This Time Around (Sequel to All Over Again)

Chapter Thirty-Seven

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

McKenna frowned as she draped a garland along the mantel of yet another fireplace. The more she thought about it, the less she cared if the boxes remained full of decorations for another day. She had the chance to spend some quality time with Loki, and she chose garlands and ribbons over that? She had to be crazy.

A smile stole over her face as she dropped the garland back into its box. "I have to be nuts, to choose this over sex with my husband."

That in mind, she closed the box flaps and made her way back to her and Loki's chambers. The door was slightly ajar, but she paid it no mind as she slipped around it and paused to tug off her boots.

Water sloshed and her smile widened as she tugged her pale green tunic from her black velvet leggings. Loki usually was the one surprising her in the tub. Hopefully he wouldn't mind being the surprised one for a change.

But then, a soft, feminine voice floated out. "I can and I will. Just watch."

Annelie's voice.

McKenna froze, her heart skipping a painful beat as a sour taste flooded her mouth. What the-?

Her hands went still as she rounded the corner and saw a very naked, very wet Annelie strolling across the room.

Toward Loki.

Who wore only a towel.

"What the hell is going on here?" she asked, fighting to keep the waver out of her voice as she looked from Loki to Annelie.

Annelie's smile grew predatory. "Oh, dear... I guess we've been caught."

Loki shook his head. "McKenna, it's not what you think-"

"Really? Because it certainly looks that way." McKenna came completely into the room, only barely able to hear either one of them over the roar in her head and the pounding of her heart. The entire bathing chamber swam before her. She wanted to throw up.

She wanted to kill the blonde bitch standing just beyond her reach.

And with that, McKenna took a step closer and swung. Every ounce of fury coupled with months of Sif's training fed that punch and when her fist made contact, the crunch was audible.

Blood spattered back and Annelie dropped to her knees, her hands cupped over her face. "What-Loki... she hit me!"

"You have exactly five seconds to get out of this room and out of this palace and if you don't, so help me God, I will have you bodily tossed out. And you will never-and I do mean never-set foot within these walls again. You will stay away from me, my husband, and our children or I swear to God, the next time I see you, I will fucking kick the ever loving shit out of you. You got that?"

Annelie nodded, swiping up the blood-spattered robe, tugging it on as she got to her feet and scurried out of the room.

From the corner of her eye, McKenna saw Loki relax and she squeezed her eyes shut to halt the hot, stinging tears threatening to break free. Without another word, she stalked out of the room.

"McKenna, wait..." He followed her. "It's not what you think. Not at all."

She ignored him as she strode across the room, toward the terrace. He reached for her, but she jerked back as soon as he touched her. "Don't... Loki... How-how could you? And in our fucking room?"

"I didn't do anything, McKenna. I was in the tub, minding my own business, and she walked in."

"She walked in naked?"