Page 175 of Fighting the Forbidden

Molly’s quiet and doesn’t interrupt but she slowly pulls away from me. She crosses her arms over her middle, shrinking herself into a tight ball.

“That’s it,” I finally finish.

“You…did a lot and never said a word about it.” Her brows knit together. “Jerry will be okay with you taking the time off of work?”

“Yeah, he’s kinda psyched I might be on TV.” As I say it, her frown deepens. Fuuuck, he’s another person I told before her. “I had to explain it to him to ask for the time off.”

“Do you know where you’ll be filming?” she asks in a small voice.

“I think it’s a house. Sounds like downstate somewhere. Maybe Long Island? They won’t tell me, yet.”

“And you don’t know who else will be living there with you?”

“Not yet.”

“Are you nervous?”

I stare at her for a few seconds. “Honestly?”

She nods.

I reach over and rest my hand on her ankle. The time for acting cocky and putting on a good front is over. Molly deserves the truth. And she’s probably the only person I can share this with. “Yeah, Muffin. I’m nervous as hell about the whole thing.”

Her tense expression softens. She unfolds her arms and reaches for my hand, linking our fingers together.

“You’re the only person I’ve admitted that to,” I add.

“Remy’s worried about you too.”

I cock my head. “Really? Afraid I’ll get my ass kicked on television and ruin The Castle’s rep?”

“No.” She scowls but shifts closer to me. Her gaze weighs heavily on my skin. “He’s worried the people who run the show will try to fuck with your head. He says that’s what they do.”

Isn’t that a punch to the gut? I thought Remy was just trying to talk me out of the show when he brought that up, but it’s obviously bothering him if he talked to Molly about that aspect. “I’ve been careful what information I’ve given them.” No matter how much I think I’ve concealed, these people aren’t dumb. If they want to dig and find dirt, it won’t be hard. “Didn’t mention my mom’s issues. Not sure they can access my juvenile records. But if they do, there might be info in there about her.” I shrug. “That’s the only thing they could really use against me. I mean, the underground fights…that’s kind of the reason they want me on the show, so it’d be dumb if they made a big deal out of it. The betting on the fights—it’s not like that’s a shock. Dex warned me not to mention the MC, but why would that ever come up, you know? I’m not in the habit of dropping names for clout.”

“Keep your head down. Be friendly but don’t think you’re going to bond with any of the other guys.” Her voice drops into something low and cold-blooded—very unlike my usually sweet Molly. “The minute you do, they’ll probably stab you in the back.”

I stare at her.

“What?” She lifts her shoulders. “If you’re doing this, you need a strategy.”

“Thank you.” I swallow hard. “For understanding.”

“I’m still…upset.” She meets my eyes, and fuck if there’s not a ruthless edge to her baby blues I’ve never seen before. What’s happening here? “But if we have to spend our first summer as a couple apart, you better win this thing.”

“First of many, many summers, baby.” I tug on her leg. “Come here.”

She carefully shifts away from her corner of the couch and when she’s close enough, I drag her into my lap.

Mistake. My body responds immediately to having her snuggled so close. She turns so she’s straddling me and rests her hands on my shoulders. “Is this better?”

I groan and slide down a little, taking some of the pressure off my balls. “Yes and no.”

“Thank you for such a great prom last night.” She drills me with an intense stare. “I really did have a good time. I’m so happy you went with me.”

“I loved every minute I spent with you.” I trace my finger over her cheek. “Did I tell you how beautiful you looked?”

Her cheeks push into a smile, and she leans into my hand. “You mentioned it.”

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