“History that could’ve been different, better even, if you hadn’t screwed her over.”
“Let’s just say we’re using each other for personal gain. She wants something from me and I want something from her.”
He shuffled in his sneakers. “I can guess what she wants from you, but what do you want from her?”
“To reclaim my childhood.”
“Bullshit.”
“You think I’m lying?”
“The only reason you’re dating her is because she’s mine. You cannot stand for me to be happy, so you take everything that means something to me. It’s been this way since we were kids and you still haven’t changed.”
“Dramatic.”
Pointing his finger at my face again, “You take take take for no reason but to see me suffer. Then once you’ve grown tired of her, you’ll dispose of her, just like you did with Amber and Kristie.”
“Who?”
“Your fucking whores. Remember them? You don’t even know their real names, you fuckwit. Amber and Kristie. Tattoo their names on your brain, asshole.”
“Cattus is different,” I said smoothly. “And my interest in my harem girls has waned.”
“She’s only seeing you to get you to confess about being the king of the After Dark club.”
“I’m sure that’s only one reason. And I’m fully aware of what she’s hoping to get out of me. Obviously, a confession is never going to happen. However, I might entertain other pursuits while she’s here, like the good ol’ days.”
His nostrils flared like an angry mule and I had to stifle my laughter. “Do not hurt her,” he warned slowly.
“I have no control over her reactions to my choices.”
“I’m not just talking emotionally,” his glare almost sucked the lifeblood out of me. “Do not hurt her physically either.”
I snorted in disgust. “As if I would. Look, lil bro, this may come as a shock to you but I really care for Cattus-”
“You don’t even call her by her real name!” he bellowed.
“And I want nothing more than for her to be happy.”
“Say her name,” he hissed.
“If being happy is being with me part time-”
“Say her fucking name!”
“Then I say why not. We can play off each other. Like a trade. She can try and hunt down the infamous king of the After Dark club,” eye roll, “who she obviously thinks is me and in return I’ll maybe…suck on her pussy.”
He flew at me and held me in a tight chokehold. “Say her fucking name,” he said leveled.
I smirked; barely able to breathe the clasp was so tight around my throat. “I taught you well, Art.”
He squeezed tighter. The look in his eyes was magnificent. I wished I was in a better position, so I could take a picture and add it to my art collection.
My head grew tight as the air and circulation drained from my neck. I didn’t care. I reveled in this type of activity only one tiny squeeze away from death.
One.
Tiny.