When He's Torn (The Olympus Pride, #5)

by Suzanne Wright

“He splashed me with holy water to, and I quote, ‘see what happened.’ He claimed to be disappointed when I didn’t burst into flames.”

The Umber Nest were tight. But they wouldn’t back you if you bit off more than the nest as a whole could chew. They’d leave you to clean up your own mess and accept the consequences. In some situations, they’d even wash their hands of not only you but your children if necessary. Much as they’d done to Bailey after her parents—

It was one of his piercing stares. As if he was trying to see through her and didn’t particularly like that he wanted to.

“I don’t know what to say except ‘wow.’” Frowning, Bailey bit into her muffin again. “Then why didn’t you just say ‘wow’ and nothing else?” Aspen pulled a face. “Do you have to be annoying all the time?” “It brings me joy,” said Bailey. “Don’t you want me to be happy?” “No, not really.”

“What? No, you freak.” Havana tossed the napkin at her. “I want to see how your interactions go now that you’ve touched each other’s no-no places.”

“There’s no D in refrigerator. So why the hell is there a D in fridge? It’s not like it would otherwise have been pronounced differently, is it?”

You’d miss me if I was gone.” “Like I’d miss a kick to the crotch.” She wagged a finger. “You secretly adore me. Admit it. You’ve wondered if we’re meant to be.” “I’ve wondered if you’re an omen that the Day of Judgement is almost upon us.” “Flatterer.”

“Remember you said you don’t hate me?” “Yes,” he grunted. “Fuck me like you do.”

Frowning, he met her gaze. “I don’t think I’m superior to you. I just think you’ve been sent here to do the devil’s work, and it bothers me that you’re not fighting your fate.”

“Why haven’t you jumped him yet?” “I don’t like to ambush and rob people.” Havana threw up a hand. “First of all, that’s a lie. Second of all, it’s not what he meant, and you know it.”

“You’d like if he offered you more. Admit it.” Bailey cast her a brief, foul look. “Don’t wanna. You can’t make me.”

Wanting to get the whole thing over with so she could go back to her apartment and throw some shit at a wall, she said, “So … you’re better.”

“You’re picking at words. The point is, I predicted this. And I was right. You don’t listen to me often enough. Why is that?” “You bore me.”

“Ah, my girl is growing up.” Aspen sighed, happy. “I was starting to think you’d be stuck in the Peter Pan stage forever.” Bailey frowned. “Is he the fox shifter we used to work with?” “No, you donut. Peter Pan,” the bearcat repeated, as if that would clear everything up. “The boy who could fly and lived in Neverland.”

You haven’t told us how he is in bed yet.” Bailey pursed her lips. “Well … he doesn’t snore or hog the covers. I count those as wins.” “Don’t play stupid.” “But it’s one of my favorite games.” “I’ve noticed.” “Then you’re just mean for asking me not to play it.” Bailey folded her arms. “My contentment should matter to you.”

“Just did. Might do it again.” “You’re a mouthy little bitch, aren’t you? I’m not understanding what he sees in you.” “I suck cock really well.”

“Now, Bailey.” He whipped off his tee. “I want in you.”

“It’s not nice to tease your mate.” “It’s not nice to abruptly shove a finger up their butt during sex,” she shot back, “but you’ve done that to me more times than I can count.”