Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
“You’re not going to go all big brother on me, are you?”
“Never been your big brother, Briella. Never. Not for a fuckin’ second, but you know how I feel about some of those fuckers you hang around with. So, I’m askin’, who are you going out with?”
“Xander,” I tell him, my cheeks going a little flushed at his words.
His protectiveness has always made me feel something inside. Something I’m not quite sure I understand.
“You’re fuckin’ kidding me, aren’t you? That guy is a fuckin’ sleeze ball. He fucks everything that moves.”
My cheeks burn now, with frustration and anger. “No he doesn’t!”
“Yeah, he fuckin’ does. I know his older brother. I’ve seen him at the club a few times when they’ve come round for a party. He is a little dick.”
“Well, we must be thinking of a different guy because he’s nice to me.”
“Is he?”
My lips form a tight line. “Yes, he is.”
“You’re too young for a guy like that.”
I spin around, glaring at him. “I’m sorry, last time I checked you go out and fuck everything that moves and you’re trying to tell me I’m too young. I’m not too young for anything. I’m turning eighteen at the end of this year, it’s time you accept I’m growing up.”
“You’re too young to be fuckin’ a guy like that.”
“I’m not fucking him, Alarick,” I snap. “I’m not even thinking about it!”
“Well, let me tell you somethin’. He is thinkin’ about it, and he’s goin’ to try.”
“And I’m not going to let him,” I growl. “I do have some self-control and respect.”
“You need to be careful. Men like that take what they want, regardless. He has a bad reputation. You’re stupid if you trust him.”
I’m angry now, and with a growl I demand he leaves my room. He stares at me, and then with a loud exhale turns and walks out.
He never argues.
I think sometimes he finds it easier not to.
Either way, he’s wrong.
I know he is.
Xander is good to me.
Right?
“YOU LOOK SUPER-HOT tonight,” Xander says as we both stumble down toward the lake after the party, which was so freakin’ epic I’m glad we snuck out for it.
I lost sight of Magnolia a few hours ago, but she text and told me she’d be back at home before morning. I hope she follows through because if she doesn’t, we’re both dead. So far, so good, Mom hasn’t figured out we’re gone and there have been no phone calls demanding we come home.
That’s a plus.
“Thanks,” I murmur, sitting down onto the cool grass with a thump that’s a little too hard for my bottom, and I whine in protest as pain shoots up my spine.
Slower next time.
“Whoa, you okay?” Xander asks, sitting down beside me and grabbing me around the waist, pulling me closer. “Here, I’ll hold you up.”
I giggle. “I thought the ground was a little closer. I think I had too many beers.”
“Don’t worry,” he murmurs, tucking me into his side which feels really nice, “I’ll take care of you.”
See?
Alarick is wrong. Xander is sweet. All night he’s done nothing but help me, get me drinks and take care of me. He hasn’t once done anything inappropriate. Alarick has no idea the kind of guy he is. Just because he’s a man doesn’t mean he knows what all men are like.
I rest my head on Xander’s shoulder and stare out at the lake. It’s nice out here, cool with a fresh breeze that tickles my face every few minutes. It’s very romantic, and I’m glad we decided to come here alone. I haven’t had any time alone with Xander all night, and I’ve been craving it so badly.
“Did you enjoy yourself tonight?” he asks, his hand sliding up to stroke over my thick, long hair.
“I did. What about you?”
“Fuck yeah. I’m glad you snuck out. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
My heart does a little flip flop. “Ditto.”
“Is it too forward if I tell you that I really want to kiss you. Fuck, I’ve been thinking about it for weeks.”
Me, too.
I’ve only ever kissed one man, and it was the most awkward, most horrible night of my life and a time I never want to think about again.
I kissed Flick one night at the club.
He rejected me, of course, because I was only sixteen and drunk for the first time and threw myself at him. I cringe as I remember that moment. The moment I went up onto my tiptoes and kissed him. Even though it was wrong, I still remember how it felt. I can’t deny that it felt really good. The way his stubble scratched my face. The way his big hands fell to my hips just before he pushed me away. The way he tasted so damned good. It was the worst kiss of my life, and yet it was the best at the same time.