Mason's Pov

Night

“We’re here sir.” Mario announced as the car crawled to a slow stop.

I took a glance outside, neon lights flickering against the tinted glass, the loud music relentlessly throbbing through the air shaking the floor with every beat. I hated it.

“Shall I bring in some company, or will you pass tonight?”

I dismissed the idea with a wave of hand, pushing the door open and stepping out of the car.

“Welcome sir.” More security trooped in, their presence carving me a clear path through the waiting crowd.

“Has he arrived?” I asked as I pulled a cigarette from my pocket, the guard beside me lighting it without a word.

“Not yet sir.” Another responded, leading me straight to where a corner table waited-quiet, elevated.

“Turn it down.” I ordered, and the bass immediately softened.

“Would you like anything, sir.” A waiter approached.

“He’s fine.” Mario responded as he strode to my side, settling silently behind me.

“He’s here, sir.” He disclosed, in a whisper.

I drew in a long drag and let the smoke curl out of my lips, along with a scoff.

“Are you sure you don’t need company, sir?”

I ignored him, eyes roaming the club and spotting Blain alongside some business friends making their way inside.

“We leave in fifteen minutes...”

“He’s not going to like that...”

“Oh, there he is, guys... My baby brother.” Blain’s loud and annoying voice sliced through the room, a roar of laughter following from his friends as they settled on our table.

“How long has it been, Mason... six years?” One of them asked.

“It’s crazy how time flies... Just days ago I was walking down the aisle with the love of my life and today, I have a five year old son?” Blain boasted, the sound of that stirring something raw inside me, something the passage of time hadn’t managed to erase.

“Was it just a rumour, or did Mason actually almost marry your wife?” Another jeered, sending a sudden sting slicing its way through my chest, deep into my heart as they laughed.

I forced out a smile,

“I’ll be right back guys.... My wife is here.” Blain announced and sent my heart jolting into my stomach.

I tucked in my lower lip as the thought of my heart still only stirring for Audrey hit me, a cold rage coiling inside my chest.

“I hear she’s really beautiful... He’s sure to get her pregnant again very soon.” One of Blain’s friends joked as Blain excused himself.

I let out a low sharp breath, trying so hard within myself not to give a f*ck.

“Are you okay sir?” Mario asked in a whisper.

I had meant to nod when my restless eyes spotted her, beaming with smiles beside Blain, their fingers interlocked.

I tried to peel my eyes from her but couldn’t, as a bolt of nervousness hit me. Palms, suddenly sweaty and helplessly unable to look away.

“Shit.” I cussed, my body betraying me with an unexpected bulge in my trousers as my eyes caught only but a glimpse of Audrey’s thighs through the slit of her red strapless dress.

“On second thoughts Mario, I’m going to need company.” I whispered, snatching my jacket from him, so as not to draw attention to my trousers.

“But...”

“I’m meeting her in the car in five minutes.” I added.

Mario rose to his feet without hesitation and proceeded out of the club, leaving me restless and struggling within myself, my eyes still on Audrey.

“And here she comes guys... the one and only love of Blain’s life.” One of Blain’s friends announced as Audrey and Blain arrived at the table, their faces still beaming with smiles.

“Hello, everyone.” Audrey voiced softly, about to settle beside me when Blain yanked her away and sat between us instead.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered to him and lost her balance, crashing on the sofa as her gentle blue eyes spotted me for the first time.

I looked away.

“A toast.” Blain called, lifting his glass.

“To Mason, whose return we’ve all been waiting for..... Welcome home.”

A chorus of cheers echoed through the room, glass clinking in celebration.

“Bring in the surprise.” Blain announced as the cheers continued, a group of female strippers walking in. The music spiked, just as expected, vibrating through the floor and filling the room with loud, annoying energy.

For me, it was time to leave.

I stood to my feet and adjusted my jacket to hide the little inconvenience down there.

“Is he leaving?” I heard through the loud music and forced out a smile, deliberately avoiding every chance to look at Audrey as I exited the madness.

“Where the hell is he...” Escaped my lips impatiently, as I looked around for Mario down the nearly dark corridor.

“I said.... Get your ass over here.” I heard and growled, stepping aside as a couple barrelled toward me, obviously having a fight.

“I’m really having my period now Blain, can we do this at home.... Please.” Audrey’s pleading voice followed as the man before her struggled to undress her without concern.

I swallowed hard into nothing as a sudden tight knot twisted in my chest, a wave of unrelenting sadness washing over me.

“You’re my wife... I get to touch you, anywhere... anyhow and anytime I want to.”

“Blain, please.... We’re outside.” She begged.

I scoffed, picking another cigarette from my pocket and taking out a lighter.

“I think there’s someone here, Blain... We can’t...”

I lit the cigarette and sent Blain’s attention panning towards me. Bet, he couldn't tell who it was.

“Fine.... Get yourself ready for when I get back.” He spat and left her alone, walking back into the madness inside.

I could hear Audrey’s voice muffled into quiet sobs, another scoff escaped my lips.

“I guess it’s funny to you.” She spoke, shamefully adjusting the straps of her dress and fixing her hair.

“There you are sir.... She’s waiting in the car.” Mario’s voice cut through the darkness as he made it to me, taking a quiet stand behind me.

“Or is there already someone who has your attention?” Mario asked. I let out a dry chuckle, trailing my fingers to the light switch on the wall and turning it on.

Audrey’s eyes widened in surprise as her gaze met mine.

“Nah... I want something new, I’ve had my hands on every inch of this one.”

I took a deep pull of smoke and released it, watching it drift towards her.

“Shall we go now, sir?”

She bit on the corner of her trembling lip, her messy hair tumbled across her face, hiding the tears streaming from her eyes.

“Lead the way.” I mouthed and let slip a short chuckle, turning and following behind Mario as we exited the club.

“Are you doing it inside the car, or are you taking her home?”

“I want her out of my car before I get there.” I snapped. A sudden surge of bitterness went off inside me, leaving me shaking, breathless before I knew it.

“But you...”

Mario stopped himself and let out a soft growl, hurrying to the car and hauling the girl out.

I stepped inside and slammed the door shut.

My fist reflexively clenched at my sides as I shut my eyes, images of Audrey flashing through my mind and sending my heart spiralling out of control again.