Project: Rogue (Project Series Book 2) by J.L. Beck

done with the conversation because now I was pissed. The thought of Maggie lying to me was implanted inside my head. That had to be the reason she was so distant from me. It was the only reason I could logically come up with.
    I gripped my phone in my hand so hard I was sure the screen would shatter. My boots stomped against white hospital like flooring as I headed towards our dorm. I could sense her as I grew closer, my body changing to match her own emotions.
    Coming around the corner I stopped mid-step, my stomach twisting in knots. She was sitting in the lounge at the giant island talking to Xaiver, another project member. I had spoken to him on a couple occasions and he seemed like a nice dude then but that was when he wasn’t in Maggie’s face. He now seemed like he would be a nicer dude without a pulse.
    “Killer man, I was just talking to your girl about some of your kick ass moves.” Xaiver grinned up at me, his eyes locking in on me. My own eyes were locked on Maggie though who seemed unsure of what was about to take place. I knew she was expecting me to lose my shit, after all that is what I should be doing but because she expected it I decided to switch it up and play nice.
    Only once.
    “I remember beating your ass at hand to hand combat. How are you?” I pulled my eyes from Maggie’s and met his while speaking the words as nicely as I could, the entire time I was biting the inside of my cheek. Blood pooled in my mouth, the delicate copper droplets sparking rage in as they landed on my tongue. Shock registered on Maggie’s face as I continued to play nicely with him.
    “Beating my ass?” Xaiver raised an eyebrow at me in retaliation. I shot one back. We both knew that I could take just about anyone here. I couldn’t say everyone because I hadn’t met every single person, that and I was only half of a cocky bastard. Not a full one. Even I was aware that there would eventually come a day when someone could kick my ass. That day wasn’t today though.
    “Shall we schedule a rematch of some sort?” I baited him. I was always up for a good fight; it was the easiest way to rid yourself of aggression, something I was constantly carrying around with me.
    Xaiver’s eyes shot down to Maggie as if he was asking her if he could. That just seemed to make things worse, I clenched my fists tightly to stop myself from reaching out and slamming his head against the counter.
    Play nice, Killer.
    “A rematch? I’ve never really got to see Killer fight. I mean other than in training and that one time…” Maggie’s voice seemed far away as if she was lost in a memory or thought.
    “Then you’ll enjoy it as much as I will.” I bent down nipping at her earlobe as I spoke. She squealed loudly, pushing me away, and grabbing at her ear.
    “Tomorrow okay with you?” Xaiver questioned. The calm, cool, and collective person he was moments ago was gone. I couldn’t help but relate to him, we all seemed to change our emotions in the face of our enemies. Given, we weren’t technically enemies but when we got in that ring, it wasn’t to have a fucking tea party and eat cookies.
    “Perfect. Three o’clock.” He finished making his sandwich and took a large bite out of it, nodding his head yes.
    “See you then, Killer.” Xaiver dismissed us, walking away with his food in hand. I wanted to laugh, and I couldn’t even remember the last time I had laughed.
    “You didn’t have to challenge him like that?” Maggie sounded pissed and that was astounding to me. Shouldn’t I be the one pissed?
    “Challenge him? I didn’t do shit. He did that to himself.” I snapped without thought, grabbing the back of the chair and turning her towards me.
    “Way to play nice, though. It’s always funny getting to see you out of your element.” She smiled up at me, her perfectly straight white teeth showing. Dark brown hair cascaded down her back and her bangs were cut straight across her face, hovering just barely above her