I freeze, and Jett blanches. “Don’t ever fucking say that around Ellie,” I bark, about to rip his throat out. “Even if it is a joke.”
“Okay.” Juice puts his hands up. “I think we need to take a step back. Everyone’s tensions are running a little high.”
I take a deep breath. I haven’t kicked the crap out of anything or anyone in nearly two weeks. I thought sex would sate me, but apparently that’s not the case. I need to make someone bleed.
I didn’t realize how difficult it was going to be sharing Ellie with the people in her life. I think I might be totally screwed.
Like I’ve said before, I’ve never really been good at sharing.
“Why don’t you brief us on any updates,” Jett suggests.
Juice shakes his head. “There aren’t any. It’s been nothing but radio silence. We just have to lay low and wait for word.”
Wonderful.
“I’m going to check on Ellie then.” I push out my chair.
“Go smooth things over?” Juice digs.
“Shut up or I’m going to smooth cement over your face while you’re still breathing.”
“So hostile.” He heckles me.
“Isn’t he?” Jett agrees.
“Fuck you both.” I storm out of the room. I need to either fuck, run, or slam the shit out of a punching bag real soon.
I climb the stairs quickly and quietly, silently making my way down the hall. The door to my room is slightly ajar and when I peek in, I see Ellie sitting on the floor, looking out the wall of windows with the phone to her ear.
“The Starbucks on the corner in an hour? . . . Yes, I’ll explain everything. That’s why I want to see you . . . I know, I’m sorry I up and left like that, but I needed to . . . Okay . . . yeah, okay, bye.”
I watch her for several long seconds before I push the door open. “Going somewhere?” My voice vibrates and Ellie jumps.
“Were you listening to my conversation?” she asks annoyed.
“Yes.” I lean against the doorframe and cross my arms.
“That’s rude.”
“I was never taught manners.”
“I find that hard to believe.” She stands up. “You just pick and choose when to use them.”
I try, but fail miserably, to stop an evil smile from spreading across my lips. ”You’re mad at me.”
“You’re acting like a jealous asshole.”
“I am a jealous asshole.” I walk into the room.
“There’s nothing to be jealous of,” she responds steadfastly as she watches me approach her. “You’re the one I want. You’re the one I’m marrying.” She holds up her hand and shows me the ring.
“I know.” I take her hand in mine. “That doesn’t mean I don’t feel threatened. It doesn’t mean I won’t always worry about some guy trying to steal you away. Or you getting tired or frustrated or fed up with me. I told you I wasn’t perfect, that I’d make mistakes. I always knew I’d have to share you at some point, I just wasn’t prepared for it to happen so fast.”
“You don’t have to share me. I’m yours.”
“That’s not true. You have a life and friends and goals and dreams. I have four walls, a dangerous job, and you. That’s it. That’s my entire world. Three entities.”
“What about Jett? He’s part of your life.”
