Saved by the Blizzard: A romantic winter thriller (Tellure Hollow Book 2) by Adele Huxley Page B

want.” I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. “It’s a relatively new idea. I know you’ve been living under a rock your whole life, so you might not have heard about it. I understand if you’re afraid of her.”
    He barked a loud laugh. “That’s good,” he nodded looking at me. “In any other circumstance, I might actually like you.”
    “Ah, you mean if I wasn’t sleeping with your ex?” Even as the words fell from lips, I couldn’t believe I’d said them. It was low-hanging fruit but I saw an opportunity to actually get to him, to maybe crack that horrible facade and goad the angry guy beneath. But to do it, I’d have to put on a mask of my own. I felt the persona of The Blizzard coming through just a little, that cockiness, arrogance.
    I saw it, just a flash in his eyes but he quickly recovered. “Sure you are. Real funny guy.” He laughed again, but I could tell the seed had been planted.
    “No really, it was sweet. To be fair, we’ve only been screwing a little over a week. Get this. She actually said it was my Christmas present to her,” I hesitated, not sure if I should push it even further. It was one of those moments that could’ve gone in one of two directions and you’re left wondering “what if?” What if I’d just kept my damn mouth shut? What if I hadn’t pushed so hard?
    Rick scowled as he looked at me, searching my demeanor and tone for the truth. I kept my voice casual, knowing that it would get to him the most. I looked around dramatically, as if making sure the coast were clear. “Truth is, I’ve never been with a virgin before. Pretty intense experience. A lot of pressure, if you know what I mean.”
    He grabbed my elbow and pulled me a few steps closer to the shed, away from the closest group of people. It wasn’t too forceful, but enough to imply he wasn’t asking me to come along. I might’ve had a bum leg, but I still knew how to throw a right hook. If he tried anything, I’d at least get a good crack in. The rest of the party seemed oblivious to the confrontation, which was just as well. I wasn’t looking to pound his face in. I wanted to talk, but first I had to break through that shell of his.
    “I know you were really worried about me being able to meet her needs,” I continued.
    “Oh, fuck off,” he scoffed, his breath coming out in a white cloud.
    I shrugged casually, as if it wasn’t a big deal. “She was pretty nervous the first time but judging by the sounds she was making, I think I did pretty well last night. She definitely didn’t have any complaints.”
    That did it. His jaw clenched. He wheeled towards me, looking like a bear ready to attack. He shook his head. “She wouldn’t dare.”
    It was my turn to laugh. “Are you serious? After everything you’ve done to her, even in the last couple days, you think she’d hold out for you?” My lip curled in amusement and disgust. “You should be thanking me. I’m pretty sure at this point she would’ve thrown it to any guy who looked twice at her.”
    “Thin ice, man. You’re walking on some very thin ice.” His teeth glimmered in the firelight, adding to the animalistic posturing.
    I should’ve been satisfied but part of me thought if I’d been able to push him to this point, I might be able to get through on another level. I cocked my head and grinned. “I took your advice and told her everything. God, fame is such a panty dropper, even if you just used to be famous.” I tried to look at him as if he weren’t ready to rip my head off. “Wait, you haven’t forgotten who I am, have you?”
    “You’re a dead man, that’s who you are. I’m gonna fucking kill you.”
    I took another sip of my beer and smiled as if the whole situation was comical. Inside, I was quivering with a potent mixture of anxiety and rage. I hated the things this guy had done to Liz but if I could keep it together long enough, I might be able to make him go away for good.
    “ Tsk tsk ,” I said shaking my