Total pages in book: 157
Estimated words: 145088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Once the end result was hung behind the new bar counter, its presence transformed the shabby interior of the clubhouse into a post-apocalyptic space where uncovered piping and bare cement walls mingled with real art.
Not that Dex knew all that much about art, but one thing was obvious—the sculpture was fucking cool. Shane stood next to his boyfriend, puffing his chest like a peacock about to emit its call. Ros was an elegant sight when not wearing his usual work getup that consisted of dirty overalls and his long wavy hair gathered in a bun on top of his head. He wore all black for the occasion, and his hair cascaded onto the leather jacket which, judging by its size, he must have borrowed from Shane. Eyes darkened with kohl completed the biker-inspired look.
The party had started two hours ago, but with booze being served to everyone present, the artwork was no longer in focus, and the low light offered ample opportunity for conversation, dancing, and more as the crowd of hangarounds and friends grew.
“I just wish Hammer could see it already,” Dex said after checking that none of the guests gathered for the inauguration of the new bar slash Hammer’s birthday was within earshot.
Today had been a clusterfuck. No matter how much Dex had tried to hide his longing, pain, and insecurity with smiles, in the end anger had gotten the best of him, and the bitter words he’d spat out as a result couldn’t be taken back.
Shane glanced at him and scooped Ros with one arm to bring him into the conversation. “Why isn’t he here?”
“I don’t know. He’s not answering his phone, and Lion told me some vague bullshit about him being away on ‘club business’. Why tonight? He’s angry with me, and I deserve that, but I wish he was more clear about what he wants.” So maybe he was oversharing a bit, but he was too upset to care.
His gaze darted to Lion, who sat on a leather sofa alongside his wife, and chatted to Frank, who wore his only blazer for the occasion. He’d paired it with worn jeans, and a T-shirt with a permanent bleach mark at the hemline. He looked surprisingly attractive, though Dex didn’t want to think about his uncle in such categories. But it wasn’t like he’d be finding a partner in this pit of straightness.
Ros cleared his throat, swaying softly to the bold music. “I’m not in the loop.”
“They’re on break,” Shane clarified.
Ros’s bright eyes settled on Dex, his expression a mix of compassion and pity. “Ooh… I’m so sorry, Dex. Is it the club thing? Too much for him?”
Dex’s blood boiled. What if the fuckup at the cabin had been only an excuse for Hammer to dump him when things got too real? “Nah, he just needs to mull over some shit. It’s my fault, really.”
Shane frowned. “Did you cheat on him? He’s a dangerous guy, you can’t just—”
“I didn’t cheat!” Dex raised his voice before lowering it when several heads turned his way. “Why does everyone think I’m the worst? I try, okay? I’ve been celibate for over a week, and I’m so horny even the pickles in our fridge are starting to look like dicks, but I didn’t do anything, ‘cause I’m trying to be better!”
Ros scowled, but his face brightened when some of the scantily clad hangarounds shouted from the other side of the interior, praising his work.
As if they knew anything about art. Dex was no expert, but Rosen had previously flattered Dex by saying that he has an “instinctual understanding of the idea behind his sculpture”.
“It wouldn’t be cheating. You’re on break, remember?” Shane asked.
Ros’s face scrunched a little, giving his features a mischievous look. He slapped the back of Shane’s shoulder. “Don’t say that. They might still get back together. We did, remember?”
“Would you have dumped me if I fucked someone else in the meanwhile?” Shane asked as his eyes narrowed, and Ros gave him a little shrug.
“That would have told me you had other things on your mind. Why would I drop everything for someone who had time to sleep around when he should be coming up with ways to get back with me?”
Dex grabbed the sides of his head. These two were like an angel and a devil sitting on his shoulders, but only he would bear the consequences of his decisions. After Hammer had left without a word and ignored a party thrown in his honor, he wasn’t sure whether a future together was really on the cards, or if this ‘break’ was just prolonged agony of their brief but intense relationship.
“I need a breather,” he grumbled and walked off without waiting for any more advice from Shane and Ros.
A ray of green flashed past his eyes, disorienting him for a moment, but he would not be stopped by some party device Finn had set up, and stormed out of the loud room. The air outside was like a freezing cloud assaulting his lungs, but it stopped the frantic spinning in his head, so he stormed forward, intent on escaping the clutches of conversation the smokers standing outside were likely to start.