Page 49 of Dismantle & Prevail

Ari nods and raises his brows at me, a smirk on his handsome face.

“I just need time to see if this is something that I want. Like you said, you’ve had years to get to the point you are today. Our friendship means the world to me and I want to be one hundred percent sure before I take the leap into something that will redefine us. Is that okay?”

As the words leave my mouth, Ari brings me to his chest and wraps his arms around my back. I mimic his gesture and stare out at the snowy landscape sitting before us.

“It's more than okay. But just remember, if you think I’m a pain in the ass now. Just wait, it’s only going to get worse, regardless of the outcome, Hellhound. You’re stuck with me either way.” Laughter laces his tone and as he moves to pull away, I glance up at him.

Damn, he is handsome when he smiles.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I know that it’s Zena letting me know dinner is ready.

“We should probably go,” I say, feeling a little lighter than when I came out here.

Ari nods, but doesn’t budge. Instead, he just stares for a moment before leaning down.

Shit. Ari is going to kiss me again. Do I want him to kiss me again?

Dammit. I really need to get out of my damn head.

His lips are inches from mine and my eyes flutter closed. I wait for the feeling of his lips against mine, but it doesn’t happen. Instead, I feel him press a kiss to the corner of my mouth.

Disappointment smacks me in my stubborn face and when my eyes open, I see a very proud Ari standing before me.

He smirks, a devilish grin spreading across his face as he walks backward in the direction of the Clubhouse.

“See ya later, Hellhound.”

I don’t bother responding. Instead, I stand there, my arms crossed over my chest, Ari’s jacket still hanging on my shoulders, a look of fake annoyance written on my face.

This man wasn’t lying. And I fear this is just the beginning of his mission to prove he is the man worthy of protecting my heart.

Ari: 2

Taylor: Completely. Freaking. Screwed.

Chapter Twenty

Aries

“Hellhound?”

I glance around the common room in search of Taylor, but she is nowhere to be found.

New Year’s passed by in almost a blur, both of us choosing to spend the night watching older Disney movies and taking a break from the madness. We have been at each other's side since, but for the past few days, she’s been quiet.

To anyone else, it wouldn’t be a concern, but to me, I know something is wrong, or she is up to something.

My head has not stopped imagining every infinity with her since our lips met. She is concerned and has dozens of fears, which are one hundred percent valid. Does that mean I’m going to stop chasing her? Hell no. Women like Taylor deserve to have men falling at their feet and begging for a mere glance.

Actually, no they don’t. Because no matter how much I say she has the choice and could run off with some goon, I don’t mean it. Taylor Sloane Morgan is meant to be mine and if she has to talk to every man on the goddamn planet to see that, so be it.

But the moment she gives me a millimeter of a chance to prove that our story is meant to be written beyond the stars, she better look out because I’ll be sprinting to dismantle and prevail through those walls she has so carefully constructed.

Indy walks into the common room pushing a cart full of game night supplies, Zoro trailing behind him.

“Prez. You looking for Tay?”

“Yeah. You know where she’s at?”