Page 18 of Tempted

I never thought two simple words could makeme so happy or that a woman could both infuriate and calm me tosuch degrees. I was about to explode when I walked in here and sawher bent over the pool table, her ass on display. I can’t believeshe erased all that anger with just a touch.

She’s leaning against me once more, observingeveryone. It’s a calm night—by our standards, anyways. With noHounds around, the boys are pretty tame, but they’re still having agood time. They don’t seem to mind the girls. In fact, they looklike they’re fitting right in. Rico yells something in Spanish andthe girls burst out laughing. I have no idea what’s so funny, butthe three of them start going back and forth. What Idoknowis that Rico’s enjoying having people around who speak hislanguage.

E walks in and slowly takes in the scene.Once his gaze lands on me, his lips curl up in a smirk, and heheads our way.Asshole.

“Hi, Raven. How do you feel?”

“Great, Dr. E! Whatever you gave me lastnight, it knocked me right out.”

He looks up at me with a grin. Fucker knows Istayed with her last night, and I know I won’t hear the end ofit.

“And you? How’d you sleep?”

“Just fine,Dr. E.”

I’m smiling, but he knows the “fuck off” lookI’m giving him all too well. He chuckles, unable to hide hisamusement.

“Do you still want me to do that thing forher?”

Shit. I totally forgot. “Yeah, yeah. Go withE, babe. He’s going to take care of you.”

“’Kay.”

She takes his hand as they walk away andjealousy rages inside me once again. I take deep breaths, remindingmyself that this is my best friend. A man I’ve known all my life.My anger doesn’t dissipate until they return, though. She talkswith Chrissy and they hug before her friend starts saying hergoodbyes.

“Bye, Gage!” She waves at me.

“See ya, Chrissy. Ron, get Allah to go withyou.”

I smile as Raven walks back to me, tryinghard not to trip over my pant legs. Why do I feel so good seeingher in my clothes?

“I’m a little tired. I’m going to take ashower and lie down.”

“Okay, doll. I’ll be in soon.”

“’Kay. ’Night, boys!”

I’m surprised to hear a few disappointedgroans and pleas for her to stay. Damn girl has bewitched my entireclub. She giggles and waves them off as she leaves.

“She’s a good girl,” E states, taking the barstool next to me.

I turn to him as I take a pull of my beer. “Iknow that.” He hands me a piece of paper that I unfold and see it’sRaven’s prescription. Finally, an advantage of having agynecologist for a best friend. “Thanks. I’ll take care of it.”

“Take care ofher.”

“Why the fuck are you talking like I’mgetting married or some shit?”

He pats me on the back as he pushes the stoolaway from the bar.

“You’ll figure it out soon, brother. I’m out.Got a hot nurse to examine,” he says, waggling his brows.

“Yeah, you need to go fuck a pussy and stopbeing one.”

He gives me the finger and waves Booker overas he walks backwards out of the clubhouse.

“Come on, Booker. You’re with me.”

“Yes, sir.”