Page 23 of Hard Ruck

“Okay, you can go back to psychoanalysing them,” I said quickly.

I didn’t needthatvisual image in my brain. Ares was nice enough, for a grumpy alphahole, but I liked Kennedy. I didn’t want to think that way about one of her boyfriends. Especially one who was like a brother to me. She was the sister I never had. Her and Sadie.

“Actually, I should get back to my family,” he said. “I saw you over here and thought I’d come and say hi. So far, I approve. Don’t make me change my mind.” He was still smiling, but there was a warning in his eyes only a fool would ignore. Even if they didn’t know what he was like, most people didn’t miss the dangerous air to him. They might put it down to him being an overprotective big brother, but they knew he meant what he said. If they fucked with me, he’d fuck with them.

He nodded and stood. After a quick hug and kiss on the cheek, he disappeared through the crowds.

“Your brother is interesting.” Frost followed him with his eyes until he was gone.

“That’s one word for him,” I agreed. I could think of a few more. Some more flattering than others. “I think it’s my turn to buy a round of drinks.”

“I’ll get it.” Dallas stood and headed off to the bar before I could make a move.

“I guess I’ll get the next one.” I sat back in my chair and looked around at the remaining three guys. “This has been…nice. No one has punched anyone yet.”

“Yet,” Atlas agreed. “According to your brother, we’re all on the same page when it comes to you.” Judging by the expression on his face, he was conflicted about whether that was a good thing or a bad one.

“Yeah, I got that too,” Storm said. “Maybe you’re all right. The jury is still out.”

“Mine too,” Atlas said. “I guess we’ll see where things go.”

“I guess so,” Storm said.

I patted them both on the bicep. “How about that, you both agreed on something.”

Frost pulled out his phone and took a photo of the three of us. “To mark the occasion. Storm and Atlas being in agreement.”

“It might be the only time it happens,” Atlas said.

“Yeah, it might.” Storm picked up the fresh beer Dallas placed in front of him and took a drink.

I smiled to myself and decided not to point out they just agreed with each other again.

This might work out the way we all wanted it to. As long as nothing else got in our way.

Chapter Ten

Frost

I’d hada couple of drinks before shoving through the crowd to go to the toilet.

“Hey.” Someone grabbed my hand.

I figured they were a ruck bunny trying to get my attention and had my excuses ready.

That was until I looked over and saw Ivy, one of the dancers from Flirts. The one I fucked before getting together with Chelsea. Seeing her made me feel like a cheat all over again.

I pushed away the irrational thought, smiled as pleasantly as I could manage and pulled my hand out of her grip.

“Hi, Ivy,” I said politely. “You’re looking, um, nice. Excuse me, I need to go to the?—”

“I need to talk to you.” She stepped closer, pressing herself to my side. Her eyes were wide, her tone a purr.

“I’m really sorry, I’m not interested.” I stepped away from her.

“You were very interested that other night,” she said. “I know you enjoyed fucking me.” She stepped closer again. “I bet you haven’t been able to get me out of your mind.”

“No I haven’t,” I said. Not for the reasons she was implying.

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