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Clay peers behind us before I even begin to comprehend what Gabe just said. Clay snickers. “If I were you, I’d stick with the plant. That mouse has already been caught.” Then Clay taps me on the arm. “Your lady has arrived.”

I turn briskly, ready to look around for her. But there was no need to search, she’s all I can see, even with several feet separating us. She’s breathtaking. A smile spreads from ear to ear at her outfit. I can’t believe I didn’t figure it out.

She’s wearing a red high-waisted puffy skirt with white polka dots and a black corset with a white trim at the top, amplifying her already generous cleavage.

Red puff sleeves with white dots are over her shoulders, white thigh-high stockings with a red bow in the front of each on her thighs, and black pumps.

Her hair is straightened to perfection, and she has vibrant red lipstick on. Above her head are two big, black round ears, and a huge bow with the same pattern as her clothing, red with white polka dots.

My Minnie Mouse.

I look around and notice a few eyes already on her, some moving in. I clench my fists at my sides, maintaining control, but needing to lay claim.

I turn fast to Gabe, shoving my finger against his chest. “Don’t even think about it.” And just as quickly, I move in the direction of my woman.

The minute she’s in reach, I grab her by the waist and take her mouth in mine, not giving her time to grasp what’s happening. She’s stiff at first, surprised by the action since she hadn’t seen me coming. But soon, her body registers mine, and all her tension fades away as she melts into my arms.

“Minnie,” I sigh against her lips, “are you trying to kill me?”

She pulls her head back and giggles, then brings her thumb to my lips and swipes off remnants of her lipstick. “I thought gods were immortal?” she says with a sassy smirk.

“They are, but you happen to be my weakness.” I bring her back, stealing another kiss, even if she just finished removing the red stains on my lips. “You look beautiful, baby. I fucking missed you.”

“You don’t look so bad yourself.” Her eyes roam my body, hunger in her gaze, before they return their focus on mine. “I missed you too.”

“Hey Em, you look good,” I say, taking her in an embrace. She’s dressed as Poison Ivy, a green bodysuit with green vines wrapped around her legs. Her red hair is done in big curls, and ivy leaves are glued all over her body.

She hugs me back with a thank you and steps out of my hold. “Damn, babe. You are one lucky bitch.” She chuckles while tracking her eyes over my abs. This chick has no filter.

I grab onto Cecilia’s hand and pull her to me. “Come on, Minnie. I want you to meet everyone.” We turn back toward the group I just vacated, but before heading that way, I catch sight of Greyson about to walk in the opposite direction.

“GREYSON!” I shout his name, gaining his attention. He stops walking with his back still to us, then slowly begins to turn. “Baby, I’d like you to meet one of my closest friends, Grey—”

“Ford?” My girl cuts me off, calling to my friend. Confusion etches my features by her astounding voice.

Grey faces us completely, avoiding my frown and focusing only on Cecilia. He steps closer and opens his arms wide to greet her. She drops my hand and basically leaps into his arms. “Hey, Rose. It’s been a long time.”

What the fuck is going on?

“I thought that was you. What are you doing here?” She’s still in his arms, and he still hasn’t let go. It’s pissing me off. I’m itching to do something, to let him know he has no right to hold her like that.

The angel on my shoulder tells me to stay calm, to let them explain, it’s a misunderstanding. The devil tells me to grab my girl and lock her up away from my friend.

The devil wins.

I reach out and wrap my arm around Cecilia’s waist, pulling her back to my chest. Greyson’s eyes snap to mine in shock as I glower in return, a menacing animalistic sound forcing its way up my throat.

Grey takes a step back, understanding quickly he overstepped, and Cecilia looks back at me, eyes wide. “Did you really just growl?”

I don’t bother answering her, my focus solely on my friend who looks like a deer caught in headlights. Which says something, since he’s always been the cool and collected one out of the bunch.

I can feel it in my gut, whatever is about to happen, I won’t like. My jaw’s clenched so hard I’m surprised my teeth haven’t cracked under pressure. “You have something to say, Greyson?”

“Greyson? I thought your name was Ford,” Cecilia interjects, frowning his way.

His hand comes up, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, it’s technically not a lie, my last name is Ford. But you didn’t know who I was, and I wanted to keep up the anonymity. Seems we both wanted that, since I know Rose isn’t your first name.”

All I can do is watch their exchange, needing to see where this goes without interruption.

“Seems like it. But wait, you told me you were studying to be an architect. You’re a hockey player?” She shakes her head as if she can’t wrap it around what is going on. You aren’t alone, princess.

“ That was a lie. Sorry.” He offers her a sheepish smile.

“You two know each other?” I’m still holding on to Cecilia possessively, afraid to let her go. I don’t like this.

“Um, in a way. We met a few years back,” she tells me, but I can tell she’s holding back on the full truth of their shared history.

“Yeah, what like three, four years ago? It was at a Christmas party in my hometown,” Grey says with a smile, like that will ease my rage.

I hear Cecilia mutter a “Fuck” under her breath as her hand comes over mine, like she knows she needs to soothe me as the puzzle pieces click into place.

Four years? Christmas party!? WHAT THE FUCK!?