The Scars of Us by Nikki Narvaez Page A

wrapping my fingers in it while I bent her over and fucked her.Searching the room, her eyes roamed before locking on mine. A shy smile spread over her lips as she made her way toward me, those luscious hips swaying with each step. She’s so fucking hot.
    When she reached me, I snaked my arm around her waist, bringing her closer to me. I felt her muscles tighten beneath my touch, but she didn’t resist otherwise.
    Bringing her between my legs, I inhaled her sweet scent, a mixture of strawberry and vanilla, as I kissed her cheek. Her hands lightly pressed against my chest as I pulled back. “I thought you weren’t going to show for a minute there.”
    “Me too. I almost didn’t come.” Her gaze darted down before coming up to meet mine as she shifted nervously.
    “Well, I’m glad you did. It would’ve really hurt my ego if you didn’t,” I said as I rubbed my hands along her sides.
    “I’m sure your ego is strong enough to survive,” she replied dryly as she moved away to sit on the barstool next to mine.
    “I don’t think it stands a chance against you,” I joked.
    “Do women really fall for that?” she asked as she fought a smile.
    “Most of the time. But they’re not always the brightest.”
    Kaiya slapped me on the bicep as her eyebrows rose and her mouth opened in shock. “Ryker!”
    “What? I’m being honest. Woman want honesty, right?” She stared at me, mouth agape for a few seconds before she shook her head and laughed.
    “What do you want to drink? Cranberry Vodka?”
    She thought a few seconds before replying, “No. Apple Martini.”
    “Damn, that bad of a day?” I commented before turning and getting the attention of the bartender. Once I ordered us a round, I focused my attention back on Kaiya, determined to figure her out.
    “Do you want to talk about it?”
    Her body stiffened slightly as she sipped her drink. “No. I don’t want to think about it—I just want to forget.”
    I know that feeling. “I know plenty of ways to help with that.”
    Her lips tipped up. “I’m sure you do. I’ve heard about your reputation.”
    This is going to be good. I took a swig of my drink. “Oh, really? What have you heard?”
    “Basically, you’re a man-whore,” she replied bluntly as she swirled her martini, avoiding my gaze.
    I laughed. “I’m not going to lie—I’ve had my fair share of women.”
    Kaiya gave me a perplexed look before replying, “Thank you for being honest. I thought you’d lie about it.”
    “Why? I am who I am. I’m not going to pretend be anything that I’m not.”
    “I respect that. Not the being a man-whore part, but that you’re true to yourself.”
    I took another drink, enjoying the warmth of the liquor as it slid down my throat. “How are you liking class?” I asked, attempting to redirect the topic away from my personal life. Not ready to talk about that yet.
    Kaiya took another sip, leaving only half of her martini. “I like it. Everything can be a little overwhelming, but I’m willing to work through it.”
    “You’ll get the hang of it. Why did you decide to take self-defense?”
    Visibly swallowing, she cleared her throat before taking another long gulp, leaving only a small sip in the bottom of her glass. “Old demons.”
    “Care to elaborate?” I didn’t know why I asked, I already knew she’d say no.
    “No.” She threw back the remainder of her drink before standing. “I’d better go. Thanks for the martini.”
    “Why don’t you stay for another? I won’t ask any more personal questions. Scout’s honor.” I said as I put my fingers together to make the hand gesture.
    She snorted, “I doubt you were a Boy Scout.”
    “Why? Is it the tattoos?”
    “No. I just can’t picture you as one. You don’t seem like the type that follows directions well.”
    “I don’t. I was thrown out for kicking my scout leader.”
    She laughed. “You didn’t.”
    “I did—guy was a prick.”
    Kaiya continued to laugh; she definitely