Initiates filter out, looking worse for wear, all in desperate need of showers. Lo spots us immediately, walking toward us with Bryant in tow. Saint vibrates with rage, and his level of possessiveness with this girl is off-the-charts crazy.
“Top marks, baby,” Caz says, stepping forward and pulling her into his arms. “I worship at the altar of Queen Harlow.”
I roll my eyes. Gag. Someone, pass the puke bucket.
“You were amazing, Lo.” Theo kisses her cheek, pride evident in his smile.
Saint and Bryant are in an epic stare down. One Saint doesn’t break as he reaches out, hauling Lo into his chest. He holds her close, and tightness spreads across my chest. I lean back against the wooden railing, holding my arm around my ribs as if that will heal my broken limbs and aching heart.
Saint finally pulls his eyes from our enemy, leaning down and kissing Lo with a tenderness I didn’t think he was capable of. He whispers in her ear as I watch Bryant seethe. He balls his hands into fists at his sides, and his eyes burn with envy.
I’m not surprised he’s into her.
Lo has this way about her that sucks all the red-blooded males in. And it’s not because she’s hot or smart or mouthy, which she is, but it goes deeper. She’s like a magnetic force-field, drawing people to her with ease.
It’s one reason I’ve been fighting her so hard.
The other is the past and a multitude of pent-up emotions where she’s concerned.
“I don’t have all fucking day,” Bryant barks. “Say what you need to say, Lennox.”
Lo slips out from under Saint’s arm, cricking her neck from side to side. She’s covered in mud, dirt, and sweat, and strands of hair are stuck to her brow, but she’s still beautiful as fuck.
Girl is in a league of her own.
“How the fuck did my father win you to our side?” Saint demands to know.
“Wait!” Lo straightens up, planting her hands on her hips and leveling Saint with an evil eye. “You knew about this and didn’t tell me?”
“Keep your panties on.” Saint ruffles her hair, knowing how much it pisses her off. He leans in, whispering in her ear. I’m guessing he doesn’t want Bryant to know Sinner neglected to tell any of us about his new spy-slash-recruit.
Lo calms down as Saint fills her in. “Why are you doing this?” she bluntly asks Bryant.
“Because I’m sick of Darrow and his bullshit. And everyone knows The Arrows will lose this war. I prefer to be on the winning side.”
“That still doesn’t answer my question,” Saint says, folding his arms across his chest.
“How does Sinner win anyone to his side?” Bryant challenges, smoothing a hand over his hair.
“He has leverage on you,” I say.
Bryant nods, his eyes narrowing at me. “I hope you’re hurting, Lennox, because it’s the least you deserve.”
“What have you offered in return?” Saint asks, ignoring his comment.
“Ask your dad.”
Saint glowers. “I’m asking you.”
Lo steps between them before they throw punches. “Bry, cut the crap. You’re one of us now, and that means weallneed to work as a team.” She levels both guys with a warning look.
A devilish glint appears in Bryant’s eye. “If it means I finally get that sexy body underneath me, consider it done.”
Saint swings for him, but Caz anticipates the move, pulling him back. “Dude. Chill.” Caz points at Bryant. “Quit that shit. Lo is ours, and only ours.”
“We’ve got serious issues to deal with.” Lo jabs her finger in Saint’s chest. “Like The Bulls wanting to nuke my ass and an impending bloody war. We cannot fight among ourselves. This bullshit ends now.” She turns to Bryant. “I wasn’t interested before, and that hasn’t changed, but I respect you, and we’ll be working together from now on. I’d prefer to do that as friends.”
“I don’t like you,” Saint says.
