Page 143 of Wanna Play A Game?

“So you’ll give a prisoner whatever she asks for?”

“Is she really a prisoner?” Ryder snarls, “I see the way you look at her. The way you talk to her. You’ve fallen for her. Which is the most dangerous thing you could have done.”

He tries to hide it, but I see the hurt that rises in Ryder’s eyes.

Miles clears his throat. “Ryder, we aren’t trying to push you out.”

Ryder’s arms are flexed, and he grips his knees. “It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to or not. You’re doing it.”

“It doesn’t have to be that way! You can get to know her.”

Ryder laughs, the sound harsh. “Get to know a stranger so I can keep my men? That’s a little fucked up.”

I watch them argue, tension filling my chest. My stupid, impulsive ass made Cali a promise. If I push Ryder toward her, I’ll inevitably have to let her go. If I don’t and keep going down this path, I’ll inevitably lose Ryder.

I hate that there’s even a hesitation. Things have been rough with Ryder for the last few months. I’ve been on my bullshit, and that always turns him into an aggressive, closed-off monster. Which is fun as hell in bed, but the man doesn’t know how to turn it off.

And neither do I.

Ryder stands, about to leave the room, and Miles lifts his hands in frustration.

“Listen.” I clear my throat and shift. “Regardless of what happens with her, we need to figure our shit out.”

Ryder snorts. “Really?”

“I’m trying, okay, jackass?” I snap. I clench my fists. The next words are hard to force out. “We need to talk. Like, actually talk.”

Miles gives me an odd look. “Are you okay? Having a stroke?”

“You know what? Forget it.” I also stand to leave.

“No, wait. I’m sorry.” Miles lets out a breath. “It’s been a long day. I’m sorry. You’re right.”

I pause.

“We need to talk. I’ll start.” Miles turns to Ryder, who looks disinterested. “I know you see how important she’s become to us. Thank you for not…killing her. I know you wanted to.”

Ryder’s jaw flexes. “I still do.”

“And you don’t. Even though it’s tearing you apart. So…thank you.”

Ryder looks like he wants to say something else, but he doesn’t. Miles waves his hand at me. I press my lips together.

Ryder cocks an eyebrow at me. “Got something to say, Mr. ‘Let’s Talk’?”

“Don’t push your luck,” I grit.

Miles turns a harsh glare at me.

Fine. I know I need to extend an olive branch. “Thank you,” I force out.

Ryder smirks. “Couldn’t hear you.”

“Okay, way to turn it into something childish.” Miles tosses his hands up. “Why don’t you two go hate fuck or something?”

“He doesn’t deserve it.” Ryder turns on his heel.

I don’t deserve it? I dart to my feet, and I chase after him. I’ll communicate all right. All over his dick. With my fucking nails.