Play with the Phantom (Midnight, #2)

by Amanda Richardson

“You lied to me.” His eyes snap to mine, and he’s not even surprised. How’d he find out? I might never know, but it’s apparent by his lack of shock that he knew before coming over here. And Ari—fuck, she’s trying to fix it. Trying to soften it. But I’m already walking closer. “Asher, I swear, it just… happened. I can’t explain it, okay? It happened after we⁠—” “At the house?” he yells, stepping closer. I’m already standing behind her, then beside her, then in front of her like it’s instinct. Because it is. Because she doesn’t have to be the only one defending herself anymore. “She doesn’t owe you shit,” I say, voice calm, even. “You’re not together anymore.” Asher’s eyes flick to mine, full of disgust. “Fuck you. You think I didn’t see the way you looked at her?” His gaze slices into Ari. “I came by the other night. I saw him leaving your house.” His eyes shift to me. “What did you do, Maddox? Wait for me to get comfortable, then swoop in?” “Comfortable? You mean the way you ignored her and still expected her to wait around like a goddamn afterthought?” I grind out, my tone sharp, final. “You don’t know a goddamn thing about her. About what she needs. About what she wants.” I glance at Ari, and when she doesn’t look away, it’s all the permission I need. “She chose me. Not because I swooped in, but because you left the door wide open and never even noticed.” And then he hits me with it. “You already fucked her, so I guess you feel entitled to speak for her too? Guess she di...