Page 237 of Sorrow & Strangers

“Rafe wants a muzzle,” I say, exhaling deeply.

“He’s backsliding,” Max says, his eyes flashing green with annoyance.

I nod. “He’s saying he won’t come back to classes without one.”

Max’s jaw tenses, the muscles feathering. “He’s decided that’s the reason Mira blew him off, as if that makes any sense at all. He’s such an idiot.”

“Will you talk to him?”

His face softens. “Of course. He’s my friend too.”

“He’s your boyfriend,” I say with a smile, feeling the burden lessen a little.

“You’re still a dick,” Max says, flipping me off.

I blow him a kiss as I leave the gym, but by the time I get home, I am irritated again. I slam the door to my room so that Rafe knows I’m pissed and pace my room, furious about the whole situation.

My phone pings.

Unknown

What’s wrong?

I continue to pace.

Summer

Nothing.

I keep pacing, but then I slam into an invisible wall of muscle and strong, warm arms wrap around me.

“Princess.”

“Hi,” I say grumpily, looking up at him.

“Hi,” he says, tucking me against him. “What is it?”

“Rafe,” I exhale, the safety I feel with him allowing the walls I created from anger to come crashing to the ground.

“Tell me,” he says, cupping my cheek.

“He wants a muzzle.”

“Why?” he asks, his frown deepening.

I exhale. “Because he says he’s dangerous.”

“Is he?” the stranger asks, tilting his head.

“What? No!” I say, pulling back to look up at him.

“Then why does he think he is?” he asks, watching me.

“Because he’s a moron,” I snap and push out of his arms to start my pacing again.

“There might be more to it than that,” the stranger says, catching me and pulling me back against his chest, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

I grumble and slip out of his arms, sitting on my bed.