Free All In by Fallon O'Donahue Page B

after all this recent shit with the idiot Lo tried to push on her. Chris was a fucking dick, known for stringing a host of women around. And he was proud of it. He preyed on the weak and needy, and right now Cass, as much as he adored her, fit the bill.
    Time for some cock blocking of his own.

    * * *
    “ H ey , babe,” Maddox whispered in her ear, putting his hand on her waist. “Chris, great to see you,” Maddox slid around Cass and shook Chris’ hand. Darkness shaded the man’s face as he glared daggers at Maddox.
    “Oh, you guys know each other?” Cass asked, sipping her drink wide-eyed and curious.
    “Yeah, we’ve met a few times,” Chris grumbled, not missing Maddox’s familiarity with his target.
    “How’s that girlfriend? What was her name? Sally? Betty? Jane. Her name was Jane, right? Blonde, big boobs?”
    “Girlfriend? You didn’t tell me that? How long have you been together? Is she here?” Cass smiled and winked at Maddox.
    That little minx. Of course she knew who, and what, Chris was. Who was the dumbass now? He remembered telling her stories about this asshole. Cass never forgot a good story.
    “Uh, no. No. No girlfriend right now,” Chris denied and leaned into Cass. “I’ve got an opening, if you’re interested.”
    Cass’ open and unfiltered laugh caused more than a few heads to turn. “Oh, sweetie. Thanks, but my heart is taken,” she smiled, glancing at Maddox.
    Taken, really? She was kidding right? Did something happen with Toph? When did that happen?
    His heart sunk.
    Why was his heart sinking? He should be happy for her.
    Then he remembered—this was Cass, Queen of Deflection. The tight grip on his heart loosened.
    “But I’m sure some other woman here would be honored,” she consoled, putting her hand on Chris’ arm. “Let me help. Maybe her?” Cass started pointing at other women in the room. Okay, maybe she only cock blocked him.
    Maddox put his arm around Chris, who looked a little taken aback. From what he knew about the asshole, he wasn’t used to being denied, and Cass’ nonchalant willingness to get him laid confused him. Hell, it confused Maddox most of the time, too. The woman wouldn’t have sex to save her life, but she wanted everyone else to hump like bunnies.
    “Dude, inside scoop? I hear Cecily Porter is single and on the prowl tonight,” he whispered, matching like with like.
    “Recent breakup?” Chris’ eyes sparked and he licked his lips. Maddox had to suppress an eye roll. Asshole.
    “Think so. Might want to get over there before she gets her claws in elsewhere,” he turned the man toward the bar where Cecily was unashamedly staring at his ass.
    Maddox and Cass watched in awe as Chris strutted over to Cecily, and within seconds the two were whirling off to their own dark corner.
    Cass breathed out a relieved sigh.
    “What were you thinking?” Maddox turned on her, anger burning hot. Cass backed up, confused.
    “What?”
    “Chris Jackson? Seriously, Cass?” he chastised.
    “Maddox, I knew who he was. I had it handled,” she dismissed him.
    “He’s a dickhead, and you let him…” Maddox lost his words. His hands fisting and flexing with his rising frustration.
    “Let him what, Mad? Flirt with me? No big deal. People flirt. I wasn’t going home with him. I’m Frigid Bitch Queen, remember? And even if I wasn’t, I’m not that stupid. You’re not calling me stupid, are you?” Cass’ voice hardened and she put her hands on her hips.
    “No,” Maddox pouted. “But I don’t like it.”
    Cass laughed. “Always the big brother,” she smiled, putting her arm through his. Right. Big Brother. That explained his reaction. He just wanted to protect his Cass. That was all. Yes. That was it. Wasn’t it? That had to be it. This was Cass, after all.
    “And sorry you had to give up your piece of ass tonight. You didn’t need to come to my rescue.”
    “I-, I-“ he stammered. She squeezed his arm.
    “Want me to find you a new one?”