Shutout (Rules of the Game, #2)

by Avery Keelan

To anyone who’s ever felt like too much.

When you’ve been given the world, everyone expects you to dominate it.

He might’ve been wearing a mask the night we met, but I’d recognize those hands anywhere. Hades.

I’m full-on staring. I can’t help it.

Maybe if I ignore the mess long enough, everything will magically organize itself.

I’m not sure everyone gets to have that kind of love, though. Sometimes I think I’m too much to be someone’s One. Too loud, too disorganized, too extra, too messy.

“Have you ever heard of the internet meme that says, ‘In every partnership, there’s a person who stacks the dishwasher like a Scandinavian architect and a person who stacks the dishwasher like a raccoon on meth’?” She narrows her eyes. “No…” “I mean this in the nicest possible way, Ser, but you’re the meth raccoon in this scenario.”

“Question seventeen,” Seraphina murmurs. “Do you ever think about that night?” “All the fucking time.” I’m not a big believer in sugarcoating the truth. Plus, I think it’s pretty obvious. “Me too.” Her throat bobs, her warm brown eyes searching mine. “Do you regret it? I mean, it’s made things kind of complicated now.” Complicated is an understatement. Ever since she moved in, it’s been like navigating a minefield. The more time we spend together, the closer I come to doing something I shouldn’t. “No, Tink. I could never regret you.”

“You’re so fucking pretty.” At that, my heart stutters. “Even first thing in the morning?” “Especially first thing in the morning.”

I put the “pro” in “procrastination”, and I work best under pressure.

There’s something I like about getting to see her in these everyday moments. It feels special, somehow. Like a part of her most other people don’t get access to.

He draws me into him and dips his head, nudging my nose with his. “Wear whatever you want, Tink. I know how to fight.”