Page 84 of Wicked Devotion
After finishing my cigarette in a few long drags, I put it out against the sole of my boot and shove the crumpled-up butt in the plastic wrap covering the package.
You can’t just throw them away, Logan, that’s bad for the environment.
The fact that I am doing what the dumbass says, even now that he’s not around because he’s busy with his new favorite toy, ruins my mood some more.
“Get your fucking shit out of the truck. I’m not your servant,” I bark out as I enter the house, slamming the heavy wooden door shut behind me.
“And you,” I say, pointing at Lily. Max cocks his head to the side and puts his arms around her, almost protectively. “You’re sleeping in my room.”
“But—” Lily stammers, squeezing Max’s hand.
“That was an order, not a suggestion.”
“No,” Max says, stepping in front of her. “I won the right to share a bed with her.”
“That was at Ruby’s.” I take a few steps, coming closer until Max and I are standing face to face.
“Remember what I said about overstepping your boundaries, Vaughn? Cause it doesn’t seem like you do.”
“I’ll gladly hand you your ass again,” he says. “Lily, go over to the living room and start the Xbox.”
“Oh no,” I say, a smile spreading on my face. “We are going to settle this my way.Like men.”
Max exhales sharply, his eyes narrowing as his minty breath hits my lips.
“Lily, over here,” I say, and they both follow me out as I walk over to the backdoor and out into the garden.
Since Max took me furniture shopping and I found out how expensive all of this shit is, I prefer to spar outside. Another benefit is that no one has to wipe up blood after.
Upon reaching the small clearing, Max takes off his jacket. And after a moment of consideration, also his shirt.
“Seriously?”
I raise my eyebrows, and Max grins as he hands Lily his stuff.
“Seriously.”
Lily seems a bit overwhelmed as I throw her my jacket before I get in a fighting stance in front of Max.
“Same rules as always. You tap out or lose consciousness; you lose. No weapons, no biting. No. Biting.”
Max’s first blow comes so fast that I lose my footing for asecond.
“Nasty fucker,” I snarl, stalking over to him.
He’s a damn good fighter, but I know his weak spot. His ego. So, when Mr. Wrestlemania turns his head to make sure Lily is watching, I slam my fist into his stomach and wipe the cocky grin off of his face.
He stumbles and tries to regain his defense, but I am faster. Before he can react, I’m behind him, my arm tight around his neck. With a strangled laugh, I make him face Lily.
“Are you sure you want to sleep in a room with him? Be honest, sweetheart, you can’t really think that this guy right here could defend you against anything bigger than a raccoon—“
My words turn into a breathless groan as Max slams his elbow back with so much force that my organs cry out for help.
“I can keep her safe,” he snarls, slipping out of my grip.
He lodges his leg between mine to get me to trip, but fails. Instead, a well-placed blow to his cheek combined with him missing my foot when he takes a step back is enough to makehimland on his ass.
There’s a hint of fury in his gaze when he scrambles back, something I am absolutely not used to. Max tries to get up, but my foot on his crotch stops him from moving further.
