Walk of Shame Read online

  I raise my brows at the both of them and walk over to Slade’s closet. “I’m offended,” I say placing my palm over my heart. “You know damn good and well that I respect your woman. She is one fine piece of ass and she knows it,” I tease and wink at her, now staring back at me in the mirror.

  She smiles back at my grin, knowing it just revs his engine up more. I knew the girl had a little kinky side buried beneath that shy exterior. I’d be willing to bet she’d let me watch if he would. “Carry on as if we’re not even here. Give us a few minutes and we’ll be gone. We need to borrow a couple of suits for tonight.” I peek over my shoulder and take in the sight of Slade moving in closer to her, as if he’s trying to hide what isn’t even visible. “Don’t keep your lady waiting, Slade.” Giving him hell is so much fun, because he’s so protective of her.

  “You’re a real pain in the ass sometimes. You know that?” Aspen growls out trying to feign anger, but I hear the laughter in her tone she is trying to keep hidden. She has to have a sense of humor to deal with me, because I just don’t give a shit. “At least Cale is decent enough to peek in from the hallway. Yeah, I see you out there.”

  Slade lets out a frustrated growl before standing Aspen up from the dresser and covering her nipples with the length of his arm as well as cupping her mound with the opposite hand. He walks them over together to grab Aspen a sheet to cover up with. “Just pick out your damn suits and get the hell out of here. Take them all. I don’t care. Just hurry the hell up. I’m putting a lock on my door tomorrow.”

  Cale steps into the room and laughs. “The dresser? Really?” Slade is wrapping the sheet around her and pulls out when she is covered enough we can’t see her.

  Slade lights up a cigarette and leans against the dresser with his cock bared for all to see. “Just because I wear a damn suit now doesn’t mean shit. What’s the fun in sex if you aren’t breaking shit and putting holes in the wall? Just hurry up.”

  “Seriously, dumbass,” I jump in. “You would know that if you would actually put your dick in someone. It’s fun. Give it a try sometime.”

  “I plan to, dick. Now let’s get these damn suits and go before we’re late.” Cale shoves me into the closet and reaches for the first suit. “And women don’t seem to complain when I use my tongue.” He sticks his tongue out and starts waving it around.

  “Gross,” Aspen calls out. “I don’t want to hear that, Cale.”

  I reach for a slick black suit and toss it over my shoulder. “Alright, man. Let’s get the hell out of here.

  WE ARRIVE AT THE PARTY and I kill the engine while pumping myself up. It’s not very often that we do parties outside of the club, but one of the girls is turning twenty-one and wanted a big blow out. To be honest, I would rather do a house party anyways. More freedom to please the women.

  I see the headlights to Stone’s Jeep pull up behind us and he quickly jumps out dressed all fly in his own suit. I tug on the sleeve of the white button down before reaching for the black jacket and pulling it on. It’s a little tight, but I still look damn good. Cale is wearing a black suit too except his button down is more of a silver color or some shit, maybe gray, hell I don’t know. It’s cool though. He still looks good.

  “You boys better be on your shit tonight,” I say while stepping out of my truck. “Especially you, rookie.” I point to Stone and shove his shoulder. “Nice fucking suit, man.”

  He pulls down the front of his suit as if he’s all fancy and smirks. “I know.” He starts grinding his hips while messing with his buttons. “Once I start grinding, this suit won’t even matter.” He puts one leg up against his Jeep and starts swaying his hips in a slow motion. “Oh yeah. I’m working my shit tonight.”

  “Take it easy, lady killer,” Cale says with a smirk. “Look.” He nods his head toward the small white house and lifts an eyebrow. “The ladies are spying on us.”

  I tilt my head to the side to take a look. At least six girls are shoved up to the window, watching us with open mouths while fanning themselves off. They’re going to need a lot more than a hand to cool them off once we get inside.

  I walk over to the door with Cale and Stone trailing closely at my heels. I don’t even bother to knock. I just push the door open and step inside. A fast rhythm is playing over the speakers, so I start grinding my body to the music while pulling my tie off and wrapping it around the birthday girl.

  She lets out a nervous laugh while checking me out and fixing her tiara. “Oh my . . . yes.” She takes a step back and I take a step forward, still grinding my hips. “Best birthday gift ever,” she exclaims in a slight slur.

  I wrap my hand around to grab the back of her neck before grinding my body against the front of hers and placing her hands on my chest. I don’t really pay much attention to the other two, but I assume they are doing something similar from all the screaming that is piercing my ears right now.

  Backing the girl up, I walk over to the stereo and change the song. A slow, seductive song comes over the speaker causing my rhythm to become slow and hypnotic. The girl’s hands roam my body as I thrust my hips back and forth, close enough for my cock to hit against her stomach. I’m not wearing any briefs, allowing it to hang free. She feels it hardened against her and starts screaming in excitement.

  “Oh my god!” She covers her mouth to hide her excitement as I push her against a wall and wrap one of her legs around my waist. “Is this really happening?” She squeals. “This is the best birthday ever. Thank you!”

  One of the girls responds from behind me. “Anytime, Jade. Just relax and enjoy. This night is yours.”

  Her voice sounds a bit familiar, but in the heat of the moment I don’t even bother trying to put it together. With both hands I rip my shirt open and watch the girl’s eyes widen as she takes in my sculpted body thrusting in her face.

  I can feel her wetness on my stomach, because she is wearing a short dress with only her panties between us, so I turn us around until she is sitting on top of a table. I run my hand across it to knock a few things out of the way before pulling my shirt and jacket completely off and throwing it aside.

  I hear a few girls scream, so I look over to see Stone already down to a pair of white briefs. He has some girl in a chair and is grinding his dick in her face.

  “Holy shit! Take it off! I can feel it on my face,” the girl screams. “Oh my God, it’s so hard.”

  “Bite it,” another girl screams. “Take me next!”

  I ignore all the noise behind me and focus on the birthday girl. She’s sexy with long red hair and big blue eyes. The dress she is wearing is now pushed up above her hips and she is looking at me as if she’s ready to fuck. This drives me wild, especially with everyone watching.

  “Just so you know, I’ll let the birthday girl touch.” I lean into her ear and whisper, “Anything you want.”

  Her breathing picks up as she looks over my shoulder and then back at me. “I like the sound of that.” She smiles and bites her bottom lip. “Dance for me. I’ve always loved a man in a suit.”

  I pull her by her thighs so that her body is hanging slightly off the table. I wrap my hands into the back of her hair and press my cock against her heat, while grinding my hips. “Touch me,” I whisper. “I’ll even let you taste it.”

  Her hand reaches down in between us as she strokes my cock through the fabric. Her eyes widen as she takes in the size and piercings. “Oh. My. God.” She licks her lips and closes her eyes as she strokes it faster. “I’m so damn horny. It’s my birthday, you know.” She leans in to my neck and kisses it. “No one will mind if I have a little fun. No judging tonight.”

  “Is that right,” I ask. “I can take you right here if you want. I’m here for entertainment and it’s what I do best. I’ll fuck you here, in front of your friends, and put on a good fucking show.”

  Reaching down with one hand I undo my pants and pull them slightly down my hips so the tip of my cock is showing. I move my hips into her and start swaying fast as the so
ng picks up in beat. She’s leaning into me, moaning, until her eyes land on the tattoo on my side. She eyes it for a few seconds before speaking. “Onyx,” she whispers. “Holy shit!” She looks behind me and around for a few seconds before smiling and fingering for someone to come join us. “Look at this. One of the strippers has your name tattooed on him. That is crazy. I don’t know anyone else by that name.”

  I turn beside me to see a woman with platinum blonde curls, tattoos, and piercing green eyes. The whole world crashes around me. It’s not just any woman. It’s her. It’s Onyx. My Onyx. Except . . . she’s different now. She’s even sexier than I remember and she looks as if she’s just seen a fucking ghost. I can’t breathe for a moment as I take her in, trying to decide if this is really happening. It’s been four years, four fucking years. She is the most beautiful woman, still, to this day.

  Her eyes meet mine and her whole body stiffens, but she doesn’t speak. Her eyes just take me in as if trying to figure out how I look so different.

  Well, damn! I am trying to figure out the same. When did she get all of those damn tattoos and color her hair? She looks wild and dangerous. I love it.

  She’s stunning, hypnotic, and addicting . . . and I want her.

  Four years I have wondered where she’s at and here she is right in my damn face.

  MY HEART HAS LITERALLY JUST stopped in my chest. Four years. I have gone four years avoiding the very man that is standing next to me with his dick practically hanging out of his pants. And of course, it’s for another woman. I guess some things never change.

  Hemy. My Hemy?

  No matter how hard I want to deny it, my traitorous heart gives me away. This man still makes my heart beat wild in my chest and steals my breath away with just one look into those amber eyes. This is going to be hard. Really hard.

  It takes every bit of strength in me to pull my eyes away from his gaze. He’s looking at me as if he wants to wrap his hands in my hair and pull me into his arms. The pain in his eyes is so intense that it causes an ache in my chest. It’s the very look he gave me for the six years we had known each other. What started out as a friendship, turned into something passionate, wild and painful. Very painful. I really tried healing him. I did. But a person can only take so much before they lose control themselves.

  I take a step back to compose myself before bringing my eyes down to Hemy’s side where sure enough, Onyx is tattooed in big black fancy letters. I feel my throat close up as tears sting my eyes. I won’t do this here. I won’t show my weakness. I’m different now. I’ve changed. I’m no longer that weak woman that just let everything slide. I’m much stronger now and no one will break me down again and let me lose myself. Not even . . . him.

  “Onyx,” Jade squeaks. “Do you see this?” She runs her hand over Hemy’s skin causing instant jealousy that I quickly push away. I won’t let myself feel. I can’t.

  I bring my eyes up to meet hers and put on my mask; my game face. “Yup. That is definitely my name. How strange is that?”

  Hemy has finally come out of his frozen state and is now staring at me, looking me up and down. I look different. A lot different. But . . . I’m not the only one.

  Holy hell!

  He runs his hands through his long hair and takes a step away from Jade. His hair is much longer than I remember. It’s sexier, making me want to run my hands through it myself. “Onyx,” he says in a painful whisper. “What the fuck?” He goes to reach for my chin, but I move away too fast for him to even make contact. “You’re back and you couldn’t even tell me.”

  I watch as he rubs his hands over his face in frustration. Of course I didn’t tell him. He ruined me. Paralyzed my heart and soul. I wanted to live with him but the truth was, I was doing anything but. I was far from living. I was surviving and he was barely even doing that.

  “I’m not doing this, Hemy.” I turn to walk away but he grabs my arm to stop me. My heart skips a beat from his touch. “Let go,” I snap. “I don’t owe you anything. I told you I was leaving and I did. I had to. This is not the time or place.” I give him a quick once over, taking in his thick build, tattoos and piercings before yanking my arm from his reach and turning away. “Just do what you’re getting paid to do.”

  Why the hell does he have to look so damn delicious? Even better than before. Not good. Not good at all.

  “I’m sorry, Onyx. I had no idea.” Jade jumps down from the table and fixes her tiara. “I’ll grab another one of the guys. It’s not a big deal. You two umm . . . I’m going.”

  I grab her arm right before she walks away. “No. You won’t. He is getting paid good money for tonight and he better damn well deliver. I’ll be upstairs if you need me.”

  “Onyx, wait!”

  I hold my hand out in front of me and start backing away. “Don’t! Just please let my girls enjoy the night. That is all I ask. What we had was in the past. It doesn’t matter now.” I bite my tongue and walk away as fast as my heels will allow me. I can’t let him talk. I can’t let myself fall back into him.

  I take the stairs two at a time and rush into the bathroom without looking back. As soon as the door closes, my back is pressed against it and I’m falling to the ground with the door supporting me. My hands grip my necklace as I fight to catch my breath. The necklace that Hemy gave me eight years ago. The only piece of him I took with me.

  I’m not ready for this yet. I thought it would be different seeing him again. I thought I would be over us. I’m not. I’m so far from it. The truth is, if I hadn’t run away when I did, then I would be wrapped up in his arms, clutching him instead of this damn necklace. I came back too soon.

  Why do I do this to myself? Why am I still doing it?

  Four years of not seeing his face or hearing his soothing voice has been damn near torture. Not a day went by that I didn’t wonder where he was or what he was doing. The other problem was, I had to wonder who he was doing. I couldn’t allow that to bring me down so I found other things to occupy my time. I can almost see why he did what he did. Almost.

  After a few minutes, I calm down enough to push myself back up to my feet. I need to just suck it up. I can’t let him see the effect he still has on me. That will only allow him to hurt me again. I won’t let that happen.

  “Okay. You can do this,” I whisper. “He’s part of the past. He’s part of the past.” I try to convince myself but I suck at it. “Dammit.”

  I stand up tall and take a deep breath before exhaling and pulling the bathroom door open. What I see in front of me causes my breath to be taken away . . . again.

  Hemy is standing there still shirtless, just staring at the door as if he had been waiting for it to open.

  “Onyx,” Hemy whispers. His eyes are soft and caring as they meet mine. Something in them looks different but I can’t tell what that means just yet. It’s like he’s looking at me with different eyes than before. It makes me want to believe he’s clean but I know that’s almost impossible. “We need to talk about us.”

  “Hemy,” I breathe in frustration. I run my hands through my hair and close my eyes. “There is nothing to talk about. There hasn’t been an us in a very long time.”

  I try to step around Hemy, but he places one arm against the wall, blocking me in. “There is an us. There always has been and you know it.” He stops and brings his eyes down to my lips. He licks his own and slides his free hand in the back of my hair. “I’ve missed you, Onyx. I’ve tried for the last four years to find you but your family are stubborn assholes. I’ve ended up at their doorstep once a month for the last four years. They’re definitely dedicated. I give them that.”

  Hemy admitting he tried for years to find me shakes something loose inside me that I thought was long lost, but I must remain strong.

  I suck in a breath as his body presses against mine. “Hemy.” I place my hand to his firm chest to block him from getting any closer. “Please,” I plead. “Don’t do this to me. It’s only going to get you hurt. I don’t want to hurt you. Do
n’t make me do it.” My eyes land on his lip ring as he bites it. Damn! I want to bite it too.

  He takes a step back and untangles his hand from my hair before placing it against the wall so I’m completely blocked in. “You already have. You are right now, dammit. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were back. We were friends before we dated and you decided to throw that away as well. You left! You actually fucking left! ”

  I try to concentrate on what he’s saying but him being so close is making it nearly impossible. I can’t think straight. Especially when I have a clear view of my name going down his side. It’s not only there, but it’s huge. It’s definitely there for show.

  “When did you get my name on you?” I ask while staring at his naked torso. “Why? Why would you do that?”

  He drops his arms and takes a step back. “I got it a year after you left. Why? I got it because I couldn’t get over you. And I’m still not.”

  My mouth opens but I can’t speak. If I do then it will put me right where I don’t want to be. So instead, I just walk away.

  “Onyx.” I keep going. “Fuck!”

  I hear something crash as I walk down the stairs as calmly as I can and try to ignore the fact that Hemy is still into me. All I have to do is make it through this stupid party and then I’ll just pretend I never saw him. Pretend that seeing him doesn’t still take the breath straight from my lungs.

  “There you are.” Ash appears at the bottom of the staircase looking up at me. Shit. Not good. She brushes her brown curls behind her ear. “Why did you run off? The party is just starting. These boys are so sexy. You need a dance from Stone.”

  I reach for Ash’s arm and pull her around the corner just as Hemy starts walking down the steps. Today is definitely not the day for all this shit to happen. It’s too soon and I can’t be sure that Hemy has changed. I need to think of something fast.

  I press Ash against the wall and force a smile. “Hey. I’m sorry. I was talking to Roman and he needs you to go into work. I would but I really have to be somewhere.” I brush her hair behind her ear and try to calm myself. “Is that okay? Would you mind going in? It’s Jade’s birthday and I-”