Page 33 of Powerless
"...What?"
"I dunno, that was the first thing that popped into my head. But Mariposa is what."
He got within inches of my face right then, scowling hard. "What the fuck did you do?"
"Hm, I'm gonna plead the fifth, Mr. President," I taunted. “'Cause all signs point to, she's no longer yours. Therefore, whatwedo is none of your business."
"I swear to God, Jandro," he leaned in so close, I could've caught his spittle on my face. "If you really swooped in on her like a fucking vulture, I will—“
"Jesus, Reap," I shoved him back out of my face. "Your skin is paper-thin, lately. Of course I didn't do shit. I just brought her coffee and breakfast. Even if I wanted to swoop in, she's too fucking busy crying over you."
His eyes widened, then narrowed again like he wanted to slug me for fucking with him. A resigned sigh escaped him as he leaned against his bike, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I fucked up, Jandro."
"I'll say."
"I didn't get a chance to tell her anything. Fuck, I don't even know where to begin with that shit."
"What, did you just suggest bringing other dudes into the bedroom?"
"Kind of, yeah."
"Ugh," I groaned, scrubbing my hands down my face. "You fuckers kill me. First I gotta tell Shadow why he should say good morning, now I gotta tellyouhow to not freak out a woman?"
"Fuck off. I've never done this shit before." He pulled out a cigarette, lit it and took a deep drag. "Heather used to beg me to share her. Others did, too."
"But that's like a one-night stand begging for old lady status," I said.
He nodded. "Now the one time Iwantit to happen, she goes off saying I'm just looking for a pass to fuck other women."
"Mari's from Texas," I explained. "She's probably never heard of the matriarchal groups."
"Noelle told her a little about ours but," he shook his head. "Clearly not enough." He sucked on the cigarette once more before tossing the butt away. "Women," he added with a scoff.
"Right," I crossed my arms. "This is all on you, buddy. Your ego got hurt and now let me guess, you're going to be too stubborn to man up and apologize."
"It's not that," he sighed. "I hurt her, J. When she left, I told her to leave the door open for the next girl."
"What?! Dude." I stared at him in disbelief. "You are the king of saying insensitive shit, butreally?"
"I know. I know." He rubbed his forehead. "I dunno, man, maybe it's best that I just cut her loose."
"You mean cut her out of the club entirely? 'Cause that's the only way she's gonna get over your dumb ass."
"Can't do that," Reaper shook his head. "We need her. Especially if we go to war with Tash."
"Then it's time to put on your big boy pants and send her flowers or some shit, 'cause a girl's heart can only take so much. You have to show that you're sincere."
"How the fuck do you know so much?" he growled.
"Four older sisters, remember?"
"Ah yeah. I forgot."
"What can I say, being surrounded by hot-head Latin women taught me well." I smacked his arm. "It also taught me that women remember literallyeverythingyou've ever said or done."
"I don't grovel for anyone," Reaper snarled. "Not for a woman, not for a general with a gun at my head.No one."
