Strictly Forbidden

Strictly Forbidden (12)

Chapter 12

The second I step through the door, I hear the sounds of men clanking their drinks together. One whooping about the nice hand he has. I sigh, hopefully this will keep Duke off of my back so I can just take a nice bath and paint my toenails, then curl up in bed so I can stare up at the ceiling all night without a wink of sleep.

“Hey, Duke. Who’s the luscious lady standing in your living room?” One chuckles as I hear a plastic chip collide with the table. Of all things, I would have never put Duke as a man to play poker. My father is a poker player and I’m sure most of our money came from some of his major wins.

“Who you talking about?” I hear Duke say, and a chair slides across the linoleum floor. Great, as if my night has not been bad enough, I’m going to get the ‘I told you so’ talk. Duke’s face appears from the kitchen and he looks me over on good time and turns to the boys. “I think it’s time we wrap this thing up, guys.”

“Now, wait a damn second.” A slick black haired man says. “I was winning, and how come you got an extra girl and you didn’t tell us. What’s up with Nat? You and her havin’ problems? I’d love to take that sexy woman off your hands.” His lips smack together and I shiver at the thought of two men sharing a woman.

Another head peeks out from the corner; dark eyes look me over a long moment and I wrap my arms around me. “I don’t know man, that little miss innocent right there may have Natalie beat.”

“That’s enough, Tyler. Come guys, just take what you have and leave.” He shoves the two men out of the kitchen chairs and I scramble to the bathroom.

“Come on, man! Don’t hold out on me. You know I’ve always had a thing for red-heads.” A man says and I take a look at myself in the mirror. My hair is a mess atop my head, my eyes smudged with make-up, my dress wrinkled all over, simply put a mess.

“Yeah man, how old is she anyway? You know I like ‘em young, too.” I sound pap echoes through the room. “Shit man, you know I was only joking. Hell, I wouldn’t have said anything if I knew you woulda done that.”

“Just get the hell outta here.” Duke says slamming the door behind him.

I pull the pins and hair bow from my hair, letting it fall to my shoulders. A sigh flows from my lips and as I turn on the hot water to run a tub. I open the door and walk into the bedroom, trying to ignore Duke sitting on the bed. I grab my pajamas and some clean panties before I turn and make my way to the bathroom. As I get to the door he speaks up.

“Why are you home so early?” He says, and I try to push down the thoughts that threaten to surface – images of him touching me.

“No reason.” I lie, badly. I frown having the hardest time believing what I did tonight. I am far from ready to take that step with anyone, let alone Benjamin. What had I been thinking? What had I been trying to prove?

I hear his steps approach me and I take another step forward. “Did he hurt you?” Duke asks softly.

I whip around, “Of course he didn’t. Benjamin would never do such a thing!” I say, spinning around to bring my face to his. My wavy red hair slashes across his face as I turn and he jerks back a little.

“You’re just acting strange…” He searches my eyes for something and I’m unable to hold his stare. Such a timid girl I am.

“I’m not acting strange. Now, if you will please excuse me, Duke. I have a bath to take.” I lock the door behind me, sighing in relief at being alone. I don’t bother looking at myself in the mirror. I already know what I will find – disappointment. I had disappointed Duke, even if he would not come out and say it. Heck, I’m disappointed in myself. How I let myself almost go all the way with a man that I hardly know. I shiver at my realization. I could have been one of those girls, on that gives everything away to the first day that shows interest.