Page 44 of Dismantle & Prevail

Which is quickly interrupted when I hear footsteps behind me.

An agitated breath escapes me. “Cosmo, I said that I would call if I needed you.” My voice is full of malice and irritation, but I don’t care. I just want some damn peace and quiet.

“Aries. We talked about this. Just because you are hurting doesn’t mean you get to be a dickhead.”

Taylor’s voice has me frozen in place.

Shit.

Dropping the wrench onto the small stool next to me, I spin around.

Just a few feet away, Taylor stands with her sweater covered arms crossed over her chest. Her hair is down in long tendrils and the ripped jeans that show peaks of her tattoos have me pausing for just a moment, but not long enough for her to notice.

I go to respond, but she doesn’t allow me. Instead, she takes a step forward, allowing me to catch a hint of her warm vanilla scent.

“The people here love you. I don’t expect you to be perfect, but you need to do better. If the situation was reversed, you’d be saying the same thing to me.”

I risk taking a step closer. “I would never let you be in the situation I was in the first place, so that conversation would never happen.”

Her head tilts back and I watch as those gorgeous green eyes roll. Something that irritates the hell out of me while turning me on at the same damn time.

How can your favorite thing about someone be the thing that drives you the most mad?

“We are not talking about your obsessive need to protect me, Ace. We are talking about the fact that these people love you and want to protect you just as much as you protect them. You don’t have to tell them every detail, but for fuck’s sake, let them take care of you a little.”

She’s right. I’ve been working on it. But progress doesn’t happen overnight, even if I wish like hell it did.

“I know. You’re right.”

Taylor is looking out into the garage, but as the words leave my mouth, her head snaps to me, her eyes wide in surprise.

“Don’t act surprised. You know I’m not one to sugarcoat or hide my feelings.”

A smirk spreads across her face. “You’re not, but I didn’t expect you to just give in right away.”

I shrug and take a step closer, the toes of my boots touching the tips of her black combat boots. “I’m trying, Hellhound. Just some days are harder than others and today was a rough one.”

I shock myself with the vulnerability escaping me. Clearly, Taylor is slightly surprised too, judging by the raise of her eyebrows.

A wave of heaviness fills the room and before her eyes can morph into pity or show any hint of sadness, I say, “Did you need something?”

I watch as her face morphs into confusion at the sudden change in topic. “What?”

“You came in here for a reason. Did you need something?”

My eyes search her face, and the change in the air is palpable.

Taylor straightens. “Do you want the genuine answer, or one I know won’t trigger your attitude?”

This girl and her damn sass will be the death of me.

Who are you kidding? It's why you practically want to fall at her damn feet.

Ignoring my very true inner thoughts, I cock my head and stare straight into her piercing green eyes. “When have you ever been one to filter that damn mouth of yours?”

A chuckle escapes her. Her hips jut out and she doesn’t revert her gaze. “You’re right. I came to check on you. I’ve grown quite accustomed to caring about your wellbeing since you have taken up a residence in my bed. But judging by your quick reaction when I came in here, it’s clear you need a moment or two alone to collect yourself.”

Her voice is full of sarcasm and sass. And I fucking love it.