Page 181 of Traitor

Something in her tone sends alarm bells clanging inside my head. Fucking suspicious. She's cooking something.

"Ria..." I groan, a warning in my voice.

Temper sits straighter, her gaze darting between the two of us, suspicion creeping into her expression. "What? What happened?"

Ria grins wide, ignoring my growl completely. "It's time I come clean about something, Tempe. You know, in the interest of honesty and friendship."

"Fucking hell," I mutter, running a hand over my face.

Temper narrows her eyes at Ria. "Spill it."

"Fine. You see, you took your revenge on biker boy here, but I felt like a little bit more was needed. Something to drive the point home for good, you know?"

Temper's brows furrow and then her eyes widen with delight. "Ummm...what did you do?"

"Oh, nothing much," Ria announces triumphantly. "I just stole his number from Tank's phone months ago, and—" she pauses dramatically, clearly savoring the moment, "I might've sent him a few details and some carefully selected old photos of you and Griffin from back when you two were still having your little 'fuck buddy' situation."

Temper's eyes widen more, mouth opening slightly in shock. Her head snaps toward me. "She what?"

I feel heat rise in my face, jaw clenched tight. "She fucking tortured me. Pretended that shit was still happening, sending me goddamn texts at all hours."

Ria shrugs unapologetically, eyes sparkling with amusement. "I only stopped just before the paintball match." She checks her nails, unbothered. "He needed to learn a lesson and I was more than happy to teach it."

Temper looks stunned, then slowly starts to laugh. Softly at first, but soon it's loud, full, genuine. She turns toward me, eyes dancing with humor. "You didn't think to ask me? You just let her torment you?"

I scowl, irritation mingling with embarrassment. "It wasn't my place to ask you shit back then. And even if I'd fucking asked you, you would've probably just confirmed everything, out of spite. I just..." I pause, glancing away, admitting reluctantly, "I couldn't fucking block her. Needed to know what was going on with you. Even if it drove me crazy."

Ria clasps her hands together, looking deeply satisfied. "The dildo of consequences rarely comes lubed, biker boy. I told you that once before. I figure by now you've learned that very important lesson."

Temper laughs harder, leaning into me, her hand touching my thigh in comfort. "She really knows exactly where to bite, doesn't she?"

"Yeah," I growl softly, relaxing against her touch, despite myself. "She stays true to her demon self. But I'd suffer the wrath of a thousand Rias to get to you, baby."

Ria makes an exaggerated gagging noise, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Disgustingly romantic. Get a fucking room."

Temper squeezes my leg lightly, her smile softening into something warmer. "Thanks for the honesty, Ria. I was wondering what happened and this one refused to say a word. And I kept forgetting to ask you. Just...dial down the sadism against Bones a little in the future, we're over that part now. We're trying something new."

"No promises," Ria grins wickedly, standing and brushing imaginary dust from her apron. "Anyway, my work here is done. Enjoy your coffee, lovebirds."

She saunters off, leaving us alone. Temper chuckles, turning to face me fully, her eyes tender. "You're a glutton for punishment, Bones."

I sigh, pulling her closer. "Maybe. But I'd rather suffer every damn day for a chance to be around you."

Her eyes soften completely, warmth flooding her expression. "Lucky for you, I don't plan on torturing you anymore."

I grin, feeling the tension drain away, replaced by something infinitely better. "Thank fuck for that."

Paintball rematch

Temper

The obstacle-ridden field stretches before me, bright splatters from the brothers fucking around with the paintball guns earlier decorating every surface. I grip my own gun tight, determination humming under my skin. Bones stands across from me, smug and confident, already looking like he thinks he's got this in the bag. The bastard.

"All right, baby, choose your warriors," he teases, folding his arms across his chest.

I narrow my eyes at him, feeling that familiar spark flare to life. "You're going down, big man."

He just chuckles, entirely too amused by my declaration.

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