“It is.” Unless she’s changed her mind between this morning and now. I really hope not. I would be gutted.
He sighs. His nostrils flare. “If this is what Tally wants.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “Ah fuck.” Shakes his head. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but anything is better than the last guy she brought home.”
That’s not a resoundingly positive approval, but it’s better than the alternative, which would be me, six feet under.
Before I can say anything, he pins me with a glare. “But if you hurt her, I’ll destroy you, Madden.”
“Of course, sir. I promise to treat her with the utmost care and respect.” I’ll have to prove myself through actions, because that sounds like a whole lot of lip service. But it’s been years since I’ve fed the rumor mill. That life is not what I want anymore.
“Please get the fuck out of my office.”
“Yes, sir.” I stand and hustle into the hall. “Thank you.”
I can’t believe I survived that experience with all my teeth.
One down, one to go. I’m not so sure the next conversation will go as smoothly. I chug three glasses of water and say a little prayer before I knock on the head of Terror PR’s open door.
Hemi looks up from her computer, and her lips flatten into a thin line. “For the love of all that is good and holy.” She tips her chin up and glares at the ceiling. “Lord, give me strength.” Her unimpressed gaze returns to me. “You did it, didn’t you?”
“Did what?” I don’t know why I’m feigning innocence. I’ve already kissed the girl. Three times. Each one better than the last.
The look she gives me feels like a punch in the balls. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
“I haven’t even said anything.”
“Get in here and close the damn door.”
I do as she says.
She points to the chair across from her desk.
I feel like I’m back in elementary school, and I’m about to get in shit for doing something stupid. Which…is maybe partly true.
She crosses her arms. “Well?”
“I’m going to date Tally.”
“You’ve already talked to Vander Zee?”
“Yeah.”
Her eyes narrow. “I don’t believe you. Where’s your shiner?”
“He said if it’s what Tally wants…and also that anything is better than the last guy.” Might as well go with the truth.
Hemi shakes her head. “The last guy was about as exciting as chewed gum.”
“That’s highly accurate.” I lean forward. “I’m doing this right. No hiding.”
“Damn right you will, because if you fuck this up, I will string you up by your damn balls and let my brothers have at you.” Her eyes are fiery with challenge as she waits for my response.
I suppress a shudder. Sam and Isaac are intense on a good day. Dallas also believes that Sam is a finisher, like professionally. It’s a legitimate possibility. “Not if Vander Zee gets to me first.”
She frowns, apparently unimpressed with my joke.
“She’s worth the risk.” I would live in a well of regret if I don’t try with her.
Hemi nods slowly. “The media might be assholes about this.”
