“I don’t think anyone enjoyed that.” I flip through the show selections. “Least of all Terri.”
It gets quiet for a second, then Maddie softly says, “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a friend.”
I stop what I’m doing and turn to the woman beside me. “You want me to kill him for you? I’m pretty sure I could.” I’ve been kind of wishing Gavin hadn’t had such perfect timing the other night. It would have been so gratifying to punch Dillon right in his fucking face. I also would have been less disappointed at the freak-out I had afterward if I’d been able to get a shot in.
I bet killing Maddie’s ass of an ex would make me feel way better. Her too.
Her expression turns thoughtful. “I appreciate the offer, but I think I’ll pass.” She pulls one of my blankets across her legs. “I’m sure he’ll lose interest eventually.”
“I hope so.” I reach out to hold her hand in mine. “You deserve to be able to live your life without being afraid all the time.”
She gives me a little smile. “Thanks.”
My phone buzzes on the table, letting me know the delivery guy is outside. I give her hand a squeeze and jump up. “I’m gonna go grab our food. I’ll be right back.” I head for the door, pointing at the television as I pass. “Pick something to watch while I’m gone.”
“You want me to come with you?” Maddie starts to stand.
“No way.” I’m starting to understand why my brother feels the way he does about her. Maddie is sweet and kind and easy to be around. She’s also got this delicateness about her that makesme want to wrap her up and keep her safe. “It’ll only take a second. You relax.” It’s the least I can do after making her sit in a boring office on uncomfortable chairs all day.
I hustle to the elevator, quick stepping toward the exit once I reach the main floor. As I expected, there’s a man outside with a big bag of garlicky gloriousness.
I’m so excited I even smile at him as I step out, letting the door close behind me. “Thank you so much.” I reach for the bag, but before my hands can close around the plastic, he pulls it away.
That’s when I notice I’m the only one who’s smiling. His expression is hard. Angry.
A little scary.
Instead of me grabbing my dinner, he grabs me, one hand clamping down hard on my arm.
What the fuck is it with men lately? First Tan-the-Man, then Dill-hole, and now this ass?
“Let me go.” I try to wrestle my arm free but he only holds on tighter.
“Not happening.” He tugs me closer, leaning in. “Open the door.”
My brain stumbles over the demand, trying to figure out what in the hell he wants. I can narrow it down to a few possibilities. All of them end badly. “No thanks.”
“I wasn’t asking.” His fingers dig into my skin. “Open the door.”
He’s trying to intimidate me, but it’s not going to work. This time I’m going to prove how bad I would have fucked Dillon up if I’d gotten the chance. “Or what?”
A slow, sickening smile creeps onto his lips. “Or I take something from your brother, the same way he took something from me.”
32
The Night’s Young #2
Gavin
LEO’S LEG BOUNCES so hard it rocks the whole vehicle as we sit at a stoplight.
“Maddie said she was fine.” I’ve been reassuring him all day. Starting the second we woke up in the hotel, then during our match, and the entire flight home, but it doesn’t seem to be working. He’s still agitated and antsy, and it’s starting to make me agitated and antsy.
“She didn’t sound right.” He rakes one hand through his hair. “She said everything was fine, but I could tell some thing’s wrong.”
I can’t fault his argument. I can tell when something’s wrong with Alexis. Even when I can’t see her face.
Technically, I could call her and solve this little mystery, except Leo still doesn’t know we’re together.