Mid punch I hear the door open as Tyler walks in. One glance tells me all I need to know about the day he had. If the flexed jaw and dark eyes don’t say it enough, then the half buttoned dress shirt that clings to his tense muscles does.
While one hand holds his gym bag, the free one runs a hand through his once neatly groomed hair. He tugs at the already loose tie around his neck, flexing the exposed muscles of his forearms that showcase his scars.
“Sorry I’m late. It was just a crazy day.” He throws his stuff down and starts unbuttoning his shirt. “I hear you’re kicking some ass,” he says, peeling the shirt off his body, revealing a white shirt underneath.
Somehow, that’s a good look on him, too.It all is a good look on him.For a moment, I hope he’ll peel that white t-shirt off too so I can see it all.
“I feel like my ass is being handed to me, if I’m being honest. These two over here can’t stop bickering like an old married couple.”
“Hey, what happens at fight club stays at fight club!” Anthony quips.
Tyler laughs as he places the now balled up shirt in his bag. He approaches, taking my hand in his and spins me around gently to see me in my athletic get up. “Look at you, huh? I’ll be out in a few minutes. Just going to change really quick. Keepthinking about those ways I can make it up to you, little fire.” He grabs the bag and heads to the bathroom.
A smile plays at my lips, but I’m a little sad I won’t see shirtless Tyler. Bringing my gaze back to the other two men, I realize they are staring at me with smug smiles on their faces.
“What?” I try to play innocent.
“We know, he’s pretty,” Anthony teases.
You’re right, he is pretty.
I make a mental list of all the ways he can make it up to me.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
TYLER
Freshly showered,I toss a log into the crackling fire while my coffee steeps in the french press. After a morning spent in the gym with Cole and time in our downstairs interrogation room, a shower was necessary to wash the blood and sweat off my body.
We’ve made it to man two out of four. I want it as a slow burn so they each know what’s coming their way—anxiously anticipating who is next and how it’ll be done. They can run, but little do they know we find fulfillment in finding them. The guy who threw the drugs in Sam’s drink will be my final kill. I have the perfect way to put an end to his existence—everything will come full circle.
Once my coffee is poured, I make my way into my downstairs office. The panoramic windows behind my desk give view to the gloomy day. The still heaviness of the dark clouds threaten a storm, only encouraging me to stay in my home rather than go to the event Mitchell dumped on me tonight.
I leisurely type and scroll away on my computer, waiting for my coffee to give me the energy necessary to pull my tired bodyupstairs and slip into a suit that’ll be close to suffocating me all night.
With a sigh, I rub my tired eyes. There’s only so much you can do with a name. Multiple monitors face me with an abundance of information, and yet it all does nothing for me.
All the tools in this room help me in my hunts. From the books lined on one wall to the weapons displayed on the other. Guns, knives, bows—each perfectly placed with a specific purpose behind them. Even in my place of peace that is my home, I need to be prepared.
After working on my computer for a few hours, I make my way to my bedroom to trade my sweatpants for a suit. I place my coffee on my dresser and go into my walk-in closet to sort through my selection.
Hearing my phone buzz on my nightstand, I pick it up to see two texts from my sister.
Brace yourself, Shelby is making an appearance tonight.
I clench my jaw, regardless of the fact I knew this would happen. Shelby is chasing her forgiveness by showing up to events and putting a show on for what a good little wife she’d make. We didn’t have a relationship, we had an obligation. One that still lingers over my head.
If she was a smarter woman and waited, we probably would’ve married for the sake of name and game. But she did what she did, and I met my little fire.
I read the second text.
Also, I’m bringing Sunny as my date. I somehow convinced her LOL
I smile.Sorry Sam, she’s going to be my date soon.
SUNNY
This time around, I was able to choose my own outfit. No longer falling victim to those dazzling amber eyes Sam utilizes as a lethal weapon.
