Chapter 40

Bianca

Past…

We’re a tangled mess of sweaty limbs and wrinkled bedsheets as we lie in his bed. The hum of the air-conditioning kicks up a notch, trying its best to keep up with the end of the summer heat as we fight to catch our breaths.

Oakley’s phone rings for what must be the tenth time in thirty minutes, but he ignores it.

Nuzzling against him, I run my fingernails down his pecs. “Your favorite color is orange.”

Amusement gleams in his eyes. “Is that a deal breaker for you or something?”

“No,” I answer. “I’m just wondering why is all.”

Most guys like blue, red, or black…but as usual, Oakley’s the exception.

He thinks about this for a moment as he brings a joint to his lips and inhales. “It’s bright in all the right places.”

I can’t help but smile because I love the way his mind works. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Oakley Zelenka.”

Something tells me I could travel the whole wide world and that will never change.

A smirk touches his lips as he peers down at me. “Is that a good thing or bad thing?”

My smile widens. “It’s the best thing.”

Snuffing out his joint, he shifts so he’s on top of me, caging me in with his forearms. “What about you?”

“What about me?”

Dipping his head, he nuzzles the hollow of my throat. “Why is purple your favorite color?”

“Because pink is way too fucking bright.”

I wish I could tell him something deep and profound, but that’s all I’ve got.

He chuckles against my neck before drawing the tender skin into his mouth…leaving his mark. My nipples pucker and I instinctively part my thighs, sucking in a breath when I feel him harden between them.

So close, yet so far.

My eyes flutter closed, and I moan when his teeth scrape my flesh as his mouth works down my body. I love how he’s always branding me…giving me little reminders of what naughty things we’ve done and how addicting he is.

“I like pink.” Settling his head between my thighs, he spreads my pussy with his fingers and gives it a little kiss. “Especially this pink.” Blue eyes trained on me, his tongue darts out and he flicks my clit. “So fucking pretty.”

Oh, hell. I’m so revved up a strong breeze could send me spiraling straight to orgasmville.

“Oakle—”

The sound of his phone ringing again cuts me off. “Who the hell keeps calling you?”

Annoyed, he reaches for his cell on the nightstand. “I don’t know.” His face falls when he looks at it. “Shit.”

“What’s wrong?”

He sits up in bed. “It’s Hayley.” Before I can say a word, he presses the green button and brings the phone to his ear. “What’s up?”

Needless to say, I’m pissed.

I had no idea he was still talking to her.

Anger rolls through me as he continues his conversation.

“I’m busy right now, but I’ll hit you up later.” He frowns. “I know you are, boo, but everything will be okay. I won’t let him touch you.”

It takes everything in me not to rip the phone out of his hand and break it.

I’m downright seething by the time he ends the call. “You’re still talking to Hayley?”

“I haven’t been, but she’s going through some shit right now.” He blows out a breath. “She got into a fight with the guy she’s been seeing and he just threatened to beat the shit out of her.”

Right. And I’m the long-lost Queen of fucking Sheba.

Covering myself with the sheet, I glare at him. “And you believe her? In case you forgot, Hayley’s the same girl who told you all those lies about me.”

And there’s no doubt in my mind Hayley would say and do whatever it takes to sink her hooks back into him.

Christ. It’s really no surprise she’d pull this. Everyone knows Oakley’s a sucker for a damsel in distress.

He just can’t help himself.

He grips the back of his neck. “I know. And I fucking hate that, but if I don’t help her and something bad happens…” He shrugs a shoulder. “What she did was wrong, and she’s not the person I thought she was, but I’ll never be okay with some motherfucker putting his hands on a woman.”

Annoyed, I rub my temples.

I love his big heart and how he always has people’s backs…even when they don’t deserve it.

However, I hate her.

“I get that, but it doesn’t mean you need to be the one to play captain save a ho. Tell her to call the police.”

“The police won’t take it seriously since he hasn’t actually done anything to her yet.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him that maybe he shouldn’t take it seriously either since the bitch is a certified liar, but his phone rings again.

Frustration forms a knot in my gut. “I swear to God if that’s her—”

“It’s Loki,” he grunts before answering his phone. “What’s up?” His jaw sets. “I’m chilling with my girl, why?”

I force myself not to swoon. His girl.

“What kind of favor?” I watch in confusion as he walks over to his dresser and pulls a t-shirt out of his drawer. “Santa Creek? Damn, man. That’s a two-hour drive.” Frowning, he grabs a pair of jeans and boxers. “Fine. Let me jump in the shower real quick and then I’ll head out.” Irritation mixed with longing passes in his gaze when he looks at me. “Damn right you fucking owe me.”

With a grunt, he hangs up.

“I gotta take a drive out to Santa Creek. I’ll be back later.”

I’ve quickly come to realize that take a drive is code word for make a drug deal.

“I can come with, if you want.” I sit up. “Maybe I can drive?”

“Hell no.” He locks my chin in his hand. “I don’t want you anywhere near this shit.” Closing the distance between us, he kisses my lips. “I’ll bring back dinner for us though.”

I palm his cheek when he starts to pull away. “I hate that you’re still working for Loki.”

Not only could he get in trouble one day, but being around drugs all the time has got to be torture for him.

He’s been doing so good and I don’t want him to slip up.

“I don’t have a choice,” he says as he types out a text on his phone. “I need the money.”

“Well, I have plenty of money at my disposal.” Waggling my eyebrows, I lower the bedsheet, baring my breasts. “And as long as you promise to keep doing that thing I love with your tongue, I have no problem sharing some with you.”

He watches beneath lowered lids. “Thanks for the offer, but the thing I do with my tongue is on the house.” Reaching down, he gathers me in his arms and swats my behind. “However, the thing I can do with my dick?” Shivers run down my spine when he locks his arm around my waist and drags his teeth along the nape of my neck. “That’s gonna cost you, baby girl.”