Page 84 of Use Me

I snapped.

My hands grabbed fistfuls of his shirt, and I was in Corey’s face. My hat fell off my head as I roared, “What the fuck did you just say?”

“Whoa!” I heard behind me, and arms started to try and pull me away from Corey. I didn’t budge.

“Security’s gonna throw you out, dude,” Kenny stated.

I glared at Corey. “Not likely since we’re in the middle of the fucking lake. How about I throw you overboard instead?”

“Sir,” someone else said. I didn’t know who. Didn’t care who it was.

“You think you can talk about my woman like that?” I hissed.

“She was mine first.”

“Sir,” someone said again. I ignored them, still with Corey’s shirt in my grip and hands trying to pull me back.

Realization dawned on me as I processed his words. It didn’t matter that he was hers first because I was with her now and I fucking loved the shit out of her. “And I’m the one who’s going to be with her the rest of her life.” I pushed him back as I released his shirt. When I turned around, Ashtyn’s gaze met mine, and I honestly didn’t know what to do at that moment. I was angry, and it wasn’t toward her, but I wanted to be alone.

“Sir.” I heard again and turned to see a woman dressed in a pantsuit with a radio in her hand. “We’re going to need you to leave this room.”

“Already planning on it,” I clipped as I picked up my hat and walked out the door. The cold air hit my face, but it wasn’t enough to cool me off. I needed another drink. I heard heels behind me.

“Rhys.”

I turned and looked over my shoulder, seeing Ashtyn. “Not now.”

“Are you mad at me?”

I stopped walking and turned to face her. “No, but I want to be alone right now.”

“I’m not going back to him,” she stated.

“I know,” I sighed. At least I’d hoped that was the case.

“I don’t understand why you’re so angry. He was only running his mouth because he’s an asshole who thinks he’s God’s gift.”

I sighed again, trying to calm down. “Can we talk about this later? I really need a fucking drink.”

“Yeah. Sure. Whatever.”

Ashtyn started to walk away, but I grabbed her wrist, halting her. I stepped closer to her and cupped her face tenderly. “I’m not mad at you, but he’s a part of my past too.”

Her eyes widened. “How?”

“I don’t want to talk about it right now. I need a drink, and then I need to be alone for a few minutes while I process everything.”

“Why are you pushing me away?”

“I’m not trying to push you away. I just need to gather my thoughts.”

Her emerald eyes stared into my blue ones, and it was her turn to sigh. “Okay, but we’re good?”

I smiled. “Of course. Just give me some time.”

“Okay. I’ll go back to Abby and then come find you when it’s almost midnight.”

I leaned forward and pressed my lips to hers. “Thank you. And don’t worry about me. It’s nothing whiskey can’t fix.”