Page 37 of Rivals & Revenge

“Your form is shit today.” She quipped, dragging me from my thoughts.

“Fuck off.” I huffed, but the words held no heat. Somehow along the way, quite unintentionally, Connor had become a friend. Someone I didn’t mind taking shit from.

Her laugh bounced off the walls, the only warmth in the frigid space as she walked over chewing on something she obviously wanted to say.

“Spit it out.” I said, already bored with the conversation.

I tore at the wraps, flexing my hands as I freed them, not bothering to meet her gaze.

“You kissed her.” She said, her tone more curious than accusing.

My eyes found hers, expecting her usual loud, brash voice, not the quiet, almost—gentle tone.

“Yeah.” I nodded. No point in denying it. “I fucked up. Royally. I get it. She already gave me an earful. I sure as fuck don’t need it from you, too.”

“I know.” She sighed heavily.Apparently, she was going to tell me, anyway.

“Look, Ahren, I think maybe you don’t understand—” she bit her bottom lip, her eyes searching mine. After a few minutes, she nodded and continued. Whatever she was searching for, she must have found.

“Do you remember at the grove telling me how light she was?”

I nodded, a spark of confusion slipping through me.

“She’s tiny, Ahren. Much smaller than you. She’s staying in your house—”

I turned away, waving her off.

“That tiny girl you’re so worried about could kill you sixteen different ways before you had a chance to get the pepper spray out of your purse.” I smirked, picturing some of her more gruesome handiwork.

Her head bobbed along with my words, seeming to agree with me, but I knew with Connor it was never that easy.

“She’s lethal. Absolutely. But she’s also wounded. Yes, she’ll recover, but until then—”

I knew. Fuck, did I know. Waking up on that table four days later feeling like I’d been eaten by a bear. I had never felt so weak and vulnerable in all my life. I was used to being strong and lethal, and within a few sluggish heartbeats, Connor was helping me to the toilet.

My breath rushed out, my every argument abandoning me as I took in the naked concern in her eyes. “I know, Connor. I know. I’ll fix it. Promise.” I said quietly, offering her a small smile.

“You care about her.” She murmured.

“Not that I have any idea why.” I scoffed.

She laughed—actually fucking laughed at me.

“That’s not how it works, Ahren.”

Three sharp raps on the open door drew my attention. Tierney stood in the doorway, and for the first time, I allowed myself toreally see her. Her off-kilter stance, shoulders raised like a shield. Her arms ramrod straight, forcing herself not to fidget, and her eyes that watched my every move, but couldn’t quite meet mine.

I had no doubt the woman before me knew how to use vulnerability to get what she wanted. Hell, maybe she did it frequently. But this—this wasn’t vulnerability, this was weakness—frailty. Something she would never want seen by anyone, but especially someone like me; a rival—a threat.

Connor’s smile widened, her head swinging between Tierney and me. “You two behave. I have a date to get ready for.”

“That goes double for you.” She murmured to me under her breath.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Tierney said, her timid voice only confirming my earlier suppositions.

“Nope. I was leaving anyway.” Connor said, waving her off, already heading for the door.

“Did you need something?” I asked quietly, only now clocking she was holding the leather-bound box, one of the few items I had that belonged to my mother.

---