Bear Meets Girl
Page 34

Cella looked over her shoulder and she felt nothing but relief at seeing that searing scowl, those ancient jeans, and a goddamn Islanders hat on his head. The Rangers? Really? At least her bear understood loyalty.
I saidthe bear shed woken up naked with stepped closer, a bag of groceries in his handwhat the hells going on?
Cant we just come visit our brother?
Not and live to tell about it. No.
Can you believe the way he treats us? the one with the Rangers cap asked Cella. Born just a few minutes apart and he never has any time for us. Isnt that unfair?
You never mentioned all that, Cella observed, when you were pretending to be him.
Crush threw his bag of groceries down, his scowl turning worse, his big body vibrating. Youre still doing that? he bellowed.
Cella laughed and walked up the stairs. She could feel Jais hand swipe past her T-shirt, just missing her, as she made a wild grab to stop her.
You guys, Cella teased. Did you do that to a lot of girls? Pretending to be each other?
We were kids, the one with the hat explained, still grinning. We didnt know any better.
Well you know what? Cella asked, stepping close to him. Im an adult. And I still dont know any better.
Then Cella punched the smug bastard in the face.
Crush only had a split second to laugh before Chazz was over the banister, landing on the porch. Crush shot up the stairs, ready to beat his brothers to death before he let either one hurt Malone. But Chazz grabbed a bleeding, roaring Gray and yanked him back.
Dude, Chazz said, eyes wide, I know her.
What?
I know her. She plays on the Carnivores. Thats ... thats Bare Knuckles Malone. They both gazed at the She-tiger. You were just hit in the face by fuckin Cella Malone!
Crushs eyes crossed. His brothers were such idiots. And how did Chazz know Malone on sight? Probably oozed his way into the team locker room, the bastard.
Chazz desperately searched the pockets of his jeans and Windbreaker jacket until he pulled out a marker. Could you sign my arm? He held the marker out to her.
My chest. Can you sign my chest? Blood pouring down his face, Gray grinned at Chazz. I cant wait for Marcie to see this.
Marcie?
His wife, Crush explained to Malone. Gray didnt mention her?
Malone pointed an accusing finger at his brothers. You were hitting on me while your wi fe was sitting at home, waiting for you to come back?
Crush doubted all that.
What she doesnt know ...
Malone pulled her fist back again, but Chazz held up his hands. Wait, wait. Hit me.
Crush blinked. You want her to hit you?
Shes Bare Knuckles Malone, dude!
Crush leaned forward and said next to Malones ear, Please tell me I wasnt this bad with your dad.
You were, but you were really adorable about it. This is just annoying.
Wait a minute. Gray stood straight, swiping blood from his nose. What is she doing here withhis brother eyed him with contemptyou?
Im his girlfriend, Malone said.
Crush sighed. Are we here again?
Dont start.
You? Gray and Chazz said together. You?
Youre dating Marcella Malone? And Chazz didnt bother to hide his disgust. How is that even possible?
What the fuck is that supposed to mean?
We thought you were still a virgin.
Crush went to hit Gray, but Malone stepped in front of him, managing to hold him back without doing much of anything.
Wanting his brothers to go, Crush asked, Dont you have wives and children to get home to? Id hate to think youre only making me miserable today.
Gray smirked. Arent you going to ask why were here?
I know why youre here and you can tell her no.
We all know she doesnt take no for an answer.
That, and the eventual liver damage shes well on her way to experiencing, is not my fuckin problem. Now get out.
Chazz threw up his hands and started to walk around them, but Gray snatched the marker from him and asked Malone, Do you think I can still get your
Malone slapped the marker from Grays hand. His brother jerked back and Crush caught the felines arms before she could start slapping the crap out of him in front of the whole neighborhood.
Laughing, Gray followed Chazz. Crush watched until his brothers got in their truck and drove off. Then he went back down the porch stairs, picked up his groceries, and headed into his houseclosing the door behind him.
CHAPTER TEN
Cella followed Crush, but stopped when the door closed in her face.
Gasping, Oh, no, he did not!
Cella Jai began, but Cella didnt want to hear it.
The bear hadnt locked the door, so Cella threw it open and marched inside.
What are you mad at me for? she demanded, following the bear into his tidy kitchen.