Page 180 of Pucking Strong

And I know exactly what will happen next.

“Come on, man, did you die in there?” I pound my fist on the bathroom door again. I’m standing in this dark hallway as a fluorescent bulb flickers overhead. The wall behind me is covered in a sea of faded posters for everything from beach events, to missing pets, to items for sale. The music starts up outside, and the crowd surges with a cheer. I just barely hear the door lock click before the door is swinging open, nearly catching me in the face.

“Sorry ’bout that,” says Jake, stepping out of the bathroom. His cheeks are flushed, eyes glassy, hair tousled.

Caleb steps out behind him, looking a little more put together. He pats me on the shoulder with a smug, “All yours, man.”

My mouth opens in shock as I watch them both saunter away. “Oh, fuck both of you!”

Caleb waves over his shoulder, giving Jake’s ass a swat as they both turn the corner to head back outside.

Grumbling, I step into the bathroom and take care of my business. I jerk a few paper towels free, dry my hands, and toss the papers atop the already teetering pile in the trash can. I barely have the door open before someone steps into my space, blocking me from getting out.

“Hey, Ted. Long time, no see.”

I glare up into the face of Corey Lamont. He’s tall and broad shouldered, with aMad Menhaircut and a little cleft in his chin. I’d still call him handsome if I didn’t know he was such a pompousprick. “Fuck off, Corey. Forever. Or did you not get my last text before I blocked your number?”

“Oh, I did.” He grips my arm, stopping me from slipping past. “So feisty.”

I jerk away from him. “No touching, asshole.”

“I heard you got married,” he says in a teasing tone.

“And you still just had to shoot your shot, didn’t you? You’re pathetic. Let me go.”

He leans in, a sweep of his dark hair crossing his brow. “I also heard it was a publicity stunt. Something to do with Karlsson’s kid, right?”

Seriously, who the fuck is still out here saying our marriage is fake? Because I’m about to kick them in the fucking cunt. If it’s Corey spreading the gossip, I’ll kick him twice. “There’s nothing fake about my marriage.”

Corey leans in, his other arm bracing against the open doorway. “Come on, you can tell me the truth. I know that stiff Karlsson can’t possibly keep you satisfied.”

“You wouldn’t know the first thing about what keeps me satisfied, seeing as we never fucked.” I twist my arm out of his grip. “Now, get out of my way, before I knee you in the balls.”

He just grins, baring his teeth like a wolf. “You thought you were so cute, slipping my hook the last time. You left me standing there with my dick in my hand.”

Fuck, the asshole is already drunk. His breath is hot, reeking of beer. I grimace, leaning away. “I imagine it’s not a foreign sensation for you, right? Alone with your dick in your hand?”

He inches closer. “Teddy the Tuna. The one that got away. Well, I caught you now, little fish. Come on, baby. Just one taste.”

Heart racing, I dare to try to duck under his arm just as he grabs for me. He pulls at my shirt, and I stumble as he turns. We both fall against the wall. The faded posters for missing cats and used jet skis crinkle behind my head as I twist around and push on him hard with both hands. “Get the fuck off me.”

His eyes flash with anger as he recovers his balance, still trying to block my way. “You’re a fucking whore, you know that?”

“And you’re a bad loser.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. I watched Henrik best you out on that ice all night. My man beat your ass, and now you’re being petulant, trying to take what isn’t yours.”

“You owe me for being a dirty fucking tease,” he snarls. “Should be quick now that you’re putting out for that clumsy Swedish asshole—”

Crack.

“Ouch,” I cry, shaking out my fist. “Oh, fuck, that fucking hurt!”

Corey reels around, one hand rising to catch the blood now dripping from his nose. His expression is all surprise. “You hit me, you little bitch.”

“Talk shit about my husband again, I’ll do more than hit you,” I shout, adrenaline pumping. “And you ever touch me again, I’ll run you over with his goddamn Porsche. Then I’ll let Henrik fuck me on the hood while you scream. Is that clear enough for you? Teddy the Tuna is off limits.”

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