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“You’re right. I should fantasize about you murdering everyone on my behalf. I know you’re capable of it. You just need the right training. The right protection. Fuck, if you get worked up enough, you could probably take on an army of assholes. Rip their hearts out.” Cooper chuckles at the thought, the seriousness of his voice finally lightening.
“All while wearing stilettos in a bikini.” I can’t stop the smile from crossing my face, hearing him laugh a bit harder.
“That visual is fucking sexy, isn’t it, Coop? I can see why you’re out here in the hallway. Is the little minx teasing you too much? She just loves going straight for the balls. I swear her number one weapon is the ability to summon eternal boners.” Monroe’s deep voice laughs huskily, the sound so musical. I could listen to him forever.
“Nah, it’s not like that. She looked kind of bitey, and you heard what Lawrence demanded.” Cooper remains even-toned.
I frown because I might’ve thought it was like that. Am I disappointed? Maybe.
Monroe growls and something crashes against the door. “Let’s get one thing straight. I’m not stupid. I know what Hayley does to people, and I’m offended if you lie and deny your attraction toward her. I don’t like that shit. Be honest. I’m not going to cut your dick off. We’ve made an alliance. But don’t think I won’t stab you for not being upfront.”
Shit. What he says is confusing. I feel as if I need to talk to him. Sawyer and Knox too. Because I never expected this sort of reaction. I mean, they cut people up and steal and stab and all sorts of crazy-ass shit on my behalf. I know they include Cooper in the Bella Crew because he knows things that we don’t, but...
The door clicks open and nudges my back as if Monroe knows I’m leaning against it. I scramble to my feet and hug my arms across my body, meeting his silver flashing gaze.
“Hey, little bird. Are you trying to get Cooper to let his guard down so you can bite the hell out of him?” Monroe runs at me, his fangs peeking out. “Or do you enjoy his company?”
I blink a few times, not exactly sure how to respond or react.
My first instinct is to say what I think he wants to hear. That’s how I always respond to things that could end badly. I wish it were easier to remember Monroe wants me to be truthful and to never pretend.
“Hayley, you don’t have to be afraid to tell me anything. It’s fucking fine if you like hanging out with this baby vampire. He’s all right looking. Gives you blood sometimes. He even brought you a lame-ass orange, which was smart of him. He couldn’t have survived watching you eat a damn banana. Not with how your hunger makes you deep throat the phallic fruit.” He cracks up at his own comment, his laughter making me giggle and shake my head. Even Cooper can’t help himself, because he chuckles from behind Monroe.
I lift and drop my shoulders, knowing he’s still waiting for me to respond. “That’s only when you tease me. That guy was handfeeding me how I like. And to answer your question...” I stroll closer and step into Monroe’s open arms. Cooper stares at me, our eyes meeting from over Monroe’s shoulder, but I try to pretend that he’s not hanging onto my every word. Standing on my tiptoes, I brush my lips to Monroe’s ear and say, “He’s nice. Cute. I’m not sure what else you want me to say.”
“Do you want me to tell you what I want you to say? Because you know that shit’s not going to happen. I’m not putting words in your mouth. I’m just trying to let you know that you don’t have to be worried. I know you’re my girl. I also know that flirting is how you survived. I just don’t know if there’s anything behind it.” His voice remains low, the whisper at a pitch that I don’t think Cooper could hear.
“I don’t know either. You’re mine. I belong to you, Knox, and Sawyer. Right now, that’s what matters to me, okay? Everything else is just in the air. I don’t even want to think about it. I don’t really want to talk about this either, if that’s okay.” Because it’s true. If I think about it, I might start getting anxiety. Like I just said, Cooper is nice to me. He’s attractive.
Monroe leans back and touches my cheek. “That is perfectly fine, little bird. I can’t help my need to remind you that you can talk to me about anything. I’m not going anywhere. I’m not going to get pissed off if you like someone that isn’t me...if it wasn’t obvious.”
I nod my head. “I’m sorry. I’m just...thanks for reassuring me. This is hard to wrap my mind around. I love you. I never want you to be pissed off at me.”
He raises an eyebrow. “That will never happen...unless you go trying to save my ass and get hurt or some shit when you know I can take care of myself.”
I smirk at Monroe. “What? So, I can’t be your hero?”
“Aw shit. Sounds like someone is going to test Monroe’s fragile masculinity if he keeps that attitude up. I mean, come on. I’d let Hayley save my ass any day. Would be so hot. I know she has it in her, especially after seeing her during the Fright Fights.” Knox materializes in the hallway with Sawyer by his side. The two of them give me a long look as if they want to rush into the room and have another moment, just the four of us, but neither of them tries.
“As much as I want to talk about how badass our girl can be, we have to prep. The vehicles are ready and Lawrence is waiting outside. I don’t want him to act like a fucking worse asshole than he already is, so let’s not keep them waiting. We have to pick our battles carefully the next day or so. We’re going to be on our home turf, but we have to consider everyone as our enemies at this point.” Sawyer stands tall, his biceps pressing against the tight fabric of his T-shirt.
“Cooper, get your shit too. You’re coming with us. Lawrence sees value in having someone he knows he can use to fight.” Knox pats him on the back. “But don’t get too excited. I don’t think you’re going to get to see much of La Vega. You might have to stay with him for the meeting. I’m not exactly sure. He’s not telling us anything.”
Without a word, Cooper disappears to head back to the room he now calls his own to grab a couple of things.
Sawyer and Knox enter our hotel room, and they shut the door. I realize they might’ve sent him away for a reason. They obviously want to talk to me.
“Hayley, we’re going to be heading into La Vega, and you’re coming with us. We need you to be prepared for anything. We’re not on either of their sides, and the plan is to make sure they stay against each other. If they are enemies, then it’s easier for us to sneak by. We’re going to get in contact with the Strip crews, and we’re going to keep you there. You’re not coming back here. Do you understand?” Sawyer keeps his voice a whisper against my earlobe. “Lawrence isn’t making it back here either. He’s not going to survive. I promise you that.”
I slowly nod my head in agreement. I want so badly to believe his promise, but if I do, I might be let down if it doesn’t work out.
All I can hope for is to survive all of this myself.
I have a feeling if I get stuck between Alexander and Lawrence, I won’t be going anywhere with the Bella Crew. The two of them will rip me apart.
Chapter 19
HOMEBOUND
