Page 89 of The Reluctant Hero

An onslaught of texts started around two in the afternoon. They’re useless texts with one letter followed up byan,are you awake yet? Then a,how’s the hangover, and an evil face. I thought it might be Shade. He’s proven himself to be pretty sassy and quick with the comebacks. It wasn't until Max started venting about his girlfriend’s pregnancy that I figured it out.

I binge-watch a show on my phone and have junk food delivered. All in all, it was a perfect day—as long as I ignore Max.

Monday morning dawns with a lot of dread. My motto is now to be quiet, get a paycheck, and get out. The money is worth the hassle—the game isn’t. I can knuckle under for a little longer, and now I can find a lawyer without leaving the comfort of my apartment.

I step out of the complex, ignoring the taunting sight of the mailbox, and stop in surprise.

Ace is waiting for me with clenched fists and grinding teeth. He doesn’t stop pacing back and forth a short distance from the door as his eyes narrow on me. The predatory stalk is a little concerning. His shirt is wrinkled like he slept in it.

“Good morning?” I ask hesitantly, raising my eyebrows. This is not how I expected my day to start.

“No, it ain’t,” he assures me.

Both brows go up in surprise at the almost violent tone.

My phone chimes, probably a text from Max, and Ace’s eyes narrow on my purse.

“You got a new phone?” he asks softly. The sound of it is dangerous as his eyes slowly drift up to meet mine. He’s no longer moving.

“I did,” I answer in confusion.

“When?”

“Saturday,” my brows start to furrow at this weird interrogation. Why is he here? And asking me questions like a jealous boyfriend? We shared one kiss, I got brushed off, and we haven’t spent any time together since.

“Give me the number.”

My eyes widen at the demand. I’m left gaping as he stalks closer to me.

“You didn’t show up to the gym Saturday, and I couldn’t find you. I was good yesterday, and I let you be because you were safe at home. That’s over now.”

Everyone kept telling me I was missed on Saturday, and they made it sound like something dramatic. Is he why?

“What did you do?” I give him a stern look.

He leans back, his overbearing attitude taking a backseat for a minute. “What do you mean?”

“South caught up with me at the mall, and we hung out. She said I was missed like it was a big deal, and I blew it off. What did you do?”

“I couldn’t fuckin’ find you, woman! I lost my shit!” His face begins to redden in anger as his volume rises.

I’m back to gaping at him in disbelief.

“I’m right here and fine,” I sputter out.

“I see that,” he seethes. “I saw it last night when I broke in to see if you were home yet. Reekin’ of liquor and passed out. What the fuck were you thinkin’, Manda?”

“We took shots every time South threatened bodily harm to someone. I guess I am pretty lucky to be alive.” Now that I think about it, a phantom headache revisits me. “And we were safe! Designated drivers and all the bells and whistles. Did you just say you broke into my apartment?”

“I did,” he snarls. I’ve read about that sound but never heard it in person. It’s pretty intimidating. “I don’t give a fuck if you’re mad about it. I was losin’ my mind!”

“Why?” I can’t help the complete surprise on my face which seems to make him madder.

“You wanna go out drinkin’? Fine. No problem. With me. Or Mikael and Gabe. Even those fuckers Cade and Jake. Notwith people we hardly know that are dangerous as fuck! Not with none of us knowin’ where you were or if you were safe.”

“Too bad,” I laugh in his face. Not the best call, but he’s pissing me off. No one gets to call the shots on what I do anymore.

“Too bad,” he starts panting with rage, and I want to backtrack quickly when his voice drops lower, almost to a whisper. “You’re two seconds away from gettin’ hauled across my lap, and your ass walloped. Change the tone before you dig deeper.”

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