Page 134 of Possession

He doesn’t answer or give me a chance to ask further.

He leaves me rooted in my spot by the door and turns for the men. They look as confused as me, until the very last second when Brax loses his meticulous, unruffled composure.

From Micah’s expression, I bet he doesn’t think it will happen either. He barely lifts an arm.

And that’s his first mistake

The scene plays out in slow motion in my confused brain. That is, until Brax’s fist connects with Micah’s jaw. The sound echoes around the room.

“The fuck?” Micah growls as he stumbles back two steps holding his face.

“The fuck is right. What did you say to her?” Brax charges again, but this time Micah is ready. He blocks Brax’s second punch and puts his hands to my husband’s finely-pressed dress shirt to shove him back.

“No!” I scream.

Tim and Cole both take a step back to avoid getting hit by flying fists. Tim crosses his arms and shakes his head. Cole casually slips his hands into his trouser pockets while wearing the same grin he has since we arrived. He looks like he’s taking in a comedy show—not two partners duking it out.

Overme.

Blood seeps from Micah’s lip. “I didn’t do anything you wouldn’t do, asshole. You’ve turned into a pussy-whipped freak who can’t see that she’s only a cartel princess. She was a pawn to stir up shit between the organizations. Wake up, Cruz. She’ll get you killed, and you won’t even see it coming because you’re too busy playing house in that fucking mansion.”

“Brax, please stop,” I call, but it’s too late.

He’s incensed.

Brax charges. Micah flies backward. Glasses teeter and tip on the dining table. A chair crashes to the ground. And Micah lands on his back.

“I did not see this coming,” Cole notes.

“They’re going to get us kicked out,” Tim complains.

Finally, someone steps in, but it’s not Cole.

Tim steps in front of Brax, planting a hand to his chest. “Is this the kind of attention you want to attract while you’re in a room full of government agents?”

Brax doesn’t answer. He reaches around Tim and points to his partner who’s sprawled on the floor. “You had no fucking right. You don’t know her or half the shit she’s been through. You talk to her one more time without my permission, I’ll hand you your balls after I rip them out through your throat.”

Micah pulls himself to his feet and touches his thumb to his lip before squaring off with Brax again. “I’m doing what we do—what we’ve always done—have each other’s back. You’re in so deep, sometimes I wonder if you even know which way is up.”

“I’m there every day, Micah. I’m fucking aware of my reality and hers.”

“Don’t go back,” Micah grits. “It’s time to wrap this shit up. We have enough to take down everyone.”

Brax shakes his head. “I’m not done.”

Cole finally says something. “And this, boys and girls, is what we came here to discuss.”

I thought Brax was tense when he went after Micah, but that was nothing. He turns to the side and stares at Cole. “What?”

Cole points between Brax and Micah. “You two done?”

“No way,” Micah bites at the same time Brax counters, “Landyn is none of his fucking business.”

I can’t stand here another moment and watch Brax fight with his friend on my account. I move from the spot he told me to stay in and take his hand in mine. I pry his fist open and force it to relax. “I’m fine. Micah was just looking out for you. It’s okay.”

“I’m glad you’re fine, because you aren’t going back,” Micah spits as he glares straight at me. This time it’s my turn to tense as he keeps talking. “It’s been decided.”

Brax looks between the three men in the room and pulls me to his side. “What the hell are you talking about?”