Total pages in book: 166
Estimated words: 161257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 806(@200wpm)___ 645(@250wpm)___ 538(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 161257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 806(@200wpm)___ 645(@250wpm)___ 538(@300wpm)
“No, but he doesn’t have to. Actions speak louder than words.”
Sean’s heart skipped a beat, wanting to hope... Instead, he just sighed. “Doesn’t matter.”
“You sure about that?”
“Yeah. He said he’s done with me. Doesn’t want to deal with me anymore.”
Scott exhaled. “Max doesn’t know what he wants. Or maybe he does, and that’s his biggest problem.”
Sean eyed him. “What do you mean?”
Scott met his gaze and held it, as if silently telling Sean to take heed. “He cares about you. A lot. But since he doesn’t do those kind of emotions, he thinks that means he’s gotta cut you loose.”
Sean’s heart sped back up again. “He said this?”
“Not in so many words, no. But I’ve learned to translate.”
Sean frowned and looked away, not sure what to believe anymore. He’d been so sure that Max wanted him—and even now, Scott confirmed it—but if that were the case, how could Max dump him off so easily? And in such a cold-hearted way? Maybe Sean had been wrong. Maybe Max had fooled him and Scott. “I dunno, Scott. To me, his actions don’t say that at all. To me, they say I’ve become a nuisance.”
“No.” Scott shook his head. “He’s completely into you. I hear it in his voice every time he says your name. See it in his eyes when he looks at you. You’ve gotten under his skin and that freaks him out, so now he’s trying to err on the side of caution.”
Sean smiled in dark disheartenment. “Didn’t realize I was such a threat.”
“Oh, but you are, Sean. Maybe the biggest he’s ever faced.”
Sean exhaled and looked down. “Well, the threat has been eliminated.”
“Has it, though? The way I see it, that’s your call to make.”
Sean looked back up and stared at him incredulously. “You don’t seriously think I should keep trying, do you? The man just tore out my fucking soul and stomped it into the ground.”
Scott regarded him somberly, then exhaled. “No. Of course not. That wouldn’t be fair to you.” He grabbed his wallet and pulled out a card. “Here. My number. In case you need anything. To vent. Or shout. Or whatever.”
Sean took it and looked up at him. “Thanks, but, I’ll be alright.”
Scott donned a small smile and nodded. “I know.” But the look in his eyes felt a whole lot more loaded. Like inwardly, while he knew Sean would come out of this okay, he wasn’t quite as confident about Max. Like he didn’t want Sean to give up, for Max’s sake, even though he’d never ask Sean to do so.
Sean shifted his weight in the lull of the moment. It was weird, the way Scott made him feel. The conflicting emotions he elicited. A grim kind of comfort via his association with Max. A connection to the man that Sean no longer had. But just as much, Scott was also like salt, salt to his still-open wounds. A hulking reminder of the man he no longer had ties to. Of the man he’d never see or hold again.
Brows pinched dejectedly, Sean pulled off his gloves. “Thanks for the anger management session. Worked way better than the rings.”
“No problem. Any time.” Scott gestured toward the exit. “Come on. It’s getting late. I’ll walk you out.”
* * * * *
“Maybe you should wait a little longer.”
“I’m fine,” she laughed tiredly, her voice replete. “I’ve already stayed twice as long as I normally do.”
Max frowned and tucked his sub’s hair behind her ears. “I know, but I worked you extra hard tonight, Cass. Maybe some more juice. Or more crackers.”
“Sir.” She smiled. “I’ve had three glasses. And you don’t have any more crackers. Remember? You gave me the last of them.”
“Right… Forgot.” Max pulled up her collar, cupped her cheeks, studied her face. “You sure?”
Cassie’s sated smile widened. She gripped his wrists. “I’m sure. You’ve taken extra good care of me tonight.”
Max nodded a little and dropped his hands. “Okay, then.” He cleared his throat and opened the front door. “But maybe I’ll walk you to your car.”
Another soft laugh. “Sir. I’m fine. I mean it. I’ll see you in a month.”
Max forced his lips to curve. Gave another small nod. “Alright. Drive safe. And don’t forget what I told you. Vitamin E every day; after you shower and—”
“At night,” she finished, grinning. “Yes. I remember. Now seriously, stop worrying. You fixed me up good. I’m good.”
Max crossed his arms and inclined his head. Cassie stepped out and descended the concrete steps. She was probably right. No reason she wouldn’t be fine. Especially with all the added time he’d contributed to aftercare. It’d been necessary, though, because he’d broken her down extra hard. She’d said she needed it. Had requested it in advance. Said the last couple of weeks had been mentally grueling and all she wanted was a mind-blowing ride to oblivion. To sever her from her problems. To short-circuit her brain. To shut down all thought for one full hour.