucking way he did that. Even drunk he wouldn't have done ALL that behind Carina's back.

"I got something to show you" Pete taunted. Jaxon stared at his so-called friend but said nothing. He needed to talk to the girls and see if they remembered what happened. Maybe he could convince them to keep their mouths shut.

"Seems like
your
girl
was busy last night too" Pete sneered. Jaxon knew Pete was bitter with Carina. She didn't give him the time of day. Hell, she didn't tolerate any of his bullshit. Jaxon waited, knowing Pete was going to show him whether or not he asked to see it.

Pete turned his phone towards Jaxon. It was an image of Carina outside Club 69. Valentino had his arms wrapped around her and appeared to be whispering something in her ear. Carina looked beautiful. She wore dark skinny jeans and an amazing top that showed off those big round breasts of hers. She wore fuck me heels and her hair showed off her amazing neck and shoulders. Jaxon looked at the article from some local gossip column. The picture was taken Friday night after the club closed. It was obvious where Carina had spent the night.

Jaxon yanked the phone from Pete's hand. He sent the article to his phone. He threw the phone at his so-called friend and stormed back to his place. He blew up Carina's phone. Here he was feeling guilty over fucking up while she was out strutting her stuff. He kept calling incensed with her audacity. Carina never answered. At some point she turned it off because it went straight to voicemail.

He glared at the phone. Two could play at that game. There was no way in hell that he'd be waiting on her steps to beg for her attention. Time to go out, get drunk again, and enjoy some pussy guilt-free this time....