Page 52 of The Devils They Are

"Easier if you come here," Tai shouts back. "There's only one of you."

Shaking my head with a little huff, I concede—but only because realistically it makes sense, much to my disgust. But also, I'm not afraid to step into their territory. Yes—that's the reason. Not because my body begs to get closer to Rylan.

Their eyes stay trained on me as I cross the room, and when they sit back down in their makeshift thrones, I roll my eyes. "Really?" I ask, pausing in front of them.

"What?" Rylan asks, feigning innocence. "Just resting our legs. We did a lot of standing."

"You did a lot of losing," I shoot back with a smug look. "In many ways. Lost some money, did you?"

Rylan's jaw tenses up, but it's Hunter who speaks next.

"Enough. I already have a headache forming and don't need you to add to it."

"Am I a headache?" I ask sweetly. "Shame."

Hunter stands suddenly, jumping down from the platform. "Let's just get this over with. You need to cover the costs."

"Me?" I repeat, somewhat offended by his demand. "It was your guy that destroyed it."

He shrugs. "Take the win and take the fall, Duchess."

My teeth grind together. They know very well that we don't have access to money as easily as they do.

"No."

Hunter's eyes flash dangerously. He takes a step toward me, and I tip my chin up, holding his gaze. "No?"

"Did I stutter, Hunter?"

"Fix it or else," he threatens.

I can't resist the urge. "Or what?"

"You're on our tuff, Duchess," he says, riling me up again with the nickname. "We'll move the fights to Willowbrook grounds. I'm sure I can swing my father's approval—it's convenient, after all. Since we're all there together anyway. I hold no guilt about having a home ground advantage."

"Do you really think your father is going to let you move the fights to his precious school?" I taunt. "Please—I see right through your bluff. We'reriff-raffto him. It would draw attention from the authorities."

Hunter steps closer again. Our chests touch as he gets right in my face, unwavering. "He might be the dean but he's a Willowbrook Wolf through and through. He'd be willing to turn a blind eye if it meant putting you in your place."

I ignore the personal threat to his statement, raising an eyebrow. "Given Mayor Astor's current position in this town, I'm not the least bit surprised to hear that your father is corrupt. I bet they are in bed together too."

"Watch it, Spencer," Rylan growls from behind him.

Hunter shakes his head slowly, lips pulling up. "At least I have a father, Duchess. Mine actually stuck around for me."

Okay, fuck the personal attack on me before.Thatwas uncalled for.

Since I can't slap or punch him from this angle, I have little choice but to just shove him back, trying to disperse some of this built-up frustration. My hands connect with his chest as I throw my weight through my palms.

Hunter stumbles back from the force since he has no time to prepare and find balance. Immediately, any sense of control and equilibrium he had vanishes from his face, rage taking its place.

"You fucking bitch," he snaps, lunging forward.

His hand wraps around my throat, squeezing all the air out of my body. I throw my hands up, one to his wrist and the other to his neck, digging all my nails in as I choke him back. We must look quite the sight, the two of us trying to dominate the other with mutual choke holds.

"Okayyyy," Tai says in a sing-song tone, jumping off the platform. "Let's chill, yeah? We're getting off topic. How about Hunter and I head home, and Rylan, you can sort this out?" He pushes in between our bodies, forcing us both to let go of the other.

Hunter and I glare at each other heatedly, neither backing down. There's a jingle of metal and a flash of silver as Rylan throws a set of car keys to Tai.

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