The Book of Rook

Chapter 6

PHOENIX

I take a cab to Angel's apartment and open the door with the spare key. She told me she's staying at Cam's place.

Of all the cruel twists of fate, my mystery man has to be Rook fucking Raines. Seeing him at the bar reminded me of all the silly butterflies I felt in Cancun. The fantasy that was in my head for the past year. It all came crashing down when he stood there as Bishop introduced him.

Rook Raines, single, handsome, rich and a fucking man whore. I'm sure he probably has stock in the condom companies.

I kick off my heels and throw them into my temporary bedroom. Stomping to the bathroom, I wash off my makeup and take off my dress. As late as it is, I need a bubble bath to relax. Resting my phone on the counter, I turn on the faucet.

Ok, Nix, why are you so pissed?

I refuse to think about that right now as I feel the temperature of the water coming out of the faucet. Throwing in some bath salts, I take off the rest of my clothes and sink in.

Am I angry because I'm disappointed my crush is a man whore? Yep. I'm also angry how he tried his little lines on me. The flirting, the light touches. It made me tingle in places I don't want to think about. Plus, he has feelings for my cousin. Like Sofie said, any girl would be second best in his mind. I want to be number one in a man's life. Checkmate is a fling and not a long-term commitment kind of guy. I don't need that. It's a shame because he is so hot. I mean, I wish I wasn't so drunk in Cancun. Maybe I would have slept with him to have a nice memory to think about when I'm on my death bed. Nope. Remember I don't even like sex.

I understand now why so many women fall under his spell. The big boobed red head that was rubbing against him tonight even has great taste. Lucky bitch although she looked like a dog in heat. A soft growl escapes my lips. What the hell was that? I'm not jealous.

Remembering his lips on my hand made my heart skip a beat. Being in his arms when we danced was nice. Warm and safe. His solid body against mine felt incredible. I do remember he's packed. How would it feel in my hands, in my mouth?

What the hell am I thinking? Nope. I'm sure I can call any girl within a two-mile radius and they can describe in full detail what Rook Raines looks like naked. He has more miles on him than a '67 Chevy. Shaking my head I lather myself up and rise myself off. Grabbing a towel, I roughly dry myself. I thought the bath would relax me but here I am, still fuming.

I'm not jealous, I'm not jealous I chant in my head. Picking up my clothes, I dump them in my hamper and head to the kitchen to make myself some warm milk to help me sleep.

I hear my phone buzz from the bathroom. I look at the clock. It's 3am. Who the hell is texting me at this late hour? It could be Angel. Shit. I run to the bathroom and grab my phone. Unknown number.

Unknown number:

Did you make it home safely?

This isn't freaky at all. Do I answer or just ignore it?

Me:

Who the fuck is this?

Unknown number:

Still with the hostility.

I try not to smile knowing it's Rook. I add him to my contacts as Checkmate.

Me:

How did you get my number?

Checkmate: