“You’re being a dick,” she said. She spun on her heel and moved to grab the clothes she’d laid out on the bed.
Moose lifted her up into his arms.
She squealed. “Put me down!”
“Not until you tell me what’s going on with you,” he said.
“Nothing…”
“Bullshit. You’re all over my shit, disrespecting me and throwing shit. That’s not you.”
“Maybe I am about to start my rag,” she said lamely. She peered up, bending her neck.
He glared down at her. “Don’t do that.”
“Do what, Moose?” she asked.
“Lie to my fucking face and play it off like I’m paranoid. Being aware of people and my surroundings keeps me and my brothers alive. I can smell a lie a fucking mile away, so be careful what you say to me.”
She gulped. Her mouth went dry and her nipples hardened. This dark side of him got her off. It was a sickness passed from mother to daughter, apparently. “You’re right. I got pissy, and it’s not your fault,” she said.
“Glad we could agree on that. About what?” he asked.
“Us.”
He furrowed his brow and fixed her with the ridiculously blue lasers he had for eyes. His thick eyebrows came together. “Care to clarify?”
She shook her head, not wanting to topple the tentative balance they’d found. “Not really.”
“Tough shit.” His warm breath stirred the tendrils of hair around her face.
Joey shook her head. “Can’t we just leave it alone?” she asked.
“Why? So it can fester?” He frowned. “No, we hash this shit out.”
“What are we doing, Moose?”
“Getting dressed and meeting with Jul and Shooter to talk about wedding shit,” he said, not following her thoughts.
“No, us, what are we?” she said.
“What? You want to be my old lady?” His eyes narrowed.
“No, I’m not saying that.” She closed her eyes and sighed. “We just don’t have any parameters.”
“You’re with me 24/7, Joey. You worried about me fucking around? ’Cause, it’s not happening. Or are you getting bored? Want to find someone else to fill your days and nights?”
“No.” Her voice shook. “Do you?”
“How can you ask me that? Not ten minutes ago, I was buried inside your pussy while you screamed my name. I’m coming in you like that shit is crack, and I’m an addict. That ain’t the norm for me, and you know it. I don’t want any other bitches, Jo-Jo. You’re more than enough for me. You feel me?” He squeezed her tight with a powerful arm and gripped her chin with his other. “Look at me.”
She opened her eyes, feeling exposed.
“You believe me?” he asked.
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Is it enough? Because I’ll go on record right now and say, it’s all I have to give.”