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I tried desperately to push him from my thoughts. But he was always there in the back of my mind, everyday, every moment. But the pain was too much to truly feel. I wouldn't let myself hurt like that, to feel the loss completely, it would have killed me, so I buried it.

Because knowing your best friend was gone, and gone because of your selfish, shitty mistake... That was a hard enough to swallow.

Shaking my head, the water spiraled across my face, running down my skin. As it landed on my chest, I closed my eyes, forcing Rainee from my head.

I needed to focus on my new goal. Cadence.

Since there were so many fucking rules in place, I was ready to break them all with a golden smile on my face.

My stomach began to twist, toiling with excitement to see her. Her body sent chills through my spine. She was the adrenaline ready to hit my veins, purging every inch with burning desire.

Tugging the door open, the thick and musty air revitalized my senses. With that knowing sensation she would be in my vision in an instant, my heart beat against my ribs, my cock thickening with need.

Standing in the doorway, the crowd deafened my ears as I searched for my muse. Looking towards the bar, her back was facing me. The tight purple shirt holding her sides enhanced the arch of her back, her muscles curved in, dipping as her sleek contours rolled with every move.

That's exactly what I needed. Damn, she's so fucking sexy.

Pausing for a time, my eyes inhaled her beauty, watching her from a distance. Her hips rocked back and forth, spine bending as she reached down for a glass, the subtle peek of flesh around her waist made my cock throb.

Weaving through the crowd, I approached the bar. Still resting in the shadows, I stood to the side, waiting for her to finally spot me. Pushing into the wall beside me, my shoulders crushed the cement blocks, elbows folded over each other.

Lifting her face from the drink she was mixing, her eyes met mine, sparking to life.

My grin split wide as her lids expanded, the blue darkening into a deep ocean of surprise and excitement.

Her lips parted, hands coming down flat on the bar. “What are you doing here?” A thin brow arched upwards.

“Why do you think I'm here? The fucking booze, of course,” I said teasing, slipping into the free seat at the bar. “Hit me with a shot, Babe.”

“Quinn, really...” Dancing her eyes around us, she watched everyone suspiciously. “Now is not the time—”

Cutting her off, I said, “I am a paying customer, you can't kick me out.” Winking at Cadence, my lip tugged up while I threw a twenty down. “Bourbon, please.”

A soft growl slid through her teeth. “You're going to get me in trouble.” Lifting a small glass, the dark liquid splashed against the walls as she poured.

“You're already in trouble, I do believe you hung up on me, you'll get your punishment later.” Tossing the drink back, I slammed the glass down.

“Fuck, Quinn! Not now! I'm serious, my father is always watching. You should go, just go home, I'll call you later.”

This woman was confusing, she wants me, knows she needs me, hates her life, and still aims to keep that asshole happy.

Why is she kissing his damn ass? He hasn't done anything for her.

Can't she see what I would do for her?

I would treat her like the goddess she was, make sure she had everything she ever wanted. If I could package up the fucking moon and serve it to her on a silver platter... I would.

“Who cares what he's doing? Does this face look like it gives a shit about what your father might be doing?” Tilting my head, my eyes hardened.

Cadence leaned in close, her voice whispering across into my ear. “I honestly don't give a fucking shit either. But unfortunately, right now, I don't have a choice.” Her back straightened, muscles tensed as her arms drew in across her chest.

Knowing she felt that she had no control over herself or her life sent a fire into my gut, a burning pain seared through my bones. She was worth more than she realized, her life was dependent on one lone person.

And I was going to change that.

“You really think that? That you have to just bow your head and do what he says?”

She stared at me, words not forming against her lips, an empty glare meeting my eyes. She didn't have to speak, her silence spoke for her.