Play with the Phantom (Midnight, #2)

by Amanda Richardson

“Say one more thing like that to insult her,” I murmur, stepping closer, “and I’ll show you exactly how entitled I can be.” “You going to beat me up on her porch, Maddox?” he throws back. “Go ahead. Add a new charge to your record.” I smile. Not a friendly smile. Not the kind you give to someone you once called family. “You think I give a shit about going back?” My voice drops. “If it means protecting her? I’ll go back with a smile on my face and your blood under my fingernails.” Asher’s expression tenses. But I’m not done. “You’re not angry because she left you. You’re angry because I saw her first. Truly saw her. And I didn’t hesitate to give her what she needed, unlike you.” He laughs, bitter. “You think you’re some kind of fucking savior?” “No,” I say, stepping closer until we’re almost nose to nose. “I think I’m the man who’d die for her. I think I’m the man who wouldn’t trade her for a promotion or a calendar full of conference calls. I’d never even think of letting let her settle for less than what she fucking deserves. And just so we’re clear—neither of us deserve her—but I’m the only one who’d burn this whole fucking world to the ground just to keep her.” Asher blinks. And for the first time, I see it in his eyes—that realization that he never stood a chance. He looks at Ari one more time. “Is this what you want?” And she doesn’t flinch. She doesn’t hide. My little warrior. “Yes,” she says, voice steady. That’s it. Game over. He nods once. No goodbye. Just turns a...