Chapter 46

Wolfe's POV.

“You know, you could tell this girl you love her and get married.”

I looked up as Stephan joined me at my personal spot at the VVIP section, signaling to a waiter to get him an extra glass. “Problem solved.”

I glared at him over the rim of my vodka glass. Why was it so hard to drink privately when I really wanted to? The last time, it was Mackenzie and her drama. And what the hell was Ashton going on about?

“It's a suggestion.” He continued, taking the glass from the waiter and pouring himself some vodka. “Besides, you look like shit, bro. I know it's because of her. You should do something about it.”

“You could shut up for a change, Stephan.” I grunted, downing the vodka in my glass. “Where's Ashton, anyway?”

“Probably downstairs enjoying himself.” He gave me a measured look. “You know, isolating yourself up here isn't going to solve anything. Your personal spot might be private, but it’s not a sanctuary from your problems.”

“Why not go build your own private club then?” I snapped at him, annoyed at his jab. “My sanctuary suits me just fine and I really don't need company right now.” I grunted as I twirled the vodka in my glass.

The truth was, I'd been thinking about calling Makenna for a while. But I didn't want to intrude on her family business and I wanted to give her time to herself. Plus, I still wasn’t sure exactly what had happened. At this point, I didn't mind going over to her place to find out how she was doing. Besides, it'd been too long.

“Relax, bro,” Stephan said calmly, his hands up in a gesture of peace. “I'm not here to pick a fight. I just think you should face whatever's bothering you head-on instead of hiding away.”

I ignored him, pouring myself another drink.

“So, what’s really going on with you and this writer lady?”

I tensed at the question. “Nothing. Just…complicated.”

Stephan raised an eyebrow. “Complicated how? The way I see it, it's pretty simple. She's been on your mind for a while now. Besides, you don't let ladies stay in your mind.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “It's not that simple.”

“Enlighten me then,” Stephan said, his tone calm and steady. “Is she married? Does she have no interest in you?”

“None of your business, Stephan.” I muttered as I emptied my glass of vodka and grabbed the bottle to refill my glass. I didn’t want to talk. I just wanted some peace and quiet with my thoughts and a glass of vodka.

Stephan chuckled and gave me a sympathetic look. “Women, man. They’ll drive you insane.”

I managed a half-smile. “Tell me about it.”

We sat in silence for a moment, the slightly muted club beat interrupting the silence. The music pulsed through the air, a steady rhythm that seemed to sync with the beat of my frustration.

“Have you tried talking to her?” Stephan asked, breaking the silence.

“Not yet. Every time I think about it, something stops me.” I admitted after contemplating answering his question, swirling the remaining vodka in my glass. “I don’t want to overdo it and scare her away.”

“You care about her,” Stephan observed quietly. “Or maybe you’re just scared.” His tone was light, but his words hit home.

“Scared?” I scoffed, though I knew there was some truth to it. “Why on earth would I be scared of a woman? You're talking too much. And I’m not scared.”

“Sure, you’re not.” He gave me a small, understanding smile. “Look, man, I’ve seen you with other women. This is different. If you really care about her, you owe it to yourself to at least try.”

“There's nothing to try.” I grunted, ending the conversation.

“Alright, but think about it,” he said as he stood up and gestured to the banister. “Come on, let's go check out the scene downstairs. Maybe it'll take your mind off things.”

The last thing I needed was for my siblings to think I had decided to commit to a woman. Christ, they wouldn't let me hear the end of it.

“Alright. It better be worth my time.” I sighed, standing up and walking to the private club banister.

“You’ll never know until you check it out, right?” Stephan smirked, standing from his sofa and following me to the banister. “Now where's that asshole, Ashton?

I chuckled, scanning the crowd below, subconsciously searching for Ashton.

“This view never gets old.” Stephan scoffed as he joined me at the banister.

The club was a whirl of lights and movement, bodies swaying to the beat. I caught sight of Ashton near the center of the dance floor, his arms around a brunette in a red dress. Typical.

Stephan nudged me. “There he is. The asshole.”

I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips despite myself. “He looks like he's having fun.”

Wait. Why does the lady Ashton was grinding look so familiar?

Christ. Was that… Makenna? What the hell was she doing here?

And with my brother?

“Yeah, well, he owes me a drink for ditching—” Stephan laughed, leaning over the railing.

“What the hell does she think she's doing with Ashton?” I thundered, cutting him off.

My blood boiled with anger as I pushed away from the banister, ignoring Stephan's startled call. The thumping bass seemed to match the pounding in my head as I made my way down to the club below. The crowd was thick, bodies pressing against me, but I barely noticed. My eyes were fixed on Makenna and Ashton, who were still dancing.

As I neared them, I could see Makenna's face, flushed from dancing and the alcohol. She was laughing, her head thrown back, and the sight sent a pang of jealousy through me. Ashton’s hands on her hips made my vision blur with red.

“Wolfe, wait up!” Stephan’s voice was distant, almost drowned out by the music.

I didn't stop. I couldn't. I shoved my way through the last few feet, practically pushing aside anyone who was in my path.

I had been beside myself, worrying about her, imagining all sorts of scenarios where she was struggling or unhappy. And here she was, having the time of her life, dancing in my club. My mind raced with questions. How long had she been coming here? How many nights had she spent dancing with anybody and everybody while I moped around, consumed with thoughts of her?

Finally, I reached them and grabbed Ashton by the shoulder, yanking him away from Makenna.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I spat, my voice barely controlled.

Makenna turned, her eyes wide with surprise. “You?”

Ashton looked from me to Makenna, then back to me. He raised his hands defensively. “Whoa, calm down, Wolfe. We’re just dancing.”

“Just dancing?” I echoed, my fists clenching. “With her?”

Makenna stepped forward, her face a mask of fury. “What’s your problem, Wolfe? You don’t get to tell me who I can and can’t dance with.”

My jaw tightened. “You think I’m just going to stand here and watch another man grind on you?”

Before she could say anything more, another lady appeared beside us, her expression a mix of confusion and then anger which seemed to be directed at my brother. “Ashton? You bastard! What the hell are you doing here?” she demanded, her voice loud enough to cut through the music.

“Damn it.” Ashton muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair. “Love, it’s a club. Obviously, I’m here to have fun.”

“Fun? Really? After what you did to me?” she shot back, her tone dripping with anger. “You’ve got some nerve showing up here and putting your filthy hands on my best friend.”

“Stay the fuck away from her,” I growled at Ashton, not caring about who the other woman was. My grip on Makenna's arm was firm as I pulled her away from the dance floor, her protest barely registering in my mind.

If anyone was going to dance with her, that would be me. No one else.