Her Reluctant Husband by Erica Marselas (books to read for 12 year olds .TXT) 📕

told me she would be gone for the day, doing whatever the hell she does. But of course, she would show up to ruin the day. We were doing just fine avoiding each other the last couple of days.

"And whooo might you be?" Adrian grins widely, stepping towards her. I can tell he’s intrigued by her, like most people when they first come in contact with her.

"I'm June." She puts her hand out for Adrian and I push him away before they can make contact.

“Damn, dude, what’s the problem?” Adrian shoves me back.

“I thought you said you would be gone today?” I grit out.

“I was and now I’m back. Didn’t know I had to check in.” She glances over at Adrian shaking her head. “Do you believe him?”

"Wait? Did you say your name was June?" Adrian pushes himself beside me and smacks me in the chest, smiling.

“I did.”

"As in little Ju-Ju?

Her eyes widen in surprise and I elbow him roughly in the stomach. He winces in pain grabbing his side. Of all the things this asshole remembers of what I told him about her when I was drunk, it's her nickname. My nickname for her.

June shakes off her dazed look and crosses her arms. "I see he's mentioned me before."

"It's been a while,” he says, looking smugly at me, “but it's nice to put a pretty face to the name finally."

"You're pushing it, Adrian. If you would remember correctly, she's no one."

"I'm no one, huh?" she scoffs. "Then I guess he hasn't told you his little secret."

"Secret?"

"I thought you didn't want to tell anyone...honey bear," I mutter out sarcastically and she takes a step back remembering what she is doing.

"Honey bear? Okay, now will one of you tell me what the fuck is going on?" Adrian puts his hand on his hips as his eyes dart between us.

June straightens her shoulders. "We weren't going to tell anyone, but it doesn't seem fair to keep it from someone who is helping you move your shit. He’s obviously a good friend, Alex."

"She has a point. I’m probably this asshole’s only friend.” Adrian laughs. “Now what is going on?"

"It's not important. Let's go."

"Not important? I would say it’s pretty life changing, dear.” June flutters her eyes and places her hand over her heart, trying to play as if she’s offended. She makes it tempting to spank her, no matter the bad blood between us. “Like he said, he’s probably your only friend and it hardly seems right if you can share the information with Whitney and not him.”

“Jesus, June,” I mutter, my hand really twitching to put her over my knee, “cut it the fuck out.”

"Oh, no, this is too much fun, babe.” Her lips turn up in a twisted smile, as she slides her arm around my waist. “I'm his wife." Adrian’s eyes go wide, and I push her away. What the fuck is she doing? Only the other day she wanted to keep this from everyone.

"Wife?" Adrian exclaims and there’s no keeping the surprise out of his voice. “You old dog. You got married? Damn right I’d say it’s important. When the hell did this happen? I need deets. Spill.”

"It's not what you think."

"No?” Adrian scoffs. And I know he is not going to let this rest. “Pray tell? What is it I should think then?"

"My aunt thought it would be hilarious to marry the person I hate most in this life. I kinda want to pretend it’s not happening, but I was going to tell you." I just needed something strong to drink to admit what hell I had gotten into.

"You hate this goddess? I mean I know there’s some bad blood between you two, but come on. You left out the part where little Ju-Ju is a fox." Adrian turns back to June and eyes her up and down. "Cause honey, if I batted for the other team, I would be all over you."

"Aww, that's the nicest thing I've heard all week. Might be the nicest thing I’ll hear all year considering I have to spend it with that pile of grump behind you."

"So, what is the full story here? Who's going to tell me?"

"Depends? Do you want the truth or delusions?" June bites.

"You also didn’t tell me she was feisty," Adrian hoots.

"Don't entertain her,” I growl, and it makes Adrian laugh harder. “This is why I wanted to wait to tell you Adrian because it’s a long fucking story and I'll need lots to drink to explain it all."

"But most of what he'll say is fabricated in his own mind." June smirks. "Don't believe his confessions. I swear I'm not really the devil or some monster under all this."

Adrian smirks. “I can believe that.”

“Well, I was going to be nice and help, but I can see I’m not welcomed. It was nice meeting you, Adrian. Maybe we can talk again. That is, if my husband doesn’t turn me into some wicked witch in your eyes.”

“Oh, honey,” he clicks his tongue, “we will be talking again.”

June giggles. “Sounds good to me. And good luck with…” June waves her hand up and down my body. “Him. I’m sure you’ll need it.” She flips her hair and with a huff spins around to stomp out of the room.

Adrian watches her leave and then turns to me wiggling his eyebrows. “Oh, I like her.”

“Cut the shit.”

“And really? You told Whitney before me?”

“Not because I wanted to,” I mutter, glancing out of the room to make sure June is really gone. “It just came out.”

“Well, I hope that this means you finally ended it with that psycho.”

“Whitney isn’t psycho.”

“Right, and I’m straight.”

“I think that’s all of it.” Adrian slaps my shoulder. “Now we should talk