Page 73 of Stick Handled

“And you didn’t think for one goddamn second that maybe this wasn’t a good idea?” My voice rises, the disbelief and fury blending together.

Lexi shrugs, completely unfazed. “To be honest? I thought you’d be pissed about the whole picture thing—”

“Thepicture thing?” I ask, cutting her off again.

“Yeah,” she says, rolling her eyes like it’s no big deal. “The one I sold. The one of you and that girl on the ice. What’s her name again? Abby? Anna?”

“Avery,” I grit out through clenched teeth.

“Right. Her.” Lexi shrugs again, a smug smile playing on her lips. “Honestly, I thought you’d be mad, but when Rowan texted, I figured he wasn’t holding a grudge or anything. You guys must have a pretty open thing going on with her.”

I freeze, my fists tightening at my sides. “What thefuckdid you just say?” She thinks Rowan is with Avery.Jesus Christ.

Lexi tilts her head, giving me an innocent look that’s anything but. “Well, I mean, she’s hot and all. No wonder y’all mess around with her, but if you’re into girl-on-girl action, I’m sure she could join us—”

The sound of my fist slamming into the wall cuts her off. She jumps, her eyes wide as she stares at the crack in the plaster.

“Shut the fuck up,” I growl, my voice low and lethal. My chest heaves with the effort of holding myself back. “Put your goddamn shirt on, Lexi. Now.”

My attention is already moving past her to the window.

And that’s when I see him.

Rowan. Standing by his living room window. Arms crossed, smirking like the asshole he can be when he’s in the mood to make someone’s life a living hell.

My teeth grind together, the knot in my chest tightening. The pieces fall into place so fast it makes my head spin. He set this up. He wanted Avery to see this. My pulse pounds in my ears as I glance up at Avery’s window, my stomach twisting when I spot her through the crack in the curtains. She’s sitting on her bed, her knees pulled to her chest, her shoulders trembling.

She looks absolutely broken.

Oh, baby, no. No, no, no.

It feels like someone just drove a knife through my ribs and twisted.

I whip back around to Lexi, my fury reaching a boiling point. “Get your shit and get off my property.”

Finally, she obeys, slipping the tank top over her head, her lips pursed in a sulk. “Jesus, Damien, no need to yell. You’re no fun anymore.”

“Fun?” I laugh, bitter and sharp. “That little stunt with that picture is gonna cost you. Look at me.” She does, her eyes cautious. “I’ll make sure you never set foot inside the Panthers’ headquarters again. So, spare yourself the embarrassment and don’t even try.”

“All this just because Rowan forgot to tell you about our arrangement?” She places her hand on her hip, her phone already in hand, calling an Uber.

“Oh, he didn’t forget,” I mutter, waiting by the front door. Lexi’s as safe out there as she is inside. This whole place is a fortress, with guards everywhere. The most dangerous thing that could happen is a mosquito bite. She’ll be fine. Yet, I still wait for the Uber’s headlights to come before turning toward my house.

Lexi’s stiletto heels echo off the pavement, and she disappears into the car. I slam the door shut so hard the whole frame shakes. My pulse is hammering, my fists clenching and unclenching at my sides. I don’t bother taking a breath to calm down. I don’t want calm.

I want Rowan’s head in a vice, and I’m standing in his living room in under a minute, the door slamming behind me with enough force to rattle the windows. He’s there, leaning against the back of the couch like he’s been waiting for me, one arm slung over the top, a smirk plastered on his face.

“That was a quick fuck. Well?” he drawls like he’s already won. “Did you two have fun?”

His tone. His fuckingtone. It’s gasoline, and my chest is already an inferno.

My blood boils at his smug face.

“You’re a real piece of shit, you know that?” I growl, stepping toward him.

“What’s the matter, Damien? Didn’t like your little surprise?” His smirk doesn’t waver.

“Surprise?” I laugh, but there’s no humor in it. “You’re unbelievable,” I snap, my voice sharp. “You think this is funny?”

---