Page 23 of Cries of Cassie

"She better not snoop through my shit," I grumble, hating that I sound so pouty. Cassie is nothing to me. Yesterday was the first time I've ever spoken to her anyway.

Koa slams a plate of French toast down in front of me and stomps off before I can grab him and teach a kinky lesson in respect. My man doesn't even grunt in annoyance. He and Ripley have been a bit on edge because our house guest hasn't come out of her room since snatching her bags from the hallway.

Is she ungrateful or afraid? Or maybe she's just pissed because we're a bunch of assholes. That thought sounds like something my dad would say.

Ripley’s frown is dark when he glares at me. "Shut your fucking mouth."

"Jesus, Rip. I didn't say anything. You really going to let her come between us?" Why...why am I poking the possessive bear? I'm worried Maddox will be worse when he finally decides to go all in on her.

"The only way Cassie's coming between us is sexually, so stop with that bullshit. We all know you have feelings for her. It's only a matter of time before your mom and dad kick your ass for denying yourself happiness," Koa states calmly with his back to us.

The mention of my parents makes me angry. A psychologist would probably tell me that I don't like being hit with the truth, and my defense is to deflect. My parents will be so disappointed in me when they find out. "And you guys? Will you kick my ass? How about Maddox's? He's done worse."

"I have," the man in question mumbles as he enters the kitchen.

I watch him wrap an arm around Koa's waist and kiss his neck, muttering a thank you for breakfast. Koa practically melts, irritating me. Why does Maddox get morning love and I get breakfast thrown down in front of me?

Mads takes a plate from Koa and seats himself at the kitchen table diagonally across from me. "I don't like that she's here either, Parker, but she's safe under our roof."

Ripley snorts a taunting laugh and shoves his plate away. With his arms crossed and his glare now fixed on Maddox, he lays into him next. "The only reason you don't want Cassie here is that now you have to face the damage you caused."

"I was protecting her," Mads growls, white-knuckling his fork.

This conversation won't go well, so I grab a toast stick and settle in. At least for the moment I'm not on the receiving end of scowls and harsh truths.

Rip rolls his eyes but doesn't lose the ferocious glare. "That doesn't mean you weren't in the wrong. But you're the definition of communication issues. What if she had been ready to move in with us when you guys were dating seven years ago? We could be happy right now and she wouldn't fucking hate us. You broke it off with her, lied about why, kept secrets from her for years, and used her as a cum bank all in the name of love?"

Internally, I brace myself for the all-out brawl that will most likely ensue from Ripley's words. I'm sick of this argument. The only good thing that could come from Cassidy being here is finally settling this shit. Our relationship can't move forward until we put the topic of Cassidy to rest.

Sure enough, Maddox sends his chair clattering to the floor and punches the table with the side of his fist. "DON'T FUCKING CALL HER THAT!"

Unperturbed, Ripley raises an eyebrow. "Why, just because you made sure to use a condom?"

Once again, the shrill sound of a phone ringing stops them from murdering each other. It's Koa's. The man's face goes pale when he sees the caller ID. We really need to work on his game face.

Sitting up a little straighter, I try to listen in when he puts his phone to his ear. "Fuck. Thanks," he says. "We'll follow."

"What?" Maddox demands as soon as Koa hangs up.

I can tell Koa's hesitant to share, which must mean it's about Cassie. That realization has me out of my chair faster than I care to think about. Thankfully, we don't need to pry the information from him.

"She left a few minutes ago."

"Probably used your verbal sparring match to drown out the sound of the front door," I mutter and turn on my heel.

Our home system plays a tune throughout the house when one of the doors opens. It's saved us a few times during a particular sexy fuck fest when the prospects think they can just walk in. They get firm talking tos. If we want to fuck on display, we will. But this is our home for privacy and comfort.

Which I no longer have due to our new guest. I don't bother questioning why I'm the first out the door to find her. If she's going to stay with us, she needs to stay.

Finding Cassidy in the club garage on her back with her tits high in the air beneath Ticket's bike almost makes me lose my shit. Why the hell is he down there too? Their bodies are on opposite sides while pointing at something near the tire. Her tiny shorts let her asscheeks hang out with her knees bent. Fiery red hair sprawls around her and the jack, painting a horrific intrusive thought in my mind. If that thing falls on her⁠—

"PET!" Ripley shouts, face red, eyes wide with worry. Koa immediately swats him in the stomach and rushes forward when Cassidy screeches and bangs her head on something solid.

"Nice job," I drawl through clenched teeth. I might not want the girl around, but I don't like seeing her hurt either.

All Rip does is grunt and rush after Koa to help Cassie stand. I watch with my arms crossed, feelings on lockdown.

"Ticket," Maddox calls, his face a solid piece of granite. He's pissed, and Ticket can definitely sense the impending doom on his walk over.