The Checklist (Explicit Version)

Chapter 20

It was like my whole body woke up when she confidently stepped outside, swaying her hips with a small smile. The sight had my eyes following her every step; until she jumped into another goddamn car.

I probably looked fucking idiotic as I shot out of my seat, the chair flying somewhere behind me before I ran to my parked car on the side of the road. It wasn't long until I found Althea's car and followed her back to the city. By the time we neared the strip, it was almost seven at night. By the end of the ride, I found myself relaxing and breathing easier—until her driver dropped. And not in front of her house.

She went into the bar. Our bar.

This woman is going to kill me. Fucking swear it.

By the time I parked the car and pushed my way through the entrance, she already plopped herself in front of the bartender. Fury ignited inside me when I saw the fucker encouraging whatever she was saying with a sly smile. My first instinct had been to strangle him, but I knew Althea would make sure I never came a step toward her if I did.

So I positioned myself at the opposite end of the bar and ordered myself a whisky.

That was two hours ago, and every minute since then, killing someone sounded more and more appealing because Althea was flirting. With men who weren't me.

She knew I followed her inside. She saw me the moment I sat down. The princess was good at a number of things, but what she excelled at? Ignoring me. And I fucking hated being ignored.

But I sucked it up while simultaneously sitting on the edge of my seat, hearing her smooth talk some ginger mother fucker next to her. When the fuck did she start liking gingers?

I know I helped her practice her flirting, but I didn't expect for it to backfire on me.

"And if I flirt, that means I want it?"

Did she want to get laid?

The thought made my vision turn red before I slanted my head in her direction. My fists clenched on top of the counter. The bartender must have noticed some rising inside me, because he treaded toward me and offered another drink. I shoved my glass in his direction in response, unable to pull my eyes away from Althea.

While her head was turned in my direction, she kept her hazy eyes on the man sitting next to her. They'd taken three shots together, and I made sure he didn't do anything to the drink every time she glanced away for a split second.

There was a scratchy feeling in my chest when I saw how disoriented Althea seemed. Mi princesa had a low alcohol tolerance, which she has made known the several times I've watched her drink. But I remained seated, no matter how hard I wanted to knock the fucker's face away from her.

The bartender lowered a refilled glass directly in front of me. Fixated on Althea, I aimlessly grabbed the cup and threw it back, drinking everything in one swallow despite me usually taking my time.

A storm built up inside me when another man with black hair slid behind Althea and brought his mouth to her ear. He said something to her, and she laughed. She fucking laughed.

What was so fucking funny? His fucking face? Because I also find it hilarious. I'll find it more fucking hilarious when I flatten his nose into his skull.

Still, I managed to keep myself down. Until the slimy fucker touched her back and slid his hand to her ass.

I hadn't realized I moved until I was on the other side of the bar, gripping the mans neck and yanking him back. He made a stupid squeal when I brought my mouth to his ear and growled, "Hands off before I break them off."