Page 105 of Muted

Jesus Christ.

I grit my teeth, holding back the urge to snap.Miriam. I think her name is Miriam. Susu spoke about her when we shared dinner. Said she’s a bit rough around the edges, but seems to care where Susu is concerned. I inhale slowly, then wince when she yells for Susu again.

We both look up when a door opens somewhere within the apartment. Miriam leans toward me with a low warning. “Don’t move untilIknowsheknows whoyouare.”

Yeah, okay. I appreciate her a little more now, even though I’m the focus of her distrust. She shuffles backwards, keeping an eye on me, then starts speaking to Susu before she comes around the corner.

“There’s a man here to see you. Wasn’t sure if you were expecting him, since you know… you’ve got one inthere.” She nods her head toward the wall.

I stiffen, hearing that there’s someone else here. Obviously, it’s either Theo or Chester, but I don’t want to intrude. Jealousy is also beginning to boil in my gut. I know I said I was okay with her dating more than just me, but knowing that she may have been more intimate with one of them than me, rankles.

When a blonde head peeks around the corner and her eyes widen, then wrinkle at the sides with a smile, I know she’s not upset to see me. I haven’t overstepped my boundaries.

Tightening the belt of her robe, she pads barefoot over to me. Her head falls back to look up at me. Running my eyes over her face, I can see some smudging of her mascara under her eyes as well as slightly swollen lips.

Pressing my finger to her lower lip, I ask, “Should I leave? Come back at another time?”

“You’re good,” Theo’s voice calls from the hallway. Shooting my eyes up, I see him leaning against the wall, shirtless and with his pants hanging low on his hips. He must have followed her out. I curl my lip at him, the jealousy growing exponentially. My heart is beating wildly as I take a step toward him.

Susu’s soft hand over my heart stops me, along with her roommate’s snort. “You’re going to have to give me all your secrets someday. Not sure how you’re gathering them without even talking.”

Both Theo and I stand up taller, me grunting in indignation and Theo literally growling at her. Susu huffs, blowing a strand of hair out of her face.

“Geez, I didn’t mean it in a bad way. Rein it in boys. Susu, I’m jealous of you, so I’m going to run to the store for a bit.” Miriam eyes the both of us before adding, “For a long bit. You’re welcome.”

“We should probably have a conversation anyway,” Theo says before walking back toward where I assume Susu’s bedroom is. Miriam also disappears behind him, but I stay where I’m at until I hear two doors shutting.

Dropping my eyes back to her, I ask, “Are you sure? I can leave if you want. Theo said he was going to talk with you last night, so I didn’t want to impose. I didn’t realize he was, uhh… staying the night.” Those last words come out sounding bitter, and her face softens.

“I think he’s right. Weshouldtalk. I do want you here, Vance. Please don’t doubt that.” Her voice is soft, keeping it quiet so her roommate can’t overhear us.

I nod my head and let her pull me toward her room. Stepping inside, the scent of sex assaults me. My defenses go up again when I see Theo sitting on the end of her bed, leaning back on his hands, totally comfortable, like he’s made himself at home.

His slight smirk pisses me off, but I ignore him, choosing to focus on the woman standing in front of me. She’s nervous as she twists her fingers together, looking between the two of us.

I flick another glance toward him, then ask, “So, does this mean you’ve made your choice?”

“No!” she cries out, stepping closer to me without letting my hand go.

Theo drops his head back to stare at the ceiling. “Unfortunately not,” he grumbles, then laughs to himself. I know he doesn’t find this funny and I give him credit that he’s finding this just as hard as I am.

Susu twists her neck slowly to look at him, narrowing her eyes, then points at him to shut him up. “You be quiet. You’re not being very ‘teddy’ right now.”

This time, when he laughs, it’s an honest laugh, and it leaves me confused. “Sorry. Sorry. It’s only because Icare.”

“Teddy?” I ask, looking between them.

Theo actually looks away from me when he answers my question. “Yeah. Didn’t you know? I’m just a little ol’ teddy bear according to her.” He nods in her direction and I raise my eyebrow. The last thing I’d ever compare Theodore to is a fucking children’s stuffed animal.

I wipe my hand over my mouth to cover the smile that’s turning my lips up at the ridiculous name for him. He rumbles in irritation, clearly noticing my reaction. “Watch it, piano man,” he warns.

“For fuck’s sake,” Susu mutters under her breath. “Don’t be such a grumpy bear, Theo,” she warns. There’s no holding back my laughter this time when Theo curls up from his relaxed position on her bed, dropping his elbows to his knees.

With a menacing tone laced with something that sounds like lust, he warns, “I know what will make menotgrumpy. I’ll show you if you want. I’m sure Vance won’t mind watching.” I hear the dig and wonder if Chester shared what happened that night at the bar. He flashes a knowing look in my direction and I know for a fact he knows.

Cocking my head to the side, I open my mouth to deny him, but then snap it shut. I wouldn’t, actually. But I’d rather it be me with her than him. Jerking my chin at him, I cross my arms and stare him down. “Your subtlety needs work, but you’re only partially correct. You’ve got me mixed up with your friend.”

Theo’s lips tighten in annoyance, but he can’t deny what I’ve said. Susu is just standing against me, her head turning back and forth as we bicker with each other.

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