Page 150 of I Was Always Yours (RCA: Royal Crown Academy)

She turns to watch him go, her eyes narrowing at him as she walks into her room. “Did you come in through the window, you psycho?”

“I thought you’d be in your room,” he speaks softly to me, his arms closing around me and pulling me against him.

I smile. “I was with Thayer.”

He tips his chin at the woman in question and I hear her smug reply from behind me. “There’s a whole door right there.” She points. “Come on Phoenix, even Rogue and Rhys aren’t this obsessed.”

He glares at her. “Why don’t you ask Rhys what he did with Devlin’s tongue after he cut it out of his head.”

She blanches in response, but a pounding knock at the door interrupts her reply. Nera comes back into the living room, this time fully dressed, scowls at Phoenix and goes to open the door.

She takes a step back and turns back towards us as Rogue and Rhys walk into the apartment.

“See, Phoenix? This is how you use a door.” She points sarcastically at the entryway before looking at our new visitors. “Although what are you two doing here?”

Rhys spots Thayer and walks to her, his expression faltering when he sees her pale face. “Are you alright, love?”

“I might have told her about your little trophy.” Phoenix answers for her.

He stands with his chest to my back, his hands resting protectively on my hips. He’s been doing that ever since he tattooed me a couple of days ago, his hand always finding its way to rest possessively over his mark.

Rhys gives him an exasperated look and sighs. “Did I do something to piss you off this morning and you haven’t told me about it?”

“No,” Phoenix replies with a shrug. “I had to prove a point and you were collateral damage. My bad.”

Rhys turns back towards Thayer and crushes her against his chest. “Come on, love. You knew I took care of him.” His jaw sets and his eyes darken. “I won’t apologize for that.”

“His tongue?” She asks, her distaste clear.

“I did give him a choice,” he says, lifting his hands defensively.

“Where’s Bellamy?” Rogue asks from behind us.

“She had to return a book at the library,” I say and Rogue’s smile turns downright predatory. “She’ll be back soon.”

She walks in at that exact moment. “Hey! Oh, everyone’s here.” She says with an easy smile. “What are we doing?”

“That’s what I was just asking,” Nera replies drolly as Rogue crosses in front of her and walks up to kiss Bellamy.

“We came to take our girls to dinner.” Rhys answers, nuzzling Thayer’s cheek who looks completely mollified.

“Oh. Well, have fun.” Nera says, turning on her heel and heading back towards her room.

I want to stop her, to say she should come with us, but Phoenix speaks first.

“You’re coming with us, Nera.” He announces. He doesn’t turn to look at her, his gaze fixed on my lips as they stretch into a pleased smile.

“You want me to seventh wheel your date?” She asks, dubiously.

Rogue turns towards her, his arm wrapping loosely around Bellamy’s shoulders as he does so. “You’re welcome to bring a date if you want.” He tells her with a knowing smile. “Have anyone in mind?”

“No,” she answers, flushing pink.

“Are you sure?” Rhys asks, the picture of innocence as he looks at Phoenix. He returns his stare before jumping in.

“If you’re not, we have someone we can suggest. Mind you, he’s a little older–,”

“Yes,” she grits out, cutting him off. “I’m sure.”

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