Page 29 of Pit

“Grizz reckons you’re keeping her under lock and key.”

“Ain’t that the idea of a prisoner?” I ask.

“Sure, as long as that’s what she is.”

I frown. “What are you asking me, Pres?”

He sighs heavily. “I don’t even know,” he mutters, “but, Pit, whatever is happening with you two, don’t let it go too far.”

I bristle at his words. It always was hard to pull the wool over his eyes. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t fuck her, Pit,” he says firmly. “Whatever happens, don’t fuck her. She’s bought and paid for, and if we let her walk, he’ll want her in the exact condition she was.”

His words are like ice-cold water being thrown over me. She belongs tohim. “You’re way off, Pres.” I force the words to leave my mouth before disconnecting the call. I slam the mobile on the table and clench my fists as jealousy courses through me. It’s not like it wasn’t in the back of my mind already. That’s the reason I haven’t fucked her, cos lord knows I’ve wanted to. The thoughts of sinking into her wake me through the night, which usually leads to me waking her so I can fuck her mouth.

I hear footsteps padding across the floor, and before I turn, arms wrap around my waist, and I instantly know it’s her. I immediately pull away and glance at the window to see my brothers sitting around the firepit. “What are you doing down here?” I snap.

She takes a step back. “Sorry, I was thirsty.”

“Then you go to the bathroom and drink water,” I say coldly. The last thing I need is Grizz seeing us together and witnessing shit between us. “Go back upstairs.”

“Pit, are you coming outside?” I turn to the sound of London’s voice as she appears in the doorway.

“I’ll be right there,” I say.

She leans against the doorframe, her eyes running back and forth between us. “Tessa, it’s been a few days since I saw you. Are you okay?”

“Fine,” Tessa mutters.

“She was just going back upstairs,” I say coldly.

“Why don’t you join us?” asks London.

“Because she’s not here for fun,” I interject.

Tessa brings her eyes to me, arching a brow. “Just when it suits, right?” And she spins on her heel and heads back upstairs.

London moves closer, pushing the door closed. “Okay, what was that?”

“Nothing,” I mutter.

“Didn’t sound like nothing, Pit. Are you and her—”

“Of course not,” I snap, cutting off her words. “She’s got it in her head she likes me. Probably that fucking syndrome.”

“Stockholm?” she asks, and I nod.

“Perhaps let the Pres know,” she says, eyeing me warily, and I know she hasn’t bought my bullshit. “Yah know, just so he’s in the loop.”

I step to her, tucking her hair behind her ear, “No need,” I tell her. “I’ve got it under control.” I place a kiss to her head and move around her, heading out to join my brothers.

It’s almost three in the morning by the time I stumble upstairs. I open my door to find my bed empty. I’m surprised how pissed that makes me as I stalk towards Tessa’s room and shove the door open to find her curled up in the centre of the bed, sleeping soundly. I march over and scoop her up in my arms. She immediately wakes, and I hate that she’s on high alert, like she’s just waiting for something bad to happen.

“Relax,” I whisper, nuzzling my nose into her hair. “It’s just me.”

I carry her to my room and dump her on my bed. She sits up, bringing her knees to her chest. “I don’t want to sleep in here with you,” she mutters, eyeing me warily as I get undressed.

I shouldn’t force the issue. She’s giving me an out here. I could let her go back to her room, stop this fucking insane need I have to sleep beside her, and get on with my job. Instead, I climb into bed and turn the bedside lamp out. “Go to sleep, Tessa.”

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