Page 36 of By Rude Strength

God, what was wrong with him?

LA figured it would be better to contact Gavin once he had the job situation sorted and could think of a good way to apologize, but—oh.

The newest picture on Gavin’s timeline made LA freeze up and stare.

It was Gavin kissing another man.

The caption made LA’s iced-over blood melt as it boiled over.

Me and THE LOVE OF MY LIFE! Gotta love a man who makes time for what’s really important — our beautiful relationship and showing me he cares unlike SOME PEOPLE

LA took a deep breath and set his phone down instead of hurling it across the room like he wanted to. Gavin was being an immature asshole, as usual, and LA thought about what had happened earlier with Anna.

It wasn’t as if LA didn’t know that he was being a jerk. He knew he was, but he’d been too angry to care. Gavin knew exactly what he was doing with that post and his entire aim was to hurt LA.

And to what end?

To make LA message him and beg him to come back?

Maybe that would have worked before, but LA wasn’t going to give in.

He did love Gavin, he probably always would, but Cass was right—actions had consequences. Although LA hadn’t intendedto hurt Anna when he’d lost his temper, Gavin had absolutely made the post to piss off LA and bait him.

And this time, LA wasn’t biting.

He plugged in his phone to let it charge and left it there as he made his way back downstairs. He had a cake to bake with a giant fluffy monster.

Who had a really nice smile and strong paws…

Whatever.

Monster or no monster, Gavin could eat shit and fuck off.

It was easy to say, but LA didn’t know if it would actually stick.

Scowling more with every step, he tried not to think about how many times he’d been through this same crap with Gavin. Their fights were explosive, especially on LA’s end because of his fiery temper, and Gavin would simply wait for LA to come crawling back like he always did.

No.

Not anymore.

LA paused in the kitchen doorway.

Cass had shown him a new perspective and it was pretty revealing when turned on the other situations LA was struggling with. LA watched as Cass flitted around the kitchen, gathering bowls and various ingredients, and he smiled a little.

Cass’s ridiculous happy bubbles were floating everywhere, prompting LA to tease, “Those aren’t toxic, are they?”

“Hmm?” Cass looked up. “What? Oh! My bubbles? Gracious no.”

“Not gonna make me grow a second head or anything if they get into the batter?”

“No, you silly man.” Cass snickered. “Now! You have to tell me what kind of cake you like.”

“I dunno. Cake?” LA shrugged.

“Flavor?”

“Chocolate, I guess. I like stuff with peaches too, but those don’t really go together.”