Page 59 of Concede

Chapter 32

Tanner

Un-freaking-believable. As soon as the bike comes to a halt I jump off and throw my helmet to the ground. I'm furious. I barge through the front door and charge up the stairs. I can feel Maverick hot on my heels. I turn to go to my room, but he reaches out to catch my arm and pulls me into his. The last place I want to be.

“Why are you doing this?” I yell. “We agreed this was over. Now you pull this stunt so no one will ever touch me? Seriously Maverick?”

“We didn’t agree on shit.” He slams the door. “It’s not what it looks like Tanner. I’m not trying to be an asshole.” He walks towards me, but I move away, over to the couch. I need space. Distance.

“Could have fooled me.” I bring my fingers to my temple. “You know I will never have a boyfriend, right? As long as I’m here, you just ruined that chance for me.” I tilt my head back and laugh. “But that’s what you want isn’t it? I can’t be with anyone else, but you can. You can do whatever you want, with whatever whore is available.” I glance at his bed, but I have to look away. “You were with her last night.”

“I was not with her. I kicked her out.”

I find that hard to believe.

“I’m not doing th-”

“Tanner, if you will shut up for a fucking second, I can explain to you why I did it!” He shouts at me and the vein in his neck throbs.

I stare at him and drop my hands down from my head.

He sighs. “I’m sorry, okay.” He steps up to me and reaches up to cup my face. “I claimed you because I want you. Only you. I will do whatever you want me to. You want me to turn away any woman who comes near me, consider it done.” He presses his forehead against mine. “I've never done this Vix, but I will for you.”

I close my eyes. You can't trust him, Tanner. My heart wants to fall at his feet, but my logic is speaking louder.

I pull away from him. “Four days ago you looked me in the eye and told me you couldn’t give me what I wanted.”

“I know, but I’ve had time to think and I fucking hate not being with you. Please.”

His eyes seem sincere, but I’m not convinced yet. Trust and respect are earned.

“What about my brother?”

“I'll deal with him when the time comes.”

I lock eyes with him and cross my arms. “Then prove it.”

“I plan to, baby.” He grins.

Annnnd there he is. The king is back.

“I’m going to shower.” I walk out of the room.

“Okay, we can get you stuff moved over tomorrow.” He says as he takes off his cut.

“My stuff?” I pause right outside his door.

“Yeah, you're my Queen now. You will stay here with me.”

Over my dead body will I sleep in that bed.

I glance to the bed and back to him.

“You want to prove it? Start by burning that thing.” I pointed. “I will not sleep on a mattress you have fucked every woman in Louisiana on.”

His lip twitches in a small smile. “Are you giving me orders, Vix?”

“I’m the Queen now, aren’t I?” I raise a brow and slam his door.

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