Page 148 of Ready to Cash Out

Cold had already reached the stairs by the time Trev caught up to him, increasing his suspicion that Cold was trying to avoid him. “Hey! Hello!”

“Yes?” Cold paused, turning to eye Trev.

“Too cool to join our pajama party?”

“As a matter of fact, you might find that I’m quite cold.”

“Oh! Was that a joke?” Trev snorted. “Didn’t think you were capable of those.”

“Happy to surprise you. Now, if you’ll excuse me?—”

“No,” Trev said firmly.

“Pardon?”

“You said if I’ll excuse you and no, I’m not excusing you. I want to talk to you.”

Cold looked bored. “About?”

“The fuck do you think?”

“I think it’s time for me to go to bed and for you to go eat your dinner.” Cold narrowed his eyes. “Big day tomorrow, as I’m sure you’re aware.”

“Not before I talk to you about what a giant asshole you’ve been.” Trev crossed his arms. “All of this fucking attitude you’ve been giving me? I think it’s because you literally don’t know any other way to get close to someone except to piss them off and be a complete bastard and then see if they’re willing to stick around for the abuse. Newsflash, bitch. I don’t like being played with.”

“And have you not been playing me?” Cold took a slow step toward Trev. “From the moment you stepped into my home, have you not been trying to figure out a way to escape it? Plotting ways to manipulate me and those closest to me?”

“Like you wouldn’t do the same fucking thing.”

“That’s just it.” Cold’s eyes glittered. “It’s exactly what I would do.”

Trev crossed his arms and did his best to appear as defiant as he could in a rainbow unicorn onesie. “Yeah, well. Good for you. You’re still an asshole and I get the need to front and be all big and bad. But you can fucking quit that shit now.”

“I believe we are more alike than I first anticipated.” Cold smirked. “Though I will admit, you are much braver than I was when I was your age.”

“Smarter too,” Trev quipped without hesitation. “I already figured out your stupid little head game?—”

“You mean like the one you’re playing with Mr. Prospero?”

“Excuse me?” Trev’s face heated up. “I’m not playing fucking anything.”

“Is he still your prisoner?”

“He’s the guy I’m planning to fuck a lot on a beach far, far away from you until I get bored of his dick.”

Cold took another step closer. “Allow me to give you some brotherly advice.”

“Always wipe front to back?”

Cold’s icy eyes flicked over Trev’s and his expression softened. “When and if you’re fortunate enough to find someone who loves you, not in spite of your faults but in part because of them, hold them tight. And never let go.”

Trev’s face continued to cook. “Jupiter doesn’t love me.”

“No?” Cold raised his brow.

“He hasn’t said…! We’re not, we just…! Oh my God, I hate you for putting this in my brain.” Trev groaned. “It’s not that serious. It’s, it’s just not. I don’t do fucking serious.” He threw up his hands. “And he chained me to a wall!”

“Actions do speak louder than words.” Cold smiled smugly. “Perhaps something to consider.”

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