“If it makes you feel better, I’ll fuck you on it. Then I’ll fuck you on the table in front of her. Whatever makes you feel better, sweetheart.”
We glared at each other until my parents pulled up, and he took my hand roughly.
“I fucking love you. Remember that. Tonight is for your brother. Now kiss me.” He demanded, pulling me into his arms as he pressed his lips against mine.
“Oh, young love.” I heard my mom sigh as she waited for us at the end of the car.
“Are we going in or not?” My father barked as he strode towards the restaurant, pulling the door open without holding it open for my mother.
Men are such cunts, I thought. Until Bailey opened the door for me, his blue eyes twinkling as he whispered into my ear.
“You’re even hotter when you are jealous,” he smirked as I jabbed him in the ribs.
“I hate being a player’s girlfriend.” I retorted as he responded without missing a beat.
“I left the game for you, baby, no one else.” He tapped my ass as I turned around to scold him, his arms circling my waist before I could. “Shh. Behave.”
He was such a smooth bastard.
Thirty-Seven
Secrets
We were seated by an older woman who introduced herself as Cynthia, to my relief. We were sitting by the window, and Cynthia lit candles on the table as we ordered drinks. My eyes were peeled for the waitress my boyfriend had fucked on our first date, but I didn't see her anywhere. I noticed Bailey fetching appreciative looks from the women in the restaurant, though, while Ray drew the attention of the men with her exotic good looks. This made me uncomfortable until Bailey caught my eye over the table.
"You are by far the most beautiful girl I've ever seen," he whispered as he kissed my hand tenderly, holding onto it while he gazed at the menu.
"So, Annabelle. Have you decided which college you want to apply to?" Elijah grinned as I stared daggers at him.
"Birthday." He mouthed at me as I rolled my eyes.
"Actually, yes... I'm considering Kings." I sipped my drink, aware Bailey's eyes were burning into mine.
"Kings, hmm? Where would you live? Housing is extortionate. Do you think you'll get a scholarship?" Dad frowned.
Trust my father to bring up money. I was grateful when Cynthia brought over the drinks, temporarily breaking the tension between us. I finally met Bailey's eyes as they flicked towards my father, distaste on his face.
"Maybe you should get a job. No point putting yourself through all that work just to be rejected," Dad added.
My cheeks burned as Elijah glared at my father, but my mother spoke first.
"You can't judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, Silas," she murmured, casting an apologetic look in my direction.
"So, how is school, Ray?" My mother turned to Ray before my father could respond. Ray nodded, and they talked about the pressures of exams looming when I felt tears building up. My father wasn't a mean man, but he wasn't kind either. I much preferred him spending most of his time in his office than spending time with us, reminding me how much I disappointed him. Elijah sent me a reassuring look, and I tried not to cry. My father was now animatedly talking to Ray about studying law when Bailey stood up abruptly.
"Excuse us a moment. Annabelle?"
He strode away, giving me no choice but to follow him out of the restaurant, his shoulders tense as I hurried after him in my heels.
"Bailey?" I called as he walked outside the restaurant, out of sight. I followed him, my heart in my mouth as I turned the corner. Suddenly he pulled me into his arms as he kissed my head and squeezed me tightly.
"You didn't tell me your father was such a dick," he growled, tightening his hold on me. Suddenly the tears came, and I couldn't stop them. Bailey stiffened as I sobbed and stroked my back soothingly as he waited for me to calm down.
"He's just got high expectations-"
"Bullshit. He's a bully."
I stood as he wiped my eyes, his blue gaze staring into my soul.
