Ace, Remi, and Conner pretend not to watch us, but they suck at discretion. I’d feel silly if it wasn’t for Cole’s hand on my hip, the way he hugs me to his side while he eats his food.
Instead, I like it.
I more than like it.
Part of me loves that, in this moment, it feels like I’m a part of their family.
That I’m his.
Until my eyes meet Ace’s across the counter, and he asks me a silent question. One I can’t accurately answer yet, even if I’m almost certain I know what the answer is.
It’s a harsh reminder that although Cole’s walls came down a little last night, he’s still keeping secrets.
And so am I.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Cole
I don’t need to look over to know who’s just knocked and walked in. I sense it.
“I need you to stop looking at Hadley like you want to fuck her,” I state, my eyes still locked on the ceiling.
“Oh yeah?” The amusement in his voice makes my fingers curl into fists. “And why’s that?”
“You know why.”
He mumbles as he thinks. “Nope, sorry, bro. It doesn't seem like I do.”
Pushing from the mattress, I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, planting them on the floor. “Just stop it.”
“Why?” he taunts, his eyes narrowing on mine.
“Because you’re not going to get to fuck her,” I seethe.
I watch as he stalks across my room and drops down into the chair by the window after tossing off the pile of clothes.
“That’s a damn shame. I bet she’s mind-blowing in the sack. That night wasn’t—”
I growl, my lips pursing as I push from the bed and take a step toward him.
I might have only got into it with Ace last night, but I don’t have any qualms about taking this motherfucker to the ground as well.
“Don’t even think about that night,” I warn.
He relaxes back and looks out the window. “Can’t help it. The noises she made, how she tastes.” He’s out of the chair before he even realizes I’ve moved, and I have him pinned up against the wall.
His eyes flash with achievement and I curse, realizing I’ve been fucking played. “You gonna admit it yet?”
“Nothing to admit.”
“You’re even more fucking stupid and delusional than I thought. One too many hits to the head with a fucking football, if you ask me.”
My grip on his shirt tightens.
“Admit it.” My eyes narrow, but he isn’t done. “You want her. All. For. Yourself.”
I shake my head, unable to accept his words. “She’s too good for me.”