In Blood and Worth Loving 2: Lost Without You (13 page)

“And?”

“And I happen to know Macarik thinks you’re the most beautiful woman in the world,” he told her, slapped her on her ass and gently raked his teeth against her neck.

“Hey you, keep your teeth and hands to yourself,” she said and pushed him away.

He bent to kiss her neck. “Where is he?”

“I don’t know,” she said. “Is everything okay between you two?”

“No. I fucked up,” he admitted.

She brushed her hand against his cheek. “Probably not for the first time.” Instead of angering him, the remark helped release some of his tension. He laughed. “Unfortunately not. Is he coming?”

She sighed. “I don’t know, but I’m sure you’ll work out whatever is wrong between you.” He sighed. “Dance with me?”

“Sure,” she smiled.

As he took her in his arms, he saw Sebastian Stoner cross the room to the love seat where Rayna and Cameron Grayhawk sat. Moments later, Sebastian and Rayna slow danced while Cameron looked on with a frown.

Toni tapped him on the shoulder. “I think this is my dance, Jayvyn.” He gave her a cool look and shook his head. “I’m already dancing.” She gave Shanise a cool look before she stalked across the room to sit beside Cameron, placing her hand on his thigh.

Within seconds, Layton and Brandon Grayhawk crossed the room to them. None of the other Grayhawk brothers moved, but Jayvyn noticed all of them had turned their attention to the loveseat.

If Toni expected to amuse herself with Cameron, she would be in for a surprise. The Grayhawk clan, headed by Layton, were close-knit and he suspected hell would freeze over before they allowed Toni to lure Cameron into her bed. Layton placed a hand on Cameron’s shoulder. When he looked up at his older brother, Brandon reached down and took Toni’s hand.

She smiled and eagerly waltzed into his arms when he asked her to dance. He quickly danced her away from She smiled and eagerly waltzed into his arms when he asked her to dance. He quickly danced her away from the loveseat and Cameron.

It was going to be an interesting weekend, Jayvyn thought as he turned his attention back to Shanise.

* * *

“Ready to party the weekend away?”

Seated in the passenger seat of Desiree’s car on the drive to the Redwolfe’s home, Cayenne shook her head.

“Actually, I’ve been sitting here thinking this is a bad idea.”

“Why? I thought you wanted to see him.”

“I did—I do, but I don’t think he feels the same way anymore. He hasn’t called me or sent me roses all week. I don’t think he’s feeling all warm and fuzzy about me anymore. For all I know maybe his woman returned early and she’ll be there ready to warn me off.”

“Do you want to go back home?”

“That would be the most sensible thing to do.”

“Then I’ll get off at the next exit and head back home. We can have a girls’ night out with just the two of us.” She sighed. “That’s what we should do.”

“But?”

“But I want to see him.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know why. I just know I want to see him—even if things turn out badly.”

“Then think positive.”

She nodded. “You’re right. It’s going to be a good weekend.”

“That’s the spirit. We’ll arrive fashionably late and have a great weekend. If I’m lucky, I might even get laid.” Cayenne glanced at her friend. “In the mood for a one-night stand?”

“Hell, yeah. It’s been awhile and while my BOBs are adequate, I’m in the mood for some real meat. So, are you going to be okay with me disappearing for most of the weekend if I get the chance?” She dismissed the selfish urge to say no. Desiree hadn’t had much luck with men since her husband’s death. She deserved whatever happiness she was bold enough to take. “Of course. Don’t worry about me. We’re here to enjoy ourselves—even if we don’t see each other again until Sunday night.”

“You’re sure?”

“I’m positive, Desi.”

“Then it’s on, girl.”

She smiled and squeezed Desiree’s leg.

When they arrived twenty minutes later, Rayna, followed by a tall, full-figured woman and a tall male with dark hair and blue eyes met them at the door. The male looked enough like Jayvyn for Cayenne to assume he was his older brother.

Rayna introduced the couple as Adrian and Brandi Redwolfe. Brandi smiled and welcomed them both. Adrian smiled and shook hands with Desiree before he turned to take Cayenne’s hand between both of his.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cayenne.”

“And you.”

He released her hand to put an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Rayna, Brandi, and I hope you’ll both enjoy the weekend. If there’s anything that you need and don’t see, please feel free to ask and we’ll be happy to accommodate you.”

“Thank you.”

“And now let’s go meet some of the others,” Rayna said.

They followed her down the hall to the living room.

“Holy hell,” Desiree whispered. “It’s hunk central.”

The huge room was filled with people. Some were dancing, some sitting, and talking but Cayenne only had eyes for one. Jayvyn slowed danced with a beautiful woman who looked like a supermodel.

“Which one is yours, Cay?”

Before she could respond, Jayvyn suddenly looked up and at her.

The tentative smile forming on her lips froze when he looked away without acknowledging her in anyway.

“None of them,” she said in a dispirited voice.

“Okay. Which one is Jayvyn?”

“The one in the black leather pants and black shirt.” And damn if he didn’t look hot.

Desiree nudged her. “Don’t look now, Cay, but I see at least six hunks dressed that way.” Cayenne blinked. “He’s the hunky one.”

“They’re all hunky.”

“The men in black are members of Uncle Jay’s band, Rolling Thunder,” Rayna said. “If you’re ready, let me introduce you to Uncle Conner.” She gestured to a tall male with blue eyes and dark hair who was clearly Adrian’s twin.

He smiled and immediately crossed the room to them.

Cayenne struggled to look at him and not Jayvyn and the woman he danced with as Rayna introduced them. He was as charming to her as Adrian had been. “Have you eaten yet?” he asked.

She shook her head.

“Then please allow me to show you ladies to the dining room,” he offered both of them an arm.

“Oh, wait a minute. There’s someone I want Desiree to meet,” Rayna said. She slipped her arm through Desiree and led her across the room to Jayvyn and his skinny bimbo.

Jayvyn turned to Desiree with a warm smile that Cayenne doubted she’d see directed at her again.

Conner put an arm around her shoulders and turned her back through the door. He walked her down the hall to a large room that had two large tables and four serving buffets along the far wall.

A medley of aromas assailed her senses.

Conner paused in the doorway and nodded in greeting to several couples seated at the tables before he spoke to Cayenne. “He needs a little time but believe me, he’s worth any effort you make on his behalf.”

“He and I aren’t…I’m not—I have other interests.”

He turned her to face him and stared down at her. “Do you really?” He was several inches taller than Jayvyn and his gaze seemed even more intense. She nodded and looked away from him.

“So seeing him with Toni doesn’t bother you?”

She shook her head.

“Good because she’s one of his women.”

Cayenne compressed her lips and clenched her hands. “I don’t care.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Now, what will you have to eat?”

“Nothing. I’m not hungry.” She glanced into the hall. “I think I need to…”

“Yes? You need to what?”

She bit her lip and swallowed hard in an effort to keep her gaze tear-free. “I hate him!” He put his arm around her shoulders and led her out into the hallway. “Why don’t I show you your room and give you time to freshen up a little?”

She nodded.

He walked her down the hall and up the staircase. At the top of the steps he opened a door into a living room.

“The guestroom is on your right down the hall. When you’re ready, please come join us in the living room.” She nodded, afraid to trust her voice.

He brushed a hand against her cheek. “Just so you know, he’s not that into her.”

“Thanks, but that’s not that much comfort since he’s not that into me either.”

“What makes you think that?”

“He didn’t speak or acknowledge me in anyway.”

“Did you want him to?”

She took a deep breath. “Yes.”

“Trust me, honey. He knows you’re here.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek before he left her alone.

Cayenne sank down on the sofa and took several, slow deep breaths. After arriving with semi-high hopes, having Jayvyn totally ignore her stung like hell. Clearly he wasn’t ready to forgive her or to forget their last conversation. And she had no desire to spend the weekend watching him romance another woman while he ignored her.

Why hadn’t she driven her own car? She grimaced. His car. She didn’t want to ruin Desiree’s weekend but she wasn’t prepared to spend another moment there. She called a cab and was told she’d have an hour wait. Great. Well, wasn’t prepared to spend another moment there. She called a cab and was told she’d have an hour wait. Great. Well, she wasn’t going to sit up there cowering. Nor was she going to wait downstairs and risk running into Jayvyn.

It was a nice night. The property was gated and well-lit. She’d walk along the grounds while she waited for the cab to arrive. She left Rayna’s suite and looked down into the foyer. There was no one in sight. She ran down the carpeted stairs and away from the sounds of music.

At the front door, she took a quick look over her shoulders. The coast was clear. She turned the knob and opened the door.

A hand reached past her to push the door close. “Leaving without saying hello or goodbye?” At the sound of Jayvyn’s voice, a wellspring of emotion burst inside her. She swung around and slapped him.

He narrowed his gaze.

She slapped him again.

Still he remained silent.

She swung her hand up a third time.

He caught her wrist before her hand could touch his face.

She tried to jerk free. “Let me go!”

He leaned closer and stared down into her eyes. “I don’t like being slapped.”

“And I don’t like being ignored by a lying, cheating bastard. Now let me go!” He released her wrist and stepped back.

She turned and opened the door.

He leaned past her to shove it closed.

She closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against the door. “Leave me alone.”

“Leave you alone?” He bent to brush his lips against her ear. “Isn’t that your problem with me tonight? I’ve left you alone?”

His accurate assessment increased her agitation.

She elbowed him. “Leave me alone!”

He turned her to face him. “Why don’t you woman up and admit what you really want?” Cayenne saw no trace of the charming, flirting Jayvyn, who had nearly charmed her into his bed. There was an air of menace emanating from him. She couldn’t decide if she should be frightened or excited. She bit her lip. “I want to leave.”

“Before or after I fuck you?”

A wave of heat rushed up her neck to burn her face. “You told me you would never hurt me.”

“I lied.”

She stared at him as tears pricked her eyes. She believed him. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. You must know that.”

“What I know is that you’ve been pissing on me from the moment we met!”

“Then let me go!”

“I will—when hell freezes the fuck over!”

“Jayvyn.”

He placed a hand on her arm, curled his lip, and swung around to face one of his brothers.

Cayenne wasn’t sure which brother had come into the foyer.

“What is it, Adrian?” he demanded. “As you can see I’m busy.”

“I want to make sure you’re under a reasonable amount of control and that she’s not unwilling.”

“And if I’m not and she isn’t?”

Adrian Redwolfe crossed the foyer to trade stares with Jayvyn. “Then you’re going to leave her the hell alone.” When Adrian looked at her, he smiled and brushed the back of his hand against her cheek. “Are you all right, honey?”

She met Adrian’s gaze and felt a large measure of relief. No matter how much Jayvyn tried to frighten her, she felt certain his brothers wouldn’t allow him to really hurt her. She nodded. “Yes. Thanks.”

“Good. If you need me, call me. Just call out. Trust me, honey. I’ll hear you.” He clasped a hand on the back of Jayvyn’s neck for several moments. The two brothers silently stared at each other before Adrian turned and walked down the hall.

Without another word, Jayvyn swept her off her feet and into his arms. He carried her across the hall to the Without another word, Jayvyn swept her off her feet and into his arms. He carried her across the hall to the staircase.

“Put me down. I can walk up,” she told him.

Without responding, he ran up the staircase with her still in his arms. At the top, he swiftly carried her down the corridor, past Rayna’s suite to one at the back of the hall. Pushing the door open with his foot, he carried her over the threshold, put her on her feet, and turned to shut and lock the door.

“What now?” she asked.

“Now I’m going to fuck you even more senseless than you already are, you silly bitch.”

“Insulting me isn’t the way to get what you want.” She turned away.

He caught her arm and turned her back to face him. “Just so there’s no misunderstanding. I am getting what I want. Tonight. Right now—no matter what you say or how much you pretend you don’t want it too.” She stared at him. What could she say or do to get back the easy-going, smiling Jayvyn who had so charmed her? “You’re not going to force me to do anything I don’t want to do.”

“Shut up.”

She inhaled slowly before she spoke again. “Fine. If you’re feeling like rape, go ahead. Rape, if that’s how you get your kicks.”

“Shut up!” He gripped both her arms and pressed her against the door.

One look in his suddenly cold blue eyes and she knew he was intent on hurting her. Her eyes filled with tears.

She closed her eyes.
Don’t let him do this. Call his brother. Don’t let him do this.
She pressed her lips together and remained silent. Clearly, there was something seriously wrong with him that made him feel the need to hurt her.