Page 48 of Commander in Briefs

“Where you going?”

“To get some milk.”

She scrunches her face with a sour look. It drives her crazy that I have to have milk every night before bed. She thinks it’s so gross, but she’s not a milk drinker. I don’t hear her complaining too bad when she’s suspended against the wall getting her brains fucked out. Protein, baby. Protein is what makes that happen.

“Want anything?” I ask, just as she’s snuggling under the covers, nestled in the indention I just left.

“No, thank you. Hurry back.”

I nod and leave, happy to have some space.

I agreed to this. This fucked up arrangement. I agreed to let another man live with my girl. To nurture him. I am a fucking idiot. What the hell voodoo did she just pull on me?

The kitchen is dark when I open the fridge, searching for my coveted milk. Anniston switched to organic a few months ago. I can’t tell the difference and don’t really care how many antibiotics I’m consuming but she does, so I drink the organic shit without comment.

I move my Mountain Dew to the side, something we keep on hand when I’m agitated. Anniston read that it can calm an ADHD person. I didn’t believe it at first, but one night when I couldn’t seem to calm down we tried it, and it worked. She now keeps a few stocked just in case. I don’t drink them any other time for fear they may not work if my body gets used to them.

Grabbing the milk, I pour myself a glass and start to chug right there in the light of the refrigerator. I know, I’m wasting resources, but it will only take me a minute. I’m midway when I hear a scratching noise. The fuck? Does she have rats? I hate rats. I need to call an exterminator.

This old plantation house draws in all kinds of animals. Once, we found a family of chipmunks in the dryer vent. Now, I have a guy on standby to make sure he keeps the creatures away. I am no farmer. I may have been raised in the south but a country boy, I am not. I do not do animals or… strays.

Speaking of strays. Cade’s body comes into view in the narrow beam of light, sitting in a chair at the table. His eyes are droopy, it’s obvious his sleeping pill has kicked in too. I shut the fridge and silently move past him. I’m not sure how long he’s been there but I don’t care to be in his presence any longer than I have to be.

“She loves you.” I stop at his confession.

“I know that.”

“You don’t deserve her.”

“I know that, too.” What’s his deal? Why tell me this? This is not a secret.

He smirks. Fucker. It gets a rise out of me just like he intended.

“Let’s get one thing straight, stray. Just because I am allowing this little project does not mean I approve of it. You keep your fucking hands to yourself and eyes off my girl. Get your shit together. Let her think she helped you and get the fuck out of here.”

The chair scrapes against the tile as he stands, coming chest to chest with me. “You better watch your fucking mouth, asshole. She may let you talk to her that way but I have no problem fucking up that pretty face for some damn peace around here. Apart from what she may tell you, you are not as charming as you think you are.”

I practically growl. “Stay away from my girl.”

He smiles, pushing me back with his chest, and whispers, “Make me.”

“Theo!”

Anniston. I look down the hall, but she hasn’t come down.

“Run along, little bitch.” He gives my chest a final tap with his.

I snap back around, ready to whoop Cade’s ass here and now on the kitchen floor. Fuck him! But for once in my life I take the high road and turn away, leaving Cade chuckling in the dark. He may have gotten the last laugh, but he won’t get the girl. It’s time to stop running. It’s time to stop playing. It’s time to claim what’s mine.

Brace yourself, Anniston, I am about to blow this friendship to hell.

---