Page 34 of King of Tides

“Who the fuck is that?” Carson growls.

I don’t like his tone. I’m tempted to flood his body with water until it comes from every orifice of his being. If Billy didn’t seem like she cares about him, I would.

“That is none of your business. I’m a grown woman. I don’t have to explain anything happening behind this door,” she says as she turns back to him.

“You gave your virginity away to some stranger? Who the fuck is this asshole?”

“None of your business. I will call you later, Car,” she bites out.

She goes to close the door, but he sticks his foot in the way. My anger rises. I flash to the hallway of the bath and return with a towel wrapped around my waist and my hair damp.

“Never mind. I found them,” I say as I step into the room.

Billy spins around with her mouth open. She takes me in from head to toe. I can smell her sweet arousal from where I stand. She winces and I know it’s because of the fever.

“Who the fuck are you?” The asshole says as he pushes his way into the apartment behind Billy. She whips around toward him and folds her arms over her chest.

“I’m her old man. Who are you?”

“Ardan, please,” Billy sighs.

I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. She melts right into me, bringing a smile to my lips. I dip my head to kiss the top of hers.

“I know you from somewhere,” he says and narrows his eyes at me.

“He’s my neighbor.”

“The biker?” Carson says incredulously.

“The one and only.”

“Ardan, this is my brother, Carson.”

I note his wince as she calls him her brother. She may see him that way, but it’s clear he has some other idea. I can read the jealousy all over him.

“Good to meet you,brother,” I say, reminding him of his place.

“You’re unbelievable, Billy. You’re pushing me away for this guy? Eddy told me I was wasting my time. I just thought … it’s always been you.”

“I’m sorry I don’t feel that way for you. Car, this really isn’t a good time to do this.”

“Right, clearly, you’re busy. Don’t worry about me. Maybe it’s time I had a change of scenery anyway,” Carson says and turns to leave.

“Carson, don’t be like that. I’ll fix it. I promise.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep. There’s no way for you to truly fix what’s been broken.”

“Carson, Carson, wait,” she pleads.

“Let him go,” I say into her ear.

He’s not going to listen to anything she has to say. I can see it on his face. She turns on me with anger in her eyes. Carson walks out and slams the door behind him.

“Why the hell would you do that? I asked you to disappear for a reason. I never wanted to hurt him like that.”

“I’m not going to apologize for being possessive over my mate. What business of his is your virtue?”

“Ardan, I had it handled. He’s my brother. I know how to deal with him. I didn’t need you to come to my rescue.”

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