“I was in the locker room when I saw your text message. So I figured I would go home, but then I heard two girls talking about how you were in the Playroom, fucking multiple women in ascene. I thought that couldn’t be right, so I talked with Jade and she said that your account was being used.”
What? I rub my temples, but the mask isn’t helping. “That’s not true.”
But her expression doesn’t change. “Whatever. I’m glad you got over your stupid rules. Or maybe that was something you just say to everyone to make them feel special and I was stupid enough to believe it.”
I don’t understand. “But that's wrong.”
She throws up her hands, and the robe loosens. “Oh, so I’m the liar?”
“No.” I believe she thinks what she’s saying is true. But then it hits me. “I’m going to fucking kill him.” I dig into my back pocket and pull out my phone. That motherfucking twatburger picks up on the third ring. “Don’t say a fucking word—just yes or no. Were you at the club last night?”
Bear says, “Yes.”
I let out a low growl. “Were you in the Playroom?”
“Yes.”
I whip my head toward Kitten. Her eyes grow wide, and she covers her mouth.
“Did you wear my mask?”
Silence.
“Did you wear my fucking mask?” I take a few steps into her apartment, and she doesn’t put up a fight.
Quietly, he says, “Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I sat on mine and crushed my nose, and it felt all pokey. Your masks are all soft.”
“For fuck’s sake,” I yell, which makes her flinch, so I regroup. “I’ve got an angry Kitten who thinks I’m cheating on her. Rightfully so.”
“Oh, you are definitely not cheating on her.”
He hurt Kitten. “Lock your bedroom door tonight.” I hang up the phone and glance around her home. The living room opens directly into the kitchen. It’s clean, with throw pillows everywhere and the glow of a yellow lamp in the corner. Her couch acts as a divider between the two spaces. It’s functional, but it doesn’t scream her.
“So, you weren’t at the club last night?” She moves one of her shoes out of the way with her foot.
“No,” I’m a little proud about how calm I’m being, all things considered.
She lowers her face until her chin touches her chest, contrite. “Sorry.”
My anger hasn’t cooled, but it’s not really her I’m pissed at. Well … kinda. “You could’ve just asked.”
She’s quiet. “I’ve always been honest with you. You’re the one hiding things.”
Ouch. I could take off my mask right now, let it fall and show her the truth. But the panic of losing her is too raw, and I can’t do that. “Come here, Kitten.”
She moves slowly, head down until her forehead rests against my chest. In one motion, I pull her into my arms and hold her.
“I feel stupid,” she mutters into my shirt.
“I get it.” Me too. I'm a fucking moron for a million different reasons. She smells like soap and lemongrass, her shower fresh on her skin. I rub the fluffiness of her robe and wish the gloves weren't blocking the contact. “Sorry for crashing in here.”
Her cheeks tighten against my chest—she’s smiling. “It’s weird you’re in my home.”
“Do you have anything you don’t want me to see?”
