Lula.
The pact we made the day we bought this place was no women, only wives. That was the rule above all rules, and we’ve stuck to it. This wasn’t a party place to bring randoms to; it was meant for one woman we were going to be with forever. I didn’t know that Kade was serious about his wife Collins until he and I came to blows, but I can admit to being a little hardheaded at times.
“I don’t have much experience with Botox, but I’m sure I can read up on it and help you out.”
I scowl at Lula as she doesn’t look up from her clipboard and scribbles something on it.
“I can hear your forehead wrinkling even from this side of the room, Xavier.”
She says my name like she hates me and she probably does. I don’t blame her, but I won’t do anything to change her mind. I also don’t do much talking when I’m around her, but she’s never far from my sight. She must sense me or my scowl because she didn’t look up and I know I was silent when I walked into the infirmary.
I watch as she moves around the shelves taking inventory and doesn’t give me a second glance. I hate the way she ignores me, but I think I hate it more when she gives me her full attention. Who has eyes that sharp and why do they cut through me like a knife? The way she moves her body is infuriating. Why does she have to bend over so much and stretch her legs out like a gymnast? Is she trying to prove that she can bend in every direction with my cock buried inside of her?
The thought has me adjusting myself and trying to name baseball players. Why am I here again?
“Vaughn snuck out last night to go get Berkley.” My voice is low and it sounds like I’ve been eating rocks because it’s so unused.
“I thought that might be what would happen.” She hums as she walks over to a chair and puts it in front of one of the tall shelves.
“You knew he would leave?” Why does everything I say to her sound like an accusation?
“Well, yeah.” She looks over her shoulder and her eyes pierce me right in the chest, but I lose my breath as she shrugs. “It’s pretty clear he’s in love with her.”
“He doesn’t even know what that is.” I dismiss my brother’s attraction to Berkley just like I did with Kade and Collins.
She smiles at me like I’m a child she’s trying to explain something to. “Did you ever think maybe you’re the one that’s mistaken?”
“No.” My answer is too quick and she sees right through it.
She turns away as she positions the chair in front of the shelf and proceeds to climb on top of it. I’m across the room in half a second and my anger flares as I stand behind it.
“What the fuck are you doing? This stool isn’t meant to be stood on.” I grab the wobbly wooden seat as she goes up on her tiptoes.
“If these shelves weren’t so tall I wouldn’t need it.” As soon as I see her lift one foot I freak out and grab her leg.
“You’re going to fall!” I shout at her as she wobbles in the air.
“Stop! You’re going to make me fall!” she shouts back and my blood boils.
Who the hell does she think she is coming in here, climbing on this fucking rickety chair, and then shouting at me not to save her? I swear to God, if she falls it will be because of her own doing. And how did she even become a doctor without the slightest bit of self-preservation?
“Xavier, let go of me!” Her other foot tries to kick out just as I grab it but my arms are too strong and she loses her balance. “Ahhh!”
She screams as she topples backwards but I’m right there to catch her in my arms. She lands with an oomph and suddenly her face changes from fear to outrage.
“Put me down, you big grumpy ox.” She shoves at my chest as I put her on her feet and take a step back.
“I didn’t exactly come in here to save you,” I snap back at her and she pokes my chest.
“The only reason you ever come here is to scowl at me like I’m stealing gauze.”
“You might be!” I shout and I know it’s ridiculous, but I can’t take it back.
“Do you have any idea how much your brother is paying me to stay here? Why the hell would I steal medical supplies?”
“I don’t trust you,” I say, leaning in closer. The scent of lemons and fruit invades my senses and I hate how much the familiar smell drives me crazy.