Page 46 of Raising Hell: MMF Edition

Amon

Cas is an overprotective watch dog as he whirls around, baring his teeth at Ruby’s ex. “You dare let my girl’s name leave your pathetic lips?”

Drama queen.

Only the need for a united front keeps my eyeroll in check.

My approach is more subtle, staring at Johnny with a glower that makes him visibly wilt.

I don’t break our stare-off as I bend over, pressing my lips against her shoulder and nudging the strap of her dress until it slips down her upper arm. He tracks the movement, and my voice is deadly calm as I say, “Eyes up here if you want them to remain in your head.”

His eyes rush to mine before flickering over to Ruby, who leans against me with Cas standing in front of her, shoulders thrown back and chest inflated.

Johnny doesn’t know where to look, nervously darting between us, not lingering anywhere for more than a few heartbeats. The brunette he’s here with stands a few feet away, arms crossed and annoyed.

Finally, a tiny over-confident smirk curls on his lips as he focuses on Cas, deciding he is the lesser of two evils. “Yourgirl, huh? If she’s your girl, why is your buddy back there with his hands all over her?”

Stupidandbrave. Dangerous combination.

“Why? Jealous?” Cas returns his smirk with an even snarkier one of his own. “Rubyismine,” he says as he half-turns, pressing into her side while still staring at Johnny. “Aren’t you, baby?”

He moves his eyes to Ruby’s green ones, softening in an instant. Her smile is sweet as she tilts her chin up, silently requesting something Cas will never deny her. “Sure am,” she murmurs, right as his lips meet hers.

The tick of Johnny’s jaw as he watches them kiss gives me endless pleasure, and I let a devilish grin spread across my mouth. “Stop hogging our girl.” Cas chuckles as he releases her, making room for me as I claim her lips.

Johnny’s gasp is loud and dramatic, and when Ruby hesitates, I grip her chin and hold her in place. “Now, now, love.” I pull back just enough to look her in the eyes. “A queen shouldn’t have to interrupt herveryimportant business for a mere peasant like him.”

“You are absolutely right.” She flashes me a smile, and I steal another kiss while her ex stammers.

“What… what…” He scoffs, and I release her lips and wrap my arms protectively around her middle. She’s almost purring with contentment as Cas slides his arm around us both. “What is this? Some sort of sick—?”

Cas and I both tense, on the verge of pouncing, when Ruby takes a small step forward, shoulders squared.

Our rose has found her thorns, it would seem.

I can’t wait to watch her stab something.

“Sick?” Ruby interrupts, anger marring her voice as she addresses him for the first time. “No, this is a loving relationship between three people who couldn’t imagine life without each other.”

Something deep in my chest rages at her words. It thrashes and screams, demanding me to tear her clothes off and fuck her right here… claim her in front of him and everyone else in this building.

I resist the urges, if barely.

Confidence radiates off Ruby as he stares, dumbfounded. “It’s a tough concept for you, isn’t it? Given your struggle to satisfy one partner, I’m sure you can’t comprehend the idea of two.”

He recoils, and I can almost see the blood dripping off those sharp thorns from the prick.

Her attention shifts to the woman who stands behind Johnny. “Hi.” She lifts her hand in an awkward little wave, and I can’t help the grin that twitches on my lips. “What’s your name?” she asks, her normal gentle aura returning.

“Danika,” the girl says, uncertain as she uncrosses and recrosses her arms over her chest.

Ruby gives her a kind, genuine smile. “Well, Danika, I hope the two of you are happy together.”

Dredging together the scraps of his dignity that remain intact, Johnny somehow manages indignation as he interrupts. “Of course we’re happy! We’re getting married!”

Ruby ignores him.

“I understand what it’s like to think you’re the center of Johnny’s universe,” she continues, pretending her ex doesn’texist. “Enough time has gone by that I hope he’s changed, and loves you in the way you deserve, but if he doesn’t… well.” She trails off, wearing another sweet smile as she glances up at me and Cas before refocusing on Danika. “If he doesn’t, don’t settle for less.”

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