Shutout (Rules of the Game, #2)

by Avery Keelan

Pausing in the doorway, I grant myself the briefest moment to observe her, still taken aback by how fucking pretty she is. I’ve never used that word to describe a girl before. Hot, sure. Cute, sometimes. But she’s more than either of those. She’s pretty in the way that catches your attention and refuses to let it go.

“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’m going to fuck you nice and hard, and you’re going to be quiet for me like a good girl, aren’t you?”

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