This is War (Checkmate Duet 1)

“Shit, V. I love it when you talk like that.” His lips curl up, flashing his perfect pearly whites.

I glare at him and when the doorbell rings, I get up, leaving him before he can say anything back. I feel his eyes burning a hole into the back of my head as I walk across the room and open the door.

A genuine smile crosses my face as Jason compliments the way I look. He wraps a hand around my waist, pushing me forward, and places a sweet kiss on my cheek. I wish I had eyes in the back of my head so I could watch Travis steam. I may have been drinking Friday night, but I remember the way Travis looked at Jason as we talked and danced. However, I bet it’s nothing compared to the expression on his face right now.

“Do you want to come in?” I ask, gesturing him inside. “I just need to grab my clutch real quick.”

“Sure.” He steps in, looking around.

I turn and see Travis standing hard like a statue. His jaw is clenched tight and agitation is written all over his face.

Good.

“Hey, Travis.” Jason nods at him and then looks back at me. Jason stiffens at Travis’s stance. I pinch my lips tight, hiding the delight I feel at Travis’ reaction.

“We should get going,” Jason says. “Our reservation is at seven.” He checks his watch.

“Oh, right. Sure, yeah. Let’s go,” I say, politely, but I’m obviously stalling. Jason isn’t stupid and takes the hint with a smile and a head nod before he walks out. “I’ll meet you in the car,” he says with a wink.

When the car door closes I shoot daggers at Travis.

“What are you doing, Viola?” he growls. Travis stands his ground and shoves his hands in his pockets. With lips drawn tight into a line, his mood darkens and his cold eyes watch me as he waits for an answer. A million unspoken words are exchanged during our little standoff, but I’m not backing down. And I have a feeling he’s not going to either.

“I said, what the fuck you are doing, Viola?” His volume goes higher and the tone is even harsher.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” I say. I’m playing the game, but it isn’t an answer he’ll receive, because I leave without another word and walk to the car.

I can’t fully make out the emotions in his tone but it almost sounds bitter and angry and possibly jealous?

He’s not my brother.

We’re not even friends.

Travis said it was my move. Well, move made. I won’t be a pawn in this fucked up game anymore.

CHAPTER TEN

TRAVIS

The door snaps closed and I’m so livid that she’s going out with Jason, I slam my fist into the wall. My knuckles crack as it breaks through the sheetrock. The deep indentation of a fist is undeniable. I shake out my hand and that’s when I notice my broken skin. What the fuck is wrong with me? I’ve never had a woman make me lose control like that, and to know Viola Fisher is the reason pisses me off beyond belief.

The swelling and bruising starts to set in but I can barely feel the pain. I walk into the kitchen and take two shots, angry for allowing my emotions to get the best of me. After a few deep breaths, I take another one and wait as the tequila courses through my veins. I’m beginning to think more clearly, other than the building tension inside my body that feels like poison. I need to get rid of it pronto. I suck in a deep breath and pull my phone from my pocket. The first number I see is none other than the boss’ daughter, Alyssa. This is a dangerous game, and I almost think twice about sending her a text but I do it anyway, thanks to the tequila.

I’m ready to take you up on that offer, babe. Tell me when and where.

She sends her address and the code to enter her building immediately. Viola only helped me see the light and tonight, I’ll do what I’ve been meaning to do for the past few days: fuck away the very thought of her.

I lock the house and walk to the car. The cool breeze brushes against my skin and I wonder if Jason even gave Viola his jacket. I wonder where they are and what they are doing ,and it’s something that I shouldn’t give two shits about. Before she left, Viola had looked at me like I was her worst enemy. Fuck this.

Knowing I shouldn’t drive, but doing it anyway, I crank the car and listen to the deep rumble of the Challenger. My head is in a fog as I back out of the driveway and slam on the gas as I enter the highway leading to downtown. Alyssa lives in one of those elite buildings with codes and security guards and people who push the elevator floor buttons for you. I’ve never visited her before—this is the first time for that—but she’ll be the perfect distraction I need to pull me back to reality.