Page 73 of Hide Little Traitor

“Ryker,” my boss warns, his grip on his mug tightening.

“I’m just saying Chloe wouldn’t have been opposed to you joining. Maybe next time you can help me keep her quiet.”

The fist comes before I can duck out of the way, hitting my jaw so hard my neck snaps back.

“Didn’t know you had it in you, Lombardi,” I snap, ducking out of the way before he can land another blow.

Kingston mutters and steps out of the kitchen, lingering close by in case he has to break us up.

“Shut. The. Fuck. Up,” Damon growls.

“Didn’t you like being reminded of what you’ve been depriving yourself of?” I prod, dodging another advance and putting the end of the counter between us when I notice his gaze flicker to the knife by the sink.

A punch is one thing, but I don’t want to freak Chloe out by getting myself stabbed.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he grinds out.

“Really? Because you took a bullet for her yesterday. I personally wouldn’t put my life at risk for someone I hate.”

I catch Kingston massaging his temple out of the corner of my eye, his gaze darting to the room I stepped out of a few minutes ago.

“It was instinctive.”

“Sure it was.” I chuckle.

“It was!”

“Mm-hmm.”

“You’re fucking insufferable.”

“Pot meet kettle, asshole.”

“That’s enough,” Kingston finally says. “Damon, it’s very clear you have feelings for Chloe beyond hatred. I think the only person in this cabin unaware of those feelings is her.” He turns his attention on me. “You need to stop badgering him, or he’s going to stab you in your sleep. How do you think Chloe would feel about that?”

“I don’t know. She’s a lot kinkier than I thought she’d be, so maybe she wouldn’t have an issue with a bit of blood play.”

Kingston pinches the bridge of his nose, but I don’t miss the way the corners of his lips tip up in a barely there smile.

“Jesus Christ,” Damon growls, storming toward the door without bothering to take his jacket.

If he wants to get frostbite, that’s his business.

The door slams, causing the walls to shake with the force, and I pull my attention back to Kingston’s glare.

“Do not get her hopes up that things will work out between all of us, Ryker. Because if you break her heart, I will break you. Don’t forget who taught you the worst of your tactics.”

He’s gone before I can respond, trailing after Damon, grabbing two coats from the rack by the door.

Turning my back on the door, I make quick work of pouring two more cups of coffee, adding an ungodly amount of sugar and creamer to Chloe’s, just the way she likes.

I guess there’s more time for cuddles if those two are on guard duty outside.

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

KINGSTON

NOW