Page 66 of Devoured

CHAPTER 18

Iris

As soon as I had my clothes back on, I picked up Roland’s phone off of the bed. His text message previews were turned off. I ran my fingers through my hair.

“Password?” I asked. He was slowly buttoning up his shirt, as if he was reluctant, or taking his time. Or maybeIwas in a hurry, too excited for my own good.

“It’s—”

A knock on the door interrupted us. I wiggled my fingers at my side, containing my urge to jump up and down. This wasn’t like me at all, but this was like being reunited with my other half. She was sunshine on a cloudy day, that glimmer of light when the world was bleak. Kind of like Roland had been.

Roland slipped into the bathroom to finish dressing. I opened the door.

Teagen stood with her perfect girl next door look: soft barrel curls, her green eyes clear and sharp. A loose blouse. Tight jeans on her hips.

“My God, you look—” Teagen started, but then she stopped, checking me out some more. “Were you just having sex?”

“You perceptive witch!” I yelled, cackling in laughter. We hugged, holding each other tight. “Where have you been?” I murmured into her shoulder.

“Around.” She pulled back. “You’ve got that tinted glow to your skin. You’ve been working out?”

I cocked a half-smile. “Working out in the best way,” I said. “You were right the first time.” I leaned to the side, glancing behind her. Ethan, with his tall frame and dark eyes, nodded at me. The last time we had met, I had tried to slit his throat, punch him, and then threatened to murder him if he hurt Teagen. But, sadly, I hadn’t needed to do any of that.

Because I guess he treated her right. The smart cookie.

“I see you brought company,” I said to Teagen.

“Nice to see you too, Iris,” he said.

I eyed him up and down, giving him an evil stare. “Likewise.I guess,” I said, giving off that vibe that said,I’m still watching you. Teagen shoved my shoulder.

“Iris,” she said. “Be nice.”

“What? He should know that I haven’t forgotten. I’ll kill him if he hurts you.”

She pursed her lips shut and raised her brows. “Oh, he knows.”

Roland came out of the bathroom in a casual shirt, the top two buttons undone, giving off a peek of his chest hair. The perspiration on his skin was gone, but his hair was still damp. My fingers twitched, eager to get a handful of it and pull him closer to me, to kiss him, to feel him take control even though I fought him each step of the way.

He held out a hand to Teagen and I beamed. The minty, clean scent radiated off of his body. His muscular arms brushed mine as he came forward. He looked so damn good. Pride surged inside of me as he shook Teagen’s hand.

“You must bethebest friend,” he said, emphasizing the importance of it. “I’m Roland Price.”

“I know,” she said. She nodded to me. “This one couldn’t shut up about you for the months leading up to your arrival.”

“Oh?” he said.

“All bad things,” I said. “Trust me. You have earned my acceptance. But I hated your guts until then.”

He smirked. “I remember.”

“The infamous new owner,” Teagen said, a curious gleam in her eyes.

“The male owner,” I scoffed, but then playfully nudged Roland’s shoulder.

“Shall we?” Ethan said. He gestured towards the door. “There are still two hours left before they start breaking down the stands.”

“Let’s go!” Teagen said.