La Cosa Nostra, This Thing of Ours Read online

  "Please let me take you home," he moans, his hands on my ass fisting the material, inching it up. This brings me to my senses. I push on his chest to release from him.

  "Liam." My breathing is heavy as I take a step back keeping one hand on his chest to keep him at a distance.

  "What if I didn't go ape shit jealous, would you have slept with that woman tonight?" I ask, using my free hand to pull my skirt down. He looks lost, like I just took away his favorite toy. It's cute and sexy at the same time, but I have to know.

  "No," he answers, reaching for me.

  "I don't believe you." I take two steps back. "Nothing has changed. I want to be wanted for more than one night. I want to be begged for. I want someone who doesn't have a string of women lined up."

  "I do want more than one night, I will beg for you." He takes two steps toward me so we are in touching distance of each other.

  "I want to wait, I want to date. I want to go a whole week without seeing another girl on your arm." I reach for my bag in my locker. I grab my jeans and slip them on under my skirt. He is watching every move I make. I feel the need to put on all the clothes I can.

  "I will do whatever you want." He sounds desperate right now.

  "I have to go, tell Matty I'm sick." I pull on my jacket zipping it up to my neck.

  "Let me take you home. We don't have to do anything else, I just want to be with you." He watches me like a hawk as I pack my bag and get my purse.

  "No, I have to study. I have to put some space between us. What I just did out there is not me. I can't believe I did it, I am mortified with myself." I shake my head trying to get my actions out of my head.

  "How are you going to get home?" He runs his hands through his hair. I can see he is getting frustrated again.

  "I'll take the bus."

  "Hell no! No, no, no. It is not safe this time of night," he spits out his objection.

  "Liam, we are taking this slow. If you can't handle it, then tell me now. I'm already invested, I just feel like you are one huge broken heart for me."

  "I can handle it, Petal. I'll wait as long as you want. If that means we can be together in any way, I can handle it. I'm invested, too, me taking you home is just making sure you are safe. I will be doing that, and if you can't handle that then tell me now," he throws my words back at me.

  "What will people think when we leave together?" I place one hand on my hip, shutting my locker with the other.

  "I don't care. I hope they think I'm taking my girl home," he says sheepishly when he says 'my girl'. I must admit I like the sound of it.

  "How many waitresses have you taken home from here over the years?"

  Silence, and the worst look of guilt.

  "I bet no one thought that you were taking your girl home. Don't look guilty either. That's who you are, this is who I am. I can't change you anymore than you can change me."

  "So what are you saying?" Confusion is now one of the many mix of emotions he wears so well on his face.

  "That I'm getting home on my own."

  "My God woman, you are so ... ugh." His hands are in fists up by his face. "You know what, take the bus, hitchhike, ask British lover boy to take you home. I don't care," he spits, giving me a look of total frustration before he slams out of the room. That went well, Harper.

  I'm able to sneak out of the club with no one seeing me. I make it home safe on the bus and sit on my bed fumbling with my phone. I want to call him. I know he was frustrated, but did he really not care? Before I have a chance to decide whether or not I should call him, my phone rings and I see it is him.

  "Hello," I answer softly.

  "I just want to make sure you are home safe," he says in the same soft voice. If I thought his voice was sexy in person, his phone voice is to die for.

  "Yes, I am home."

  "I'm sorry I said those things. I just don't know how to handle you," he mumbles in the phone.

  "I know the feeling." I let out a soft chuckle.

  "We are a hot mess, aren't we?" He laughs, making me laugh. "Can I see you tomorrow?" he asks after the laughter subsides.

  "I need to study for finals."

  "What about tomorrow night?"

  "Can I let you know tomorrow?" I really have no idea how long I will study for.

  "So I need to sit around and wait to see if you have time for me?" Here comes the anger and frustration again.

  "No, you can make plans. I just don't know what time I am going to be free. I never said you had to be at my beck and call," I snap. "What would you normally do on a Tuesday night?"

  "I don't think you want me to answer that," he mumbles. He's right, I don't want to know.

  "So if I can't make it, you want to know if you should have a girl lined up just in case." Is this what he is getting at?

  "Jesus, Harper, no," he shouts. I have to pull the phone from my ear he says it so loud.

  "Okay, Okay, I don't know where we are at right now. Are we exclusive?" I chance the question that I've been dying to know.

  "I want to be, don't you?" Yes, yes, yes I do a little victory dance on my bed.

  "Of course, as long as you know we are taking it..."

  "Slow, yes I know." He is mocking me a little, but it is so cute I let it go.

  We talk for about an hour just getting to know each other better. Well actually, he gets to know me better. Every time I ask him a question about himself or his past, his answers are short and he goes right back to asking me questions.

  "I'll call you tomorrow and let you know what's going on." I yawn in the phone and we decide it is time to get off.

  "Goodnight, Petal, dream of me," he says before hanging up the phone. No problem there.

  Chapter 10

  I go to the Sarhar's in the morning for a little work out before going to the library. I kind of secretly wish to see Liam there. After our talk last night and the way I'm feeling, I can't wait to see him again. He's a no-show though, so I work out in peace.

  After I shower at the gym, I head to the library.

  "Why do you look so happy?" Jax says when I sit in between him and another girl in our group.

  "What?" I just realized I have a stupid grin plastered on my face.

  "You look like Jack Nicholson when he played the Joker," he scoffs and I stare at him, the smile leaving my face.

  "Geez, who pissed in your Wheaties?" I scoff back. The look of hurt on my face instantly makes him feel bad.

  "I'm sorry, Tara told me about the other night at Flame's. Are you seeing that guy now?" He seriously looks like he could cry. "He's bad news, Harper," he says, already knowing the answer to his question.

  "We are taking it slow, don't worry about me. You know I can take care of myself," I tell him, miffed at the way he is acting.

  "Slow. So you haven't fucked him yet?" Jax blurts out a little too loud. The whole group's attention is now on us.

  "Jesus, Jax!" I whisper, looking down at my book, avoiding the staring eyes. I have always been very clear with Jax that we are only friends. "Do I need to leave?" I whisper in his direction, as I feel him brooding beside me.

  "No, I just don't understand what he has that I don't." He is now facing me, whispering softly as the group goes back to their discussions. I just stare at him dumbfounded. "I know, I know. I'm a jealous asshole," he answers my stare.

  "He doesn't have anything you don't have. You know that I love you..." He holds up his hand to stop me from finishing the sentence I've said so many times.

  "As a friend..." he huffs. "I just kind of hoped that as long as you weren't dating anyone, maybe there was hope," he mutters, giving me his best sad puppy dog eyes. "So you really haven't slept together yet?"

  "Not that it is any of your business, but no." It's like his hope is renewed for a second. "That doesn't mean anything about us though. Even if it doesn't work out with Liam, we will still be only friends," I repeat.

  "I think I could handle you being with anyone but this guy."

  "Why?"
I know he is intimidating, and I'm sure a lot of guys don't like him, but really, why would he say that?

  "Just forget it." He rolls his eyes at me and turns to the group to hear what they are discussing.

  Around 5:30 that evening, we are deep in a discussion when my phone beeps. My insides warm when I see it's a text from Liam.

  When will you be done, Petal?

  Soon I hope. I text back

  Can we go on a date?

  Tara had already told me that she and Tony were going to Flame's with another couple. Since the night Tara and Tony met, they had been inseparable. Liam had told Tony he wanted to bring me. She texted me earlier saying she couldn't wait for tonight. I had no idea what she was talking about so I called her.

  First thing I did was thank her very much for telling Jax, the first hour was torture. He finally started loosening up after lunch.

  I'll meet you at Flame's when we are done. I text him.

  I can't pick you up?

  I don't know when I will be done, I want to go home and shower. I will meet you there! I think there is going to be an argument coming as to how I am getting to Flame's. To my surprise, he just texts back.

  FIIIINE!!!!!

  I can picture him brooding and running his hands through his hair in frustration. For giving up so easily, I text back a smiley face and...

  Can't wait to see you, xoxox, your Petal. I'm still not sure how I earned this nickname, but he seems to like it so I go with it.

  You are so naughty, just when I think I don't know if I can handle this kind of relationship you say something like that making me melt. BTW, can't fucking wait to kiss those lips. He texts back, I think I'm about to liquefy right there in the chair when Jax starts staring.

  "Lover boy?" he sneers. This time I roll my eyes at him as I join back in the group discussion.

  It's just after 8:30 when we call it a night. I pack up my books to hurry out to catch the next bus.

  "Hey, did you need a ride?" Jax is rushing to catch up with me.

  "I'll take the bus," I scoff, standing by the bus stop.

  "Oh come on, don't be mad. I'm just worried about you, that's all." Jax gives me his best 'I'm sorry' face.

  "You don't need to be worried. I'm fine."

  "So are you going to ask him about his wife?" It's a question, but yet the way he asks it I feel like it is more of a statement.

  "I don't know, Jax. It was all rumors and tabloid junk." Gesturing with my hands to leave it be.

  "Just let me give you a ride home to say I'm sorry for being such an ass today." I give in because waiting for the bus is going to take too long. Once we reach my apartment I go to get out of the car.

  "Harper." Jax grabs my wrist before I can step out. "Please just use your head." Condescending much, Jax?

  "Yeah, I will," is all I say before getting out of the car and slamming the door. If that wasn't the biggest insult, he thinks I am being a love sick idiot drooling over a man. When in fact all I've been doing is using my head. Haven't I?

  It's almost 10:00 by the time I shower and change. I almost text Liam and tell him I'm too beat to go out. The fact is I am, but wanting to see him is winning, so I put on a short skirt and a halter shirt with a plunging back. You can see the top of my skirt in the back. It shows it all. I can't wear a bra, but the front is more fitted holding everything in place. I pin my hair to the sides so that all of my hair stays in the back. A little cover for all the skin I am showing. I call a cab and head toward the club.

  I had put my phone on silent after the second message from Tara asking where I was at. I responded with 'I will be there as soon as I can'. Apparently, that wasn't good enough, so she texted about thirty minutes later asking the same question. I was surprised I hadn't gotten any texts from Liam yet. I reach in my purse to grab my phone and it's not there. Fuck, when did I have it last? The library. Shit, I left my phone at the library. You just don't realize how much you depend on your cell phone until you don't have it.

  Pulling up to the club, the line is around the block. I take a chance and walk up to the bouncer. I don't even have to give him my flirty smile.

  "You've been expected, Ms. Troy," the large tattooed man says as he lets me in the door. I hear jeering behind me from the crowd that has been waiting for no doubt quite some time. I walk straight to Gino who lets me up the stairs with a smile and a nod. Once I reach the top of the stairs I look down the walk.

  Standing in front of the booth leaning up against the railing is Liam. He is laughing at something someone in the booth said. I see Tara's big hair for a second so I know she is one of the occupants in the booth. I'm just about to start walking up when a six-foot-tall model type steps up to Liam. She is wearing basically a loin cloth and a bandana. Really, wow. I thought I was dressed provocatively.

  She leans in placing her hands on Liam's chest. I see his jaw muscles twitch. She presses her whole body to him wrapping her arms around his neck and starts to sway with the music. I want to run up to her and pull her by the hair away from him, and then slap him for allowing it.

  But I don't do either. I stand frozen watching with a pit in my stomach. I don't know if I expected him to escort her to a private room or just start bumping and grinding with her right there. Instead, he takes her arms at the wrists and removes her from his body. Holding her arms to her sides he says something to her that really makes her mad. She flips him off and starts stomping in my direction. I see Liam wipe his forehead with his hand, laughing with the occupants of the booth. The girl brushes past me hitting my shoulder and almost knocking me down.

  The feisty farm girl in me would have said something, but instead I ignore her and continue to watch Liam. They are still laughing. I can tell they are making fun of the girl. Liam turns his head in my direction. It takes him a millisecond to start walking fast toward me.

  "Hey, you." He beams, wrapping one arm around my waist, taking my face with his other hand. His thumb is lightly rubbing my cheek as he gazes down at me. His eyes are dark, happy as he smiles his sexy ass smile. "I am so glad to see you. You had ten more minutes before I came searching for you," he says close to my ear so I can hear over the loud music. "Can I kiss you now?" It is so cute how he asks for permission. It's like a little boy asking for ice cream. I smile and nod yes.

  Before I get the whole nod out, his warm soft lips are on mine and he's sliding his tongue over my bottom lip to open my mouth. It doesn't take much effort since I was going to be opening it anyway. It's a soft and gentle kiss as our tongues explore each other. He kisses my top lip before ending the kiss. I want to protest almost immediately, but realize we have attracted onlookers.

  "I have been craving that all day, Petal," he coos at me, coming in for another kiss that is just as gentle but hot all at the same time.

  "Harper!" I hear the shrill cry of a very drunk Tara. She practically knocks Liam out of the way as she gives me a bear hug. She is one of those 'I love you' drunks. "It's about time you got here. We thought we were going to have to handcuff Liam to the table. He's wanted to go look for you for the past two hours. Come on, I want you to meet everyone," she screeches, dragging me to the table.

  I turn to see that Liam is hot on our tails. Tara plops back into the booth as soon as we get there, taking a long swallow of her drink. Liam places his hand on my bare back. The contact is warm, but it sends shivers through me.

  "I like this." He smiles rubbing his hand up and down my back. "You look beautiful by the way," he whispers in my ear.

  "Thank you." I lean into him to get close to his ear. Everyone at the booth crowds around, but there is still little room. Before I know what happens, Liam is sitting and I am on his lap, one hand on my back the other now on my leg.

  "Harper, this is my good friend, Chuck, and his girlfriend, Simone." Liam introduces the other couple at the table.

  "I have heard a lot about you, Harper," Chuck says, smiling at me, like he knows a secret that I should know too. "As long as I've known old Liam here,
he has never talked about a girl like he has talked about you." My face feels warm, I'm sure I am blushing. The mix of sitting on Liam's lap and what Chuck just said makes everything very warm.

  "Do you want a drink, Petal?" Liam asks, wrapping his hand under my hair so he has a hold of the nape of my neck, he brings me closer to him. He lightly bites my ear, before he whispers, "Or would you like to do something else." I turn my face to him, and he has a very serious look. He adjusts me on his lap and I feel why he is serious. His cock is bulging against my ass. His hand starts up my thigh a little farther. I see that Simone is watching us, and it is making me very uncomfortable. She's not just watching, she bites her lower lip and looks like she is going to come join in.

  I stand up fast shocking everyone, especially Liam who leans forward to hide his excitement.

  "I need to use the ladies rooms," I blurt out to explain my sudden need to get away from the groping that was turning me on a little too much. It wasn't the fact that it was turning me on. I just don't want to be that way in a crowded club with strangers watching.

  "I'll go with you," Tara says getting up. Liam's face is wounded, but soon turns to anger. No, it wasn't you, baby. I feel like I need to explain, I can tell he thinks I was rejecting his affection. I wasn't. I'm about to lean down to whisper in his ear just what the problem was when Tara grabs my wrist and drags me away.

  "God, Tara, just a second." I fight against her grip feeling the need to explain to Liam. He looked really hurt and pissed off.

  "There's no line so let's go." Her grip tightens and in my high heels I don't have much leverage. I hurry in the bathroom feeling the need to get back to Liam, to let him know. I'm walking behind Tara back to our table when she stops dead in her tracks.

  "Geez, Tara!" I yell when I almost face plant into her back. "What are you doing?" I come around her and see what stopped her. Liam is standing up now, except he has a girl in a tight red dress pinned up against the railing. He has his hands on her ass and his face buried in her hair. The girl's hands are on his shoulders and I can see she is kissing his neck.

  I'm frozen as I watch this. I feel Tara staring at me waiting for my response. The first thing I do is walk up to them, lean up against the banner, and wait for Liam to notice me. It takes a second since he is buried in her neck. It's like a sucker punch in the gut. What I want to do is run back to the bathroom and vomit, but I hold steady. When he finally notices me, he has a satisfied look on his face. He's telling me that you reject me, that's okay because I have a ton of woman that will take your place.