Devil's Girl(26)

Then he was withdrawing, backing away again. He spoke fast. More words. Too many words and all of them excuses. “It’s not just that. I’m dangerous, Ivy. I came here chasing these two guys from my club - exiled guys, fucking monsters that I’ve been tasked with taking out. You can’t be near this. You can’t be near me.”

“Is that why they were shooting at me?”

He shook his head. “Yes and no. That was just another warning. We’re disrupting all their trade, all their shipments.” A dark look descending on his features. “Setting their kidnapped girls free. They’re pissed. Which is why you have to stay away and watch your back. I won’t have them snatching you up, too.”

“Fuck that,” I snarled, “You think these guys here aren’t dangerous? I manage. I can handle more than you think.”

But he was shaking his head. “Not like this.”

I stood up fully naked and unashamed. “If you’re gonna get your fucking panties in a wad right now then go ahead. Run off. But there’s something here and you damn well know it, and I’m not through with you. You’re hurting my feelings pretty damn bad, but I’m not through.” Then I gathered my clothes with as much dignity as I could muster and marched to the bathroom. I slammed the door as hard as I could, sat on the cool tile floor, and listened and waited for him to leave.

He did just a few minutes later. I pounded my fists on the floor and shouted with frustration. Why did he have to be such a stubborn asshole? I wasn’t looking to be his damn old lady; I knew he’d be leaving town eventually. But goddamn, was it so awful to spend time with me that he had to go running for the hills afterwards?

“Shithead,” I mumbled. I knew I didn’t mean it. With him gone, there was nothing to do but get dressed and face the day. Epic hangovers all around, I’ll bet. I’m going home and going back to sleep.



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Theo's rejection didn't put me off this time - it only made me more determined. What do you think can ever come of this? He's going to leave no matter what. Well, that was a problem for later.

I found Dawn on my way out. She was asleep behind the bar, her skirt askew and baring her ass for the world to see. They all just fucking left her there? I realized her head was lying on a pair of legs. Irish. Still fully clothed, thank goodness, his head rested on a massive bag of pretzels. At least he didn't leave her by herself here.

I felt bad for a moment. It was sort of my fault she'd gotten completely trashed and slept on the floor of the bar. There was something sad and pathetic about the sight. Maybe it's time to stop fighting. Focus on Theo. She can have the rest.

I kicked her foot and she stirred with a light snore. "Dawn."

"Mmf."

"Come on. I'll take you home." With a little more coaxing, she slowly rose to her feet and linked elbows with me as we walked out the door.

"Thanks for being nice to me," she said as she yawned. “That was actually pretty fun. What I remember, at least.”

"Oh, God, girl, you have to brush your teeth," I laughed.

She squeezed me in a quick hug before climbing into my truck. Hopefully this meant the worst of our rivalry had passed. Maybe now we'll just sink into friendly competition territory, I thought.

But part of me didn't even want that. All I wanted was Theo.





I stayed away for two days. I couldn't bear the thought of seeing Theo so soon after everything - despite my resolve, I was still afraid to face him, afraid to be rejected again. But dammit, I want to fuck him again. I want to kiss him again. He can reject me all he likes if he just keeps taking me back later.

I was getting a manicure when Dawn texted me, so I didn't see it right away. It was a beautiful day to be out and about - actually a few degrees below sweltering for once. The owner of the little salon congratulated me on winning the drinking contest and asked me how bad the aftermath was.

"I guess those gunshots must have sobered you up some," she said.

"God and all his angels couldn't have sobered me up," I laughed, "They made me sleep in a bathtub half the night in case I got sick."

"I never saw someone move so fast," she said, shaking her head.

"What do you mean?"

"The out-of-towner. The big guy. He was already red in the face and about to go after you out the door, but when we heard the gunshots he launched out like a rocket." My heart stuttered. He was watching me that night even before the guns came out.

Then when I checked Dawn's text, I wondered if maybe the stars were aligning in my favor for once. "Party tonight. Theo got one of his guys. Nella demands your presence." I was too excited to be miffed that Nella had gone through Dawn instead of contacting me herself.