Do it.
Fucking do it.
Was this how he acted when they were a couple? Did he lay a hand on her then too? I couldn’t picture her letting anyone get away with abusing her, but then, I never expected to see her hesitate to eat because of some pithy comment from her mother either.
He blinked, his shoulders drooped just slightly, and I knew he’d cave.
And I should have let him walk away when he did.
He brought his palms up and took a step back.
“Best two out of three. Now.” I clicked into my skis, my eyes never leaving him as he headed for the quad.
“Is that the first time?” I snapped my pole against my boot to knock the packed snow off.
She gripped my jacket. “Nick—”
My gaze flashed to hers. I didn’t know what she saw there, but she let me go and swallowed hard.
“Is that the first time he put his hands on you in anger?”
“He’s still breathing right?”
“Unfortunately. Yes or no, Charlie?”
“Yes. It’s the first time. And last. If it makes you feel any better… he got his before we broke up.”
“Good. How?”
“I superglued his dick to his thigh while he slept.”
The rage in my chest loosened its grip and I laughed. “Of course you did. Wow.”
“Hey, he cheated.” She shrugged with no emotion behind the words. Simple. Direct. 100% Charlie. “This is getting—I don’t know. I’m sorry. This wasn’t supposed to be complicated.”
“No complication. He needs his ass beat. You already did it. He’s a slow learner. I’ll finish the job.” I grabbed her collar and hauled her up under my mouth and dropped another kiss on her lips because apparently I’m racking them up now. “Go have fun… I’ll find you later.”
“You’re going to be sore as fuck.” She cupped my cheek, and I turned my head and nipped at her thumb.
“That’s what hot tubs are for. I’ll meet up with you later. We’ll talk about that reckless move you pulled up there.”
She laughed and shoved me toward the lift. “Can’t wait.”
ChapterNine
I’m not supposedto be catching feelings, but that was exactly what was happening.
Nick’s fault.
All of it.
For someone blindsided by our arrangement, he sure knew how to play the part with ease.
Because of course he did. Like I said, he’s good at everything.Everything.
His every reaction to any slight in my direction screamed, “She’s mine.”
Every cell in my body noticed, from my clit to my freaking stupid heart.
