“He’s got claws!” Ben shook his head, hard.“All the better to rip into prey.” Jude took a step forward.“What’s up with his eyes? Why are they—”“All the better to see the asshole who doesn’t need to be attacking my lady.”

“He rolled his eyes and then frowned at both me and Ian (Somerhalder). “That guy takes a shit, too, you know.”I shook my head to disagree. “No, he doesn’t. He’s still in god status and we all know that gods don’t poop.”

“I shook my head, and his eyes traveled up my wall to the ceiling. I could almost see the wheels spinning inside his head. “What are you up to?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.“I’m trying to think of another bet.”

“Better to have to retrace your steps and then move forward than never to move forward at all.”

“Max shook his head in dismay. “Man, she’s agreed to marry you, but you haven’t closed the deal yet. James may get away with it, you won’t. He’s after all, officially a husband. Women take a lot of shit from their husbands. Not so much for their fiances. I suggest you get Christy jewelry. The more expensive the better.”“Nah, my woman is a geek. Jewelry doesn’t work with her.”

“Our eyes collided as heat rushed up my arm. The tingling between my legs intensified, the need in my gut moaned with want. All I could see was Braden, all I could smell was Braden, and his body was so close I imagined I could almost feel all of his hard strength pressing against me. Right then I wanted nothing more than to pull him into the ladies restroom and let him screw me hard against the wall.”