When he opens the door, I see he’s already showered and dressed for the day.
“We need to get breakfast started. This day has to be perfect,” I say.
“I’m with you on that,” he agrees, following me to the kitchen.
We walk into the kitchen and find we aren’t alone.
“Lane, shit. How’d you get in here?” I growl.
“I broke in,” he smirks, like it’s nothing to just break into someone’s home.
“Wanted to see how the eye was,” he says.
“Wow, your concern warms my heart and as you can see it’s healing,” I state sarcastically.
“I want her,” he says.
“Who?”
“Briar. I want her. You need to stay away,” he snaps.
“She’s not property. You’re a real dick, you know that? You insult her and just think that she’ll fall into your lap. We’re kind of together. I like her, nothing is changing that.”
“We shall see. Watch your back, you might lose something precious,” he snarls and pushes past me for the door.
“What is your problem? We were friends. Friends don’t stalk friends or treat others like shit,” I sneer, “I’ve always been good to you.”
“I don’t think you have. You were just using me for money. I see you’ve done well,” he waves his hand around.
“You know my story and where this house came from and I’ve made my own money. I don’t need yours,” I snap at him.
“Maybe she is using you,” he taps his head as if he’s thinking.
“My sister isn’t like that,” Thorn growls.
“Watch your mouth, kid,” Lane snarls at him.
“You need to leave,” I say to Lane.
“She’s mine, King. And it’s only a matter of time before she sees that, before she remembers,” he says.
“Stay away, Lane. I’m warning you.” I hiss. “Find a new gym.”
Lane’s face flashes with anger and then it’s gone. But I’m not prepared when he flies across the kitchen and clocks me in the face. Fuck, that hurt.
“I’ll get everything I want. This, your car, your girl, it will all be mine.” And with that, he walks out the door.
“Are you okay?” Thorn asks me. I know I’m tense, my body tight with rage right now.
I take a deep breath before turning to him, “Yeah, I don’t know what his problem is. He has girls throwing themselves at him. What does he want with Briar?”
“I don’t know,” he shrugs.
“Well, let’s not let this ruin the day,” I hold a frozen bag of peas to my eye that Thorn got out of the freezer for me. That’s twice in like a week he’s hit me. I almost thought he broke my socket but he didn’t.
I won’t let Lane steal what’s mine, I will fight for her.
Briar