Page 40 of Judging Duke

“He really got under your skin. When Ziggy told me, I didn’t believe it. You really want to fuck him, and unless I’m very much mistaken, he’d enjoy it if you did.”

I stopped dead in my tracks and looked at him, not believing what he was saying.

“How can you say that? He hates me for what I did.”

“Hate…love. It’s a very fine line, and one I think the pair of you would cross.”

He was talking through his arse. Although I couldn’t deny the attraction I felt towards Simon. The brief kisses we’d shared. That night outside the bar when I would have gladly dropped to my knees to please him.

“It’s ridiculous. I have a client soon. I’d best get going.”

I usually showered at the gym, but I didn’t want to run into Simon again and grabbed my bag out of my locker.

“Tell Ziggy I’ll call him.”

But fucking fate had other ideas as the door opened and I ran into Simon’s hard body.

Could my life get any worse?

“Get out of my way.”

I shook my head. Arrogance dripped from his voice.

“I don’t think so.”

I stumbled as he shoved me, almost falling on my backside.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?” He was seriously pushing every damn button I had. At least I didn’t have to contain myself this time around.

“The guy that’ll knock you on your ass,” he said, sneering.

“You tried that last time.”

“And I succeeded. It wasyouthat ran, not me.” He puffed out his chest, posturing.

“Name a time and place.”

“No, I won’t. You’re not worth my time.” He had some fucking nerve.

“Now, guys.” Marc approached, hands out in front. “Calm down. Let’s not fight.”

“He can’t fight. He runs every time like a fucking coward,” Simon said.

That was it. The last fucking straw.

I dropped my bag to the floor and swung for him, my fist connecting satisfyingly with his jaw.

Marc stepped between us, his muscular arms holding us apart.

“Enough. Both of you.” He glared at us. Usually the calm one, he was pissed. “Duke, pick up your bag and get out of here.”

“But…”

“But nothing. Pick up the bag and leave. I’ll deal with you later.”

I picked up my bag, muttering under my breath at the unfairness of it all. Simon should have been laid out on the floor, but he was grinning from ear to ear.

That was until Marc turned to him.

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