DERICK POV
I stayed with Christin at the bar until it got dark, both of us drowning in that toxic mix of booze and bitterness. The place stank of old regrets and fresh lies. She wanted to follow me home — said she was worried, said she cared. Bullshit. They all say that when they want something. But tonight wasn’t her night. Tonight was mine.
I shoved a hand in my pocket and looked her dead in the eyes.
“Nah, not tonight, babe. Got something planned. Don’t wait up.”
She raised a brow, lips curling like she wanted to say something smart, but she didn’t. Smart girl.
By the time I got home, my head was pounding and my stomach felt like acid was eating through it. I peeled off my suit like it was covered in disease, tossed it on the floor, and changed into something casual — dark jeans, l
