Page 24 of Tinsel & Chrome
Tex
I leave the gym, my jaw tight, hands clenching and unclenching like I need to hit something. Or someone. Her ex, preferably.
Larissa thinks I’m pushing her because I doubt her strength. She couldn’t be more wrong. I push her because I know how much fire she’s got locked up inside. And maybe because, deep down, I want to be the one she burns.
The cold air outside bites at my skin, but it does nothing to chill the heat still coiled in my gut. I take a drag off a cigarette, the smoke filling my lungs, but the tension doesn’t ease.
She’s back, and she’s as reckless as ever. Maybe more.
I head to the bar in the main room of the clubhouse. The place is alive with noise—the low rumble of conversation, the occasional burst of laughter, and the ever-present hum of rock music on the jukebox. A few of the guys nod as I pass, but I’m not in the mood for small talk.
I need a drink.
I pour a shot of whiskey and toss it back, the burn barely registering. I’m halfway through pouring another when a voice interrupts.
“Drinking alone?”
Mace leans against the bar, eyes sharp and unreadable. He’s got that big-brother vibe going strong, like he’s seconds away from punching someone just for looking at Larissa wrong.
“Not for long,”
I mutter, setting the bottle down.
“What do you want, Mace?”
“Want to know what the hell you’re doing.”
His tone is flat, but there’s a threat behind it.
“With her.”
I snort.
“Protecting her. Same as you.”
His jaw tightens.
“You think I don’t see the way you look at her? You’ve always had a thing for my sister.”
I don’t deny it. What’s the point? He’s right. I’ve wanted Larissa since we were teenagers, back when she was wild and untouchable, all sharp eyes and sharper tongue. Time hasn’t changed that. If anything, it’s made the pull worse.
“She’s not a kid anymore,”
I say, my voice low.
“And you know damn well she doesn’t need your protection from me.”
He takes a step closer, his eyes dark.
“Maybe not. But she doesn’t need you complicating her life right now. She’s been through enough.”
The anger in me flares hot and fast.
“You think I don’t know that? I’m not trying to complicate her life, Mace. I’m trying to keep her alive.”
He studies me, his jaw working. Finally, he backs off a fraction, just enough to let me breathe.
“Just... don’t screw this up, Tex.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
He walks away, leaving me with the sour taste of frustration and whiskey on my tongue.
I shouldn’t give a damn what Mace thinks. But for Larissa’s sake, I do. Because she’s already fighting enough battles, and the last thing she needs is the two of us at each other’s throats.
But staying away?
Yeah, that’s not gonna happen.
The door to the gym swings open again, and Larissa walks in. Her hair’s damp with sweat, and her cheeks are flushed. She’s changed into a loose tank top and tight leggings, and the sight of her, all fire and defiance, hits me square in the chest.
Her eyes meet mine, and for a second, neither of us moves. Then she strides over, stopping a foot away, her chin lifted like she’s daring me to say something.
“Didn’t think you were the type to run away, Tex.”
I huff a laugh.
“Was giving you space.”
Her eyes narrow.
“I don’t need space.”
“Good to know.”
I take a step closer, closing the distance between us. Her breath hitches, just a little, and it sends a rush of satisfaction through me.
“Because I’m done pretending I can stay away.”
She doesn’t move, doesn’t blink. Just looks up at me with those fierce eyes, daring me to follow through.
So I do.
I cup her face, my thumb brushing over the bruise on her cheek. The anger flares again, hot and uncontrollable, but I shove it down. Right now, it’s just her and me.
“Larissa,”
I murmur, my voice rough.
“Tell me to stop.”
She swallows, her lips parting. “No.”
That’s all I need.
I crush my mouth to hers, the kiss raw and desperate, filled with all the things we’ve left unsaid. Her fingers curl into my shirt, pulling me closer, and I’m lost. Lost in the taste of her, the feel of her, the goddamn strength of her.
She’s not a princess. She’s a queen. And I’d burn the whole damn world down just to be at her feet.