Page 45 of Vows From Hell

Not fourteen, that was for sure.

And besides, this was his idea. He was the one who mentioned the guy, as I’d already forgotten about him long ago. Getting irritated and jealous for a plan he suggested in the first place was insane.

“As I was saying…’’ Sierra gave me a pointed look. “I need to know when you’ll be back.’’

“Why? Is anything important happening?”

“Halloween celebrations have started, so I found us a few parties to attend. I’ll send you the details later.’’

I winced visibly. “Parties? No, thank you. I’ll skip.’’

Sierra frowned. “You skipped last year, too. I’ve found some good ones.’’

“I’m over partying at this point,’’ I explained. We were nearing our thirtieth birthday, and although I wasn’t opposed to going out from time to time, as of late, I found myself enjoying a quiet night with a glass of wine and a good movie.

Sierra looked like I just killed her puppy, so I had to fix that awful look of pure despair on her face. “I’m not going to say no to a costume party, though. So find one, and I’ll see if I can make it.’’

Her eyes brightened before she quickly hung up the phone, promising that she was going to find us a great party.

“You’re finally free,’’ Micah scowled, strolling into the room with nothing but a pair of grey sweatpants on. He was wet from the shower, his hair messy. He was drying it with a towel, but my eyes were glued to the bulge in his pants.

That damned outline.

Those damned gray sweats.

My worst fucking enemy.

“You’re acting like she’s your arch nemesis.’’

“That’s because she is.’’ His scowl only deepened as he strolled further into the room. “You don’t talk to your family nearly as much as you talk to her. Sharing your attention is… less than appealing.’’

“Deal with it,’’ I said firmly. “She’s my best friend and she’s here to stay.’’

“Not for long,’’ he grumbled.

I blinked, searching for any signs of humor on his face. There weren’t any and that made my mouth drop open in pure shock.

“I don’t know what’s going on in that twisted head of yours, but you will not touch her.’’

He snorted. “Of course. Why would I when there are many people who could do it for me?”

“Micah, no.’’

He didn’t respond immediately and walked over to me. I stood up from the fluffy carpet and tried to look intimidating, but in comparison to his height, I was like a squirrel.

His hand came to my neck, and he pinned me against the wall, while using his free hand to hold both of mine, caging me between his body and the wall.

“Listen carefully, Bambi, because I will not repeat myself.’’ His mouth came dangerously close to mine and his entire body pressed into me. “Your attention should solely be directed toward me. I don’t do well with competition because I got rid of all of them. She won’t be an exception.’’

“She’s my friend and my personal assistant. I love her.’’

“And you should tone it down. Business is one, private is another. Start paying attention to me more and she’ll continue to breathe.’’

“You cannot be serious.’’

His hot breath hit my nose, the smell of nicotine and whiskey bringing out goosebumps. My entire body ached for his touch, deprived from all the insanity that he was able to give me.

“Behave and you won’t have to find out.’’

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