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“She established rules. Laid out very clear boundaries. She’s protecting herself.”

“That’s good, right?” Jared asks. “She’s being clear about where she stands, so you can both be on the same page.”

Sonny shakes his head. “Wait, wait, wait, what sort of rules?”

“No feelings. No romance. We can see other people.”

Jared lets out a low whistle. “Sounds like Sonny’s dream girl.”

Sonny barks out a laugh. “You’re not keen on the rules, Peaches?”

My swallow crackles in my ears. “I respect her rules, but it’s totally thrown me off my game. I’ve got no idea what I should or shouldn’t be doing.”

That’s partially true. I don’t know where I stand with this woman. She’s taking up so much space in my brain it’s hard to function, but it’s not just that. I wanted to reach out and touch Kali all weekend. I wanted to steal her away and be alone with her. I wanted to make sure no other man eventhoughtabout looking at her the way I do. The very thought of Nathan still working in her vicinity made my blood boil. I’ve still got half a mind to pay him a visit one of these days.

“Sounds like you need to play her at her own game,” Sonny muses. “Don’t give her the feelings or romance. See other chicks. She’ll get jealous eventually.”

“I’m not into mind games,” I grumble.

And I don’t want to see other chicks.

“Don’t listen to him,” Jared says. “He’s an idiot.”

Sonny nods his agreement.

“Be yourself, man,” Jared continues. “There’s no way she’ll be able to resist you with your tattoos and your broken, mysterious vibe.”

“Shut up.” I throw a napkin at him, and he laughs.

“Mate, I might not have known you for that long, but I’m pretty sure you could score any woman you wanted. Kali is no exception. She just might make you work harder for it.”

“I do love a challenge.”

“She’s gonna break you,” Sonny says matter-of-factly.

My phone buzzes on the table, interrupting my chance of a flippant response.

Speak of the devil.

Red

Word has it that you won a bet and are too chicken shit to ask me out now.

Me

I knew you wanted me

Red

Gag.

Me

And I knew you were into gags

Red

You are so predictable