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"Because he needed to hit me. We lied. We deceived him. I did exactly what he told me not to do. He was filled with rage and needed an outlet. Though, I have to admit, for a second I thought he was going to be cool about it."
Me too.
"He flipped like a switch. There was no stopping him. One second, he was collected, and the next he pounced."
"I didn't even realize he hit me until my ass was on the floor and his fist was in my face again."
Images flash through my mind of Max on top of Leo, causing a shiver to run up my spine.
"I'm sorry you had to see that, angel." Wrapping his arms around me from behind, I stare at our reflection in the mirror. Even after cleaning his wounds the best I could, he still looks broken and bruised.
"I'm sorry he caught you off guard. I'm sorry he reacted the way he did. He had no right—"
"He had every right. I've said it before and I'll say it again: if the situation were reversed, I'd probably act the same way. He loves you something fierce, Evie."
"Yes, but he has to let go of the reins. I feel like I'm living under a microscope sometimes. He's always watching, injecting himself into every part of my life."
"So tell him that. Talk to him. Make him see."
I don't want to talk to Max at all right now, and I have a feeling he has no interest in talking to me. Not after I almost outed him in front of everyone important to him. There's a reason he keeps his relationship a secret. I don't know what it is, but I know there has to be one. Brady wasn't as forthcoming with those details as he was with her name.
Which honestly shocked the hell out of me.
Max has never mentioned her. Never talked about anyone special. I've never seen him with a girl for longer than a night. And even then, none of them have been her. Which tells me that she's special.
She means something to him.
More than he probably wants to admit.
And he just denied her existence, denounced their relationship in front of everyone who matters to him.
It was Brady's idea to invite the Zetas to dinner. He thought having her there would soften the blow of my relationship with Leo. And I think it might have, at least a little.
It was also ammo I didn't want to use, but Max pushed me too far, and I ended up using it anyway.
"Angel, say something," Leo says, kissing the side of my neck. "You're starting to worry me. You look like you're hurting, and the last thing I want is for our relationship to be the catalyst that destroys the bond you have with your brother."
"It won't. He just needs time to absorb the fact that we didn't listen to him. He's not used to people going rogue. He didn't become president of the Kappa house by showing weakness. The guys respect him for a reason. You respect him for the same reason. He's a natural leader, and he exudes confidence in everything he does. He expects the brothers to fall in line and listen. And they do. We didn't. He's not used to not getting his way, Leo."
"Are you telling me he's throwing a temper tantrum?"
"Basically."
Leo laughs. It's a deep, chest-rumbling laugh as he holds me tight. I can feel his body vibrating against mine, but when I press my body back against his, sinking deeper into his hold, his laugh fades.
"Don't start that now. We have a lot to talk about, angel."
But I can't help myself. I grind my ass against him, a groan slipping past his lips. His hands grasp my hips, holding me in place and taking control of the situation, of his own pleasure. Holding me hostage, my body trapped between his and the counter.
"This is not how this is going to happen, Evie. I meant it." Thrust. "We will talk first." Thrust. "You need to be sure about us before we take this any further." Two thrusts, my lips parting as I feel moisture pool between my thighs. I watch our reflection in the mirror, his eyes locked on mine. His soft honey-brown eyes have darkened to a shade of chocolate I could get lost in, telling me exactly how turned on he is right now. If the bulge in his pants hadn't already clued me in. "And your relationship with your brother needs to be repaired first."
The mention of Max brings me down from my high.
Leo releases me and takes a step back. I grip the counter for balance, staring at my man in the mirror.
My man.
I like the way that sounds. He's everything I want and more than I ever expected to find. Not as a freshman in college, maybe not ever. But I'm so glad I did.
I'm thankful he chose to rush the Kappa house. If he hadn't, we may have never met. Even with all the bumps in the road, I know I don't want to give him up. I can't. Walking away from Leo would be impossible.
The realization doesn't startle me the way it should. I think I've known for a while. Last night was just another bump, but I trust him.
"We should eat before the food’s all gone." Leo opens the bathroom door, reaching out and offering me his hand. "And after, you'll be my dessert."
There's a wicked smile on his face as he ushers me downstairs. I miss the safety of the bathroom. The comfort. The security. Especially when I notice Max sitting at the head of the table as we walk into the dining room.
