Page 27 of Cerberus's Branding

“Who is it?” I ask. I don’t know anyone who would want to visit me here at the clubhouse.

“Jon Coleman.” When he answers, Azrael looks to Cerberus.

I follow suit to see Cerberus’s jaw tighten and his hands clench into fists.

Oh.

This isn’t a good idea for Jon to be here. Not with Cerberus and me . . .

“Want to explain why Jon would be visiting the clubhouse to see you?”

Jon and Cerberus don’t get along. Or they didn’t before I left for college. Jon wanted to date me well before I started it with Cerberus, and he didn’t let up in the time we were together. It caused trouble,though Cerberus didn’t have anything to worry about. Not then and definitely not now. Though we’re still new.

Very new.

I’m only just allowing myself to admit it secretly within my own head.

The fact Jon is here comes as a surprise to me, but not really. Since he found out I was back in town, he’s been in contact. A couple of times, he’s asked me out. I don’t know why. I used my breakup with Dex as an excuse for not being ready to date, but if he’s here, there’s no way he won’t see me and Cerberus together and know I’m with him.

This could end up being a colossal fuck that ends with the two of them fighting. God knows I hope it’s not what’s going to end up happening.

“I don’t know why he’s here,” I answer truthfully.

“You talk to him since being back home?”

Of course, Cerberus would ask this.

“I’ve run into him a couple times. And before you ask, yes, he asked me out. Though, I told him no each time. I wasn’t ready to date anyone.” Okay so maybe I shouldn’t have added that last little part because Cerberus cocks a brow and stares directly at me.

“Azrael, we’ll be out in a minute. I’ve got to havea word with my woman before we come deal with our company.”

“Right.” Azrael grunts and chuckles. “I’ll let Reaper know.”

The door closes, and I guess it’s Azrael that shuts it for us, considering Cerberus doesn’t take his attention off me.

“Why is Jon wanting to ask you out?” Cerberus asks, his tone filled with annoyance.

“I don’t know.” I huff out, knowing exactly where this conversation is going to lead. “How about you ask him? Maybe he just wants to date me. Did you ever think of that?”

Cerberus closes the distance between us and presses me against the wall behind me. “Cool it with the attitude, Ember. You always did this shit back then. I’m not dealing with it this time around.”

“Seriously,” I snap, narrowing my gaze, hoping to give him the glare to end all glares. “You want to blame me?”

“Not blaming you, Em, but you got to admit, I’m right, he was constantly in our business back then. Good ol’ Jon wanted in your pussy something terrible. He wanted what was mine. And it looks like he still wants what I’ve claimed.”

“Claimed?” My heart nearly stops at one word.

“Yeah, claimed,” Cerberus says, dipping his head until we’re nose to nose, hands caging me in on either side. “You’re mine, Ember. My woman. My ol’ lady. I’m not some punk like back then that will put up with shit like this. Not anymore. You’re mine and I’m not going to let some needle dick come between us.”

Needle dick?

Did he seriously just call Jon a needle dick?

I can’t help but start giggling at the thought.

“Ember,” Cerberus growls, his fingers come to my jaw, forcing me to look up, “none of this is funny.”

“Yes, it is. You called Jon a needle dick?” I say and start giggling all over again.

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