Ocean’s steps faltered. “What?”
I sighed heavily. “Let’s just say that he wanted more than he was owed, and I found myself running again.”
At least I hadn’t been alone that time.
I’d taken Coby with me.
“Hunter—”
“Where are we?” I cut him off to change the subject as I looked around and frowned. “This isn’t the way back to the cabin.”
My mental map was already coming in handy.
Ocean was scowling now as he climbed another set of stairs to the second level without answering. I knew he wasn’t upset with me, but the rage seeping from his skin gave me goosebumps anyway.
He didn’t stop until we reached a wing tucked away from everything and a room with double doors facing a large window at the opposite end of the hallway. He set me on my feet once we were inside, and I didn’t realize it wasn’t just any bedroom until it was too late. The masculine decor gave it away, but when he shed his suit jacket and tossed it on the bed, it left no room for doubt.
“Ocean, what—”
“Hey, bestie!” a welcome voice called out. “Did you have fun?”
I followed the sound to the open balcony doors, where Coby was sitting at a small table set for three, the orange glow of the setting sun beyond her.
Relief carved its way into my chest at seeing her here.
It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Ocean to be on his best behavior. The problem was that I didn’t trust myself. As exhausted and sore as I was, I still wanted to use and be used by him.
“I got my ass kicked,” I confessed as I stepped onto the large balcony and dropped into the seat across from her. Ocean gallantly lifted the lid off my plate and then took the seat that faced us both with his back to the railing.
“You?” Coby said in disbelief.
We were both temporarily distracted when Ocean removed his cufflinks and began rolling up his sleeves to reveal muscle-corded forearms.
I cleared my throat and looked away from all that arm porn. “Abel’s good.”
“You’ll be better,” Coby said with total confidence. “And then you’ll kick his ass, and I’ll be there to watch.”
That’s why she was my bitch. It’s too bad I wasn’t shit, lusting after her fiancé.
My appetite fled as foreboding washed over me, but then my empty stomach gave a painful clench, reminding me I hadn’t eaten today. It didn’t help that the food looked amazing.
“What’s wrong, Hunter?” Ocean was staring at me as if he’d read my mind.
I stared at my plate. “Is it possible to be hungry but too tired to eat?”
“I think so,” Coby answered as she happily devoured her zucchini ravioli. She looked beautiful today in her sweater dress and fishnet tights, while I looked and felt beat to shit.
I felt my appetite waning again.
“Come here, Vengeance.”
I looked up to see Ocean pushing back his chair, but not to stand. He sat there and waited for me to obey. I directed my confused frown in Coby’s direction, who stared at me encouragingly while nibbling on a carrot. Standing on shaky legs, I went to him.
Ocean took my hand and pulled me into his lap.
As soon as I felt his hard thighs underneath my butt, my skittish gaze flew to Coby again.
She smiled softly at me, and it felt like I was dreaming.
