Page 26 of The Monster and the Masochist

She smirked at him, making it clear that she knew exactly what his name was. She was just toying with him, and I was literally about to explode over how awkward this entire encounter was.

“My bad. Have a good night, Nolan. Cassandra. Text me later.” She winked at me, and I opened my mouth to snark back when her gaze landed on something over my shoulder.

She froze, and I watched the blood drain from her face.

Suddenly, all my irritation evaporated, and something close to panic erupted in my chest.

Theo was never scared. Why did she look scared?

I glanced over my shoulder to see what could have possibly put that look on Theo’s face, but there was barely anyone in the bar. Just Edmund saying goodbye to that creepy reverend guy.

“Theo?” I asked, reaching out to touch her exposed forearm. Her skin was warm and soft, but there was so much lean muscle rippling beneath my fingers that I found myself wanting to dig my fingers in deep, just to see how strong she really was.

Her throat rolled as she swallowed, then her dark eyes met mine, and whatever look I’d thought I’d seen was suddenly gone.

She was back to her cool, suave self, and she gave me a lazy smile.

She reached out and touched her finger to my chin lightly, and my breath caught in my chest.

Outwardly, she appeared fine, but the finger on my chin was trembling.

“Catch you later, princess. Get home safe,” was all she said before ambling out of the bar with her hands in her pockets.

“Theo!” I called dumbly after her, but she just ignored me, which was another red flag.

What had just happened?

Something had happened. I knew I wasn’t imagining it.

I just didn’t know what.

My mind was racing, and I was feeling conflicted.

Something was wrong.

Something told me I needed to make sure Theo wasn’t alone right now, but I didn’t know why. It was like an instinct, but… what was I supposed to do? Chase her out into the street?

Suddenly feeling like I needed another drink, I bit my lip, fighting the urge to literally hunt Theo down and demand she tell me what it was that had made her look like that.

Before I could make a decision, Nolan turned to me, his mouth a firm line.

“That fucking dyke is in love with you,” he growled.

I froze.

My monster snarled.

The word dyke rolled over me, and time seemed to stop.

‘Can we kill him now?’ my beast drawled lazily, and I almost said yes.

The way Nolan said it made something in my brain snap.

He’d said it like Theo was this disgusting, shameful thing, instead of the smart, brave, infuriating asshole that had helped save both my brother and sister’s lives.

She’d risked everything to help Ryan and Vox rescue my siblings. She’d suffered a stab wound. She could have died.

The memory of Theo lying up in bed, pale, weak, and suffering, flashed through my mind, and my stomach churned again with nausea.