Warped (Dueling Devils 4)

“Okay?” She crossed her arms beneath her chest. “Spit it out then.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Why the hardball attitude all of a sudden?”

“Because, I don’t buy into your Don Juan bullshit and the only person I’m interested in as far as the Sumner family goes is Monster.”

“I just want to see how the happy couple is doing. Monster is tight-lipped and you…Well, you’re the mysterious woman who came in under our protection. Though, I don’t know from where or why.”

“And?” She arched a brow, keeping a calm exterior.

“And that’s a problem for me.”

“As long as it’s not one for Monster, I don’t see how it matters.”

Pan slapped his desk. “Because I’m his family. You’re just the new girl on the scene. You think because you come in here and you have scars you know him? I’m his fucking twin. He might put all his stock in you, but I know better.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve seen him hurt. I won’t stand back and watch it happen again.”

“Who says I’m going to hurt him?”

“History,” Pan barked.

“You know, you might be his twin. You shared a womb, parents, the childhood mysteries and a million other little inside things people like me could never understand. But I don’t mind that because I’m not trying to take your place. I don’t want to be his platonic bestie. I want to be his woman.”

“You expect me to believe that?” Pan scowled. “You hardly know him. You didn’t even wait to get settled before you had your hooks into him. Maybe because you saw an easy mark. Someone you could take advantage of.”

“Funny, to be the person you claim knows Monster best, you seem to have him confused with someone else.”

“We’re not talking about size and you know it. He’s got a vulnerable spot and you set your arrow, aimed, and fired.”

“Oh, you don’t like it because you can’t be in our scars club? Please, get over yourself, pretty boy. There are things that we share you and your perfect face and body could never understand. I think that’s what this impromptu meeting is about.”

“Fuck you.”

“No, thanks, I got the better copy for that job.”

“You’re a smart-mouthed uppity bitch, you know that?”

“You keep complimenting me and I might start to like you. Bottom line, you don’t have a vagina, breasts, or a different blood line, so there are many things I can do for him you will never be able to do. You’re having growing pains, because he’s finally getting out and going on with his life. That’s a problem I suggest you address. You have concerns about me or our relationship? Take it to Monster. As far as I’m concerned, if it’s not work related, I don’t want to see you in my office.”

“I hope you don’t think you’ve won this. My brother bleeds Dueling Devils. You’re just a skirt he happens to be under.”

The door exploded open. Symone jumped, completely caught off guard. The sight of Monster in the door with his chest heaving and his face flushed, told her shit had gone from bad to worse.

“What the fuck did you just say to her?” Monster growled. He dropped the pile of cardboard boxes on the ground and stepped inside. “Have you lost your fucking mind?” Monster stalked forward like a lion after prey. His massive hands slapped against his brother's chest, moving Pan backward until his back hit the wall. “You wait until I’m gone and you come in and talk shit to my girl?”

“She’s just some bitch.”

Monster wrapped his hand around Pan’s throat. “Let me set you straight. You’re looking at my future old lady, so I suggest you treat her with the according respect.”

Pan laughed. “Yeah right. Really? Beast and the beast? Is that how that works? You always go in blind and get your feelings hurt. You’re so fucking stupid.”

Monster slammed his head back against the wall. “The fuck are you talking about? You never have to do shit for me. I don’t owe you a damn thing.”

“No! I owe you and I can never forget that!” Pan shouted at the top of his lungs

The outburst stunned her. This all stems back to the fire.