Roll For Initiative

12. Lucian

I just need a fucking minute.

My head is spinning, and not because of the drinks.

Too much has changed since this afternoon.

“Someone who would burn the world for you,” fucking stupid of me.

I would be the one to burn the whole Goddamn world down if she asked.

I would do anything for her.

Then she had to go and say she should find a guy like me, why not just me? Fucking forget any other guy! Want me, God damn it! FUCK! Now I’m literally pacing back and forth in a bathroom, debating on telling my best friend of 15 years that I think I’m falling for her.

She said that whatever she has going with that other guy is just a fling anyway, so it isn’t like she is in a relationship right now.

Hearing her even talk about dating someone else nearly made me break my glass.

I’ve never once felt this possessive over someone.

After I calm down a bit, I realize I have been in here for almost 10 minutes.

I splash some freezing water on my face and make sure I don’t look like the mess of chaotic rage I’m feeling on the inside.

Heading back out to our table, I can see more empty glasses than when I left.

And there is a very flushed and pissed off looking Cassie who won’t even look at me.

“Thought you must have fallen in, took you long enough.” She slurs a bit.

How much did she drink tonight?

“Sorry, I had a phone call.” I lie.

“Whatever, I told the waitress we want the bill; I just want to go home.” She starts digging in her bag for her wallet.

I hand the waitress my card when she brings the bill.

Letting her know it is all on one, not even bothering to look at the total.

“We could split it Lucian, hold on.

My card is in here somewhere.” She’s getting more frustrated.

“It’s fine.

It is the least I could do for you picking me up and planning this surprise.” I sit down next to her and take her bag to grab out her keys.

“I’m driving.”

“Fine, whatever.

Let’s just go.” The waitress brings back my card and the receipt.

She was good so I make sure to leave her a little extra.

While we are walking back to the car, Cassie stumbles over nothing, and I catch her from falling.

She laughs and loops her arm in mine, snuggling against me for warmth.

It isn’t cold really, but there is a slight breeze tonight and neither of us brought a jacket.

She trips again and gets mad.

“My prince charming is out there you know.

I don’t need you or anyone else telling me what I do or don’t need.” *hiccup* “I am cute.

And funny.

Smart.

I am an exq.

Exquis...” Her sentence is cut off by her gagging and having to run between 2 parked cars to throw up.

I rush to hold her hair back and she gets even more furious.

Between heaves she chastises me.

“You are an asshole, you know that.

You leave me for 9 fucking months.

Hardly talk to me.

You changed.

You have a whole new life, new look.

Everything about you is different.

What, was here not good enough for you? Am I not good enough for you?” she asks as she hiccups and cries.

I’m confused.

We texted every day and even talked on the phone at least once a week.

Sure, I have changed a bit.

OK more than a bit, but she doesn’t know about all that.

I guess she really has felt alone and that I abandoned her when I left.

She acted as if everything was fine.

Damn tequila making everything come out.

I take her arm and try to help steady her, but she rips out of my grasp, almost causing her to stumble again.

“And another thing! What the fuck happened tonight.

You act like you are going to kiss me then don’t.

Then I meet Alec and was enjoying talking with him, but you had to ruin it.

Barging up there with your alpha male assholery.

How dare you.

He was hot and he was actually interested in me.

IN ME! But now he probably isn’t.

So, unless you plan on taking care of all this” – gesturing to herself- “I suggest you let me handle who I decide to flirt with.

You don’t get to control who I’m with.

I’m.

Not.

Yours.” She says as she jabs me in the chest on those final 3 words before she turns and storms off toward her car.

Leaving me standing there holding her purse.

“Oh, but you will be mine Cassie.

You can bet your ass on that!” I whisper to myself.

I unlock the car and help her slide into the passenger seat.

She leans her head back against the headrest.

She won’t even look at me right now.

Making sure to buckle her in because I highly doubt, she is capable of that right now.

As I climb in and start the car, she leans her head on the window.

The cool glass must feel amazing on her heated face because the raspy moan that escapes her throat has me shifting in my seat again.

She drifts to sleep as we pull out of the parking lot.

I reach over and place my hand on hers.

Entwining our fingers and give her a little squeeze.

I feel her squeeze back.

I drive in silence.

My hand never leaving hers.