Page 42 of The Retreat

“Is your marriage real now or still fake?” He gives me a sardonic smile.

“It’s a wonder Isaac can tolerate living with you.”

“I’m at work all day and then fuck him to sleep. I’m sure he has no complaints.”

I groan plugging my ears and stand. “I’m leaving. I need to go ask if I can practice with the Gods until I start with the national team.” It’s the last thing I want to do, because exercise. I know it will help my mental health and anxiety but will to live and motivation make it hard. I’m really hoping being back in the team environment will make it easier to not be a slug on the floor of my apartment.

I get a car to campus and talk to Coach. He, of course, loves the idea of having heard all about the national team invite. He’s so excited about it he insists I stay for practice tonight.

When we walk out of his office, Colin is all smiles with Ryan Abbott. All over him in a way I’d never registered before.

My ears ring, and my vision narrows.

But not in the panic attack way.

In a ragey I’m-going-to-kill-that-motherfucker way.

I can’t figure out what is happening to me or why I suddenly feel like murdering the guy smiling at my husband.

Is this jealousy?

I try to stay in my body and not let my feelings run away with themselves. My chest is tight, my heart is beating fast, and my blood is on fire.

Is this how Oliver feels with Isaac?

This is awful. I hate it, and I want it to stop.

I strongly consider becoming a murderer to get it to stop. It is the easiest route. And it would solve a lot of my issues, like the interview with the New York Times tomorrow about being the first openly gay fencer. Jail also sounds kinda nice, although overstimulating.

Colin leans in and practically puts his fucking lips on the guy’s ear, and I see red.

I stalk across the room, sabre in hand.

SIXTEEN

Owen

Shock colors Colin’s face when he finally sees me.

Ryan looks between us. “Owen.” He extends his hand. “Nice to see you. Congratulations on the National Team.”

I drop my gaze to his hand, then lift it to meet his, squaring off to him. “I’m going to skip the pleasantries, Ryan. If I so much as see you looking my husband’s way again.” I lift the tip of my practice sabre, shoving the tip just under his sternum. “I’ll give you a new hole for every fucking infraction.” I flick the sword another half an inch forward so he can feel the burn of the dull point trying to force its way into his skin.

“Your husband?” Ryan blinks. “Are you trying to get me on the Godfrey’s bad side?” he says to Colin before turning to me. “I had no idea. I would never have…”

I cut him off. “I don’t need excuses. He’s mine.”

Colin is fuming when Ryan backs off, but before he can open his mouth, I lift my sabre to his throat.

“I don’t want to hear it. That was considerably more than flirting.”

“What?” he plays coy.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I demand. “You can’t fuck him.”

“If you aren’t going to, someone should.”

“How will that reflect on our marriage? I thought you wanted your parents to buy this.”

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