The Consequence of Revenge

Was it wrong to be a bit sad at the loss of her hand?

“Hmm.” Reid scratched his head. “Hey, what’s Hades have in his mouth?”

I followed the direction of his gaze and felt my face pale. Becca’s dress. Hades had somehow grabbed it in the middle of the night and was now apparently trying to find the best way to deface it, if the way he was sitting on it was any indication.

“My dress!” I blurted. “I brought one just in case . . .”

“Dude!” Reid held up his hands. “What? Is there something you need to tell me? I mean you’ve always been sort of, like, metro, but . . .”

Damn it!

While trying to think of a great comeback . . . I nearly seized. As what had once been a hand was replaced by something a lot more inviting.

Damn that woman.

Damn that tongue!

I shuddered.

“You okay?” Reid got closer to the bed. “You look a little sick.”

“Stop!” I gasped. Holy shit, I didn’t know my name. What was my name?

Reid, most likely sensing my distress, chose that moment to sit, yes, SIT on my bed. The same bed that I planned to purchase and send home and put in the middle of my living room and stare at. I would refer to it as the miracle bed. Because what was taking place? Miracle.

I clenched the sheets in my hand and swallowed as sweat trickled down my face, “No, man, hell.” I trembled. “I’m just . . .” Breathing ragged, I licked my lips. “Not feeling, right . . . shit, right there.”

“What?” Reid’s concern quickly turned to suspicion.

“Er . . .” I shook my head. “I’m going to puke!”

Reid jolted off the bed. “Dude, you know how I feel about puke!”

“Then”—oh look, heaven!—“go away!” I clenched my teeth together, snapping them as my entire body went rigid.

“Fine!” Reid held up his hands. “Just don’t forget about your confessional.”

The door slammed behind him at the exact same time I saw a billion stars give birth to tiny planets. It was also the same time that I saw the secrets to the universe and waved at a unicorn as it floated by me.

I lifted up the sheet. Becca looked at me innocently, then shrugged.

“Can I keep you?” I asked.

“That depends . . .”

“I’ll sell Reid.”

“You don’t have to sell Reid.”

“Really, I don’t mind. He can go live in Alaska for all I care, just tell me I can keep you. I want to freaking wrap you up, put you in my pocket, and never let go. Don’t make me beg.”

“Yeah.” Becca laughed. “You can keep me, but we may have to do something about the goat.”

Hades stomped and then promptly peed on Becca’s dress.

“So naked art, huh?” She winked.

“A fantasy of mine.”

“Ah.”

“I don’t want you to go.”

“I need to.” She kissed me quickly on the mouth then hopped out of bed. “But I need sweats. I think the dress has seen its last day.”

“Too bad you can’t walk around naked. I think it’s my favorite outfit on you, the color is just . . . outstanding.”

“Max.” Becca grinned, her cheeks blushing.

“Fine, I’ll loan you a T-shirt, just know one thing.”

“Hmm?”

I pulled her into my arms. “I’ll collect interest on that loan.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

BECCA

Getting back to my room was like something out of a James Bond movie. Seriously. I ran to one palm tree and hid, then ran to the next one. I knew I had to avoid Reid at all costs because I wouldn’t be able to keep a straight face, and the last thing I needed was more steamy footage. Reid was scouring the beach with binoculars! Seriously? Swear Edward the snake was following me, I mean when Max set him free I’d thought he’d run away. But nope, he was sitting outside Max’s hut just waiting for the inevitable invitation to join the farm.

“Shoo!”

“Becca?” Reid shouted from his position a few hundred feet away. He waved.

Luckily Grumpy was already ready for the day and most likely eating breakfast so she wasn’t going to pester me about where I’d been all night. I quickly showered and threw on a pair of shorts and a black tank top just in time to open the door and see Reid standing there with his hand raised.

“Oh!” He stepped back. “Weren’t you just on the beach? Could have sworn I saw Max’s old football shirt on you.”

“Max played football?” I blurted. I mean, come on. He so did not look the type.

Reid laughed. “Of course he played football. Max plays all sports. Hmm, I’d think that with all you’ve”—he tilted his head—“shared recently you’d know that about him.”

“Yeah, well . . .” Heat invaded my face as I blushed. “We haven’t had much time to talk.”

“Talking is overrated.” He grinned.

“Did you need something?”

“Just making sure you’re safe.”

He didn’t move.

“Well.” I lifted my hands in the air. “I am. Totally. Completely safe.”

Safe. Why did safe make me suddenly freak out? Safe, safe, safe, ho-oly crap! My eyes widened just as Reid’s did.

“No! No, I didn’t mean it like that! I mean whatever you do in private time with men or my brother or anyone for that matter, you’re a responsible, consenting adult who—”