Page 84 of Vicious Little Games

I have no clue what that means, so I just say, “I wonder what your mother would think about you being a petty thief.”

“Fuck you. Dante sanctioned this theft, and Theo deserved it,” he replies while staring out the window.

And for the first time in weeks, it feels like there’s a massive crater expanding between us. Cole has never acted so…distant before.

I should be happy that he’s finally taking the hint, but all I feel is dejected.

27

Cole

The SUV is so quiet on the way home that I have to break the silence.

“Why are you really seeing the munchkin man again tomorrow? We both know you’re not the least bit interested in fucking him,” I say to Cass.

She keeps her gaze out the dark window. “I told you. I’m ready to settle down and get married, have a home of my own. And stop calling him that.”

“Bullshit. A few weeks ago, you were just looking for a good time with…anyone,” I say, barely holding back the word “guards.” “Now all of a sudden you want to be tied down. It doesn’t make any sense, Cassie.”

“You don’t need it to make sense because it’s none of your goddamn business,” she snaps at me.

I consider that for a second, before asking her, “Do you seriously think it will give you a leg up on becoming Dante’s heir if you have a husband to help you shoulder the burden of running the city?”

“Hell, no. Whoever I marry won’t have a say in how I run things illegally or legally.”

“So, what role exactly will this man play in the marriage?” I can’t help but question her plans regarding her future husband.

“I don’t know yet. Watch the kids while I handle business?”

“You want kids?” I say in complete disbelief.

“Yes.” Now her gaze turns to me. “Why do you sound so surprised?”

“I don’t know. I guess…I just don’t see you as a mother. Sophie, yeah, sure. But you…”

“Why the fuck can’t I be a mother too?”

Wow. It’s been a while since the bitchy Cass came out to play. Guess I hit a nerve.

“Uh, maybe because you have one hell of a temper. The first time your baby won’t stop crying you’ll probably shake the shit out them.”

“Fuck you.”

Maybe it’s a trick of the streetlights, but I could almost swear her eyes glisten before she looks away.

Is she crying?

No, that’s ridiculous. Cass doesn’t get her feelings hurt about anything. Unless, maybe she has her feelings hurt about everything which is why she sometimes gets so damn violent.

Right now, I think I not only hurt her feelings but she’s legit angry at me for what I said.

“Cassie, why are you so pissed off at me?” I ask. “What is it about a comment on hypothetical mother shit that upset you?”

“Just because I’m a bitch who can kick your ass and every other man’s in this SUV doesn’t mean I would ever hurt an innocent baby!” she shouts.

“Whoa. Okay. Point made,” I reply. “I shouldn’t have assumed. I guess I was just surprised that you were being serious about wanting kids.”

“Why? Because you don’t?”

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