Page 60 of Pretty Little Threats

“People are either pissed off or laughing, and that’s good for business.” He runs his hand down the rumpled shirt covering his stomach. “I’m looking forward to bulking up this winter.”

Crue isn’t big on the family business, because he’s too busy enjoying his late twenties. Can’t say I blame him, but if he wants to stay in shape, he’ll need to lay off the heavy drinking. We train with the same person. It’s how we met. Actually, he mistakenly thought I was there to fill up his water. He quickly learned that he was wrong once the trainer put us in the boxing ring together. My lips twitch at the memory of laying him out.

Crue sighs. “You’re thinking about when you kicked my ass, aren’t you?”

“It’s one of my favorite memories.”

He pulls a face. “You need to get out more. Most of my good memories involve a pretty woman on her back.”

And that’s enough to remind me that Rose could come home at any second. My jaw clenches and my smile falls.

“Shower. Clothes. Car. Leave.”

“You’re always so moody,” he grumbles but trudges up the stairs and into the guest bathroom he’s used on more than one occasion.

While he’s cleaning up, I text his bodyguard Aaron.

Aaron

Thank you. Crue snuck off, again.

Dare

Isn’t it your job to keep track of him?

You try when he leaves his phone behind and disappears.

Remind me to never hire you. Be here to pick him up in 20.

I set my phone on the counter and hang my head, trying to rein in my impatience. The selfish desire to keep Rose all to myself is unhealthy, considering how much she hates me, but it’s real, and I’m not going to deny myself. Being born into wealth, Crue has lived a lavish life and never had to worry about anything, including women. They fall at his feet as soon as he smirks.

Jealousy roars to life at the idea of Rose worshiping him.

Get it together, Dare. Keep your head on straight. She’s Joseph’s daughter.

But she’s also mine, and once my assistant drops off the paperwork, she’ll be a Richardson.

Crue finds me in the kitchen a little while later. He’s wearing a fresh pair of jeans and a shirt, old clothes I no longer wear. They’re a little loose, but it fits with the rocker persona he tries to embody. Truth is, his parents would never approve of him being a musician. The Rollins own the industry; they don’tmakethe music.

“I texted Aaron.”

Crue grins. “Was he pissed?”

“Yup.” I cross my arms. “You can’t keep showing up at my doorstep.”

“Not you too,” he groans. “I don’t need another lecture about growing up.”

Shrugging, I hold his gaze. “Maybe it’s time. What happened to your last girlfriend?”

“She cheated on me. Fuck that. Love isn’t going to be some magical cure, man. What the hell is the conversation?”

“Why are you so mad about it?”

He glares at me and shakes his head. “Whatever. What about you, Dare? When are you going to stop walling yourself off? When was the last time you let a woman in?”

Rose’s face flashes through my mind. Glancing away, I sigh. “You’re right. I worry about you, is all. What happens when the glory days are over?”

“I’m not going to waste my energy thinking about the future,” Crue says with a shrug.

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