Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 94834 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94834 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
“How do you think I’m doing?” I question, sparing him a quick glance and seeing something real in his eyes. He still seems like that cocky, too-sure-of-himself asshole I first met outside the apartment complex, but here and now, there’s something raw and honest.
“Stupid question, huh?”
“The worst,” I agree.
His gaze lingers on me before letting out a heavy breath. “You really hate me, don’t you?”
I consider his question before finally shaking my head. “How can I hate someone I don’t know?” I murmur, my voice like a whisper floating through the room. “Was that cocky-as-fuck guy who took me riding on his bike and told me that sad chicks give the best head the real you? Or were you doing your part in this sick little game, trying to draw me in? See that guy, the one up on the roof that night? I liked that guy. He was carefree and fun. But something tells me that’s not who you really are.”
He nods as if really hearing me. “Let me make it up to you,” he offers. “That guy on the roof, that was the real me, and I know I haven’t given you a reason to believe that, but give me a chance to show you.”
I adjust myself on the couch, turning to face him more directly before placing my glass down on the coffee table. “You set me up to be kidnapped by men who scared the shit out of me, and then sat in that cell with me and lied about who you are. You saw how fucked up that was and you let them do that to me. You did that to me.”
His gaze drops, and I see self-loathing in his eyes, the guilt that’s been building and eating at him. “I know,” he tells me. “The truth is, I was more than happy to play along. I’m not a good guy, Firefly. The way I was raised, shit like that comes naturally to me. It wasn’t until I received that text from Zade, telling me it was time, that I realized how badly I didn’t want to hurt you.”
“But you still did it anyway.”
He nods. “I did.”
“Fool me once and that’s on you,” I tell him. “Fool me twice and . . . well, that just wouldn’t happen.”
He watches me, the silence growing heavy until a curious suspicion flashes in his eyes. His head tilts just a little, the curiosity getting stronger. “You want Cross.”
My brows furrow as I consider what he’s asking, and I shake my head. “No, I don’t think I do,” I tell him. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, he’s hot as fuck. You all are, and goddamn, the way he fucked me during the ball was insane. My knees shake every time I think about it. But I don’t want to be with him. I don’t want to be with anyone. I’m just trying to not get killed.”
“But there’s something about him that’s drawing you in,” he states. “It’s the snake, isn’t it? That fucked-up little bond he has with Venom. Chicks dig that kind of shit. I can get a kitten if it’ll help.”
I laugh and roll my eyes. “For the love of all things holy, please don’t get a kitten. You’ll end up turning it into an attack demon, and there’s nothing cute about that. Besides, Venom will probably think it’s lunch.” Dalton laughs and I let out a sigh, knowing he’s still waiting for an answer. “For what it’s worth, the only reason I’m so drawn to Easton is because he’s the only one who hasn’t messed with me yet.”
His brows furrow as I go on. “Sawyer had me believing he was going to rape me in that cell and Zade . . . well, what hasn’t he done?”
“Sawyer never would have touched you. You know that, right? He was just trying to fuck with your head.”
“It worked,” I mutter darkly. “But yes, I know that now. Doesn’t mean I have to forgive him.”
“Sure as hell seemed like you did when you sucked his cock like that.”
A grin pulls up the corner of my lips. “What’s the matter, Dalton? You sound jealous.”
He shrugs his shoulders. “So what if I am?” he questions, reaching for me and brushing the back of his finger over the curve of my face. His gaze drops to my lips before coming back to my eyes. “Don’t lie to me, Firefly. Up on that roof, you felt the connection between us.”
My heart starts to race, and for the first time, it’s not because I’m terrified of imminent death. Not knowing how to respond, I move across the couch and straddle his lap. Dalton’s hands fall to my waist as he watches me, those blazing blue eyes so intense and warm. “I specifically recall you telling me you weren’t interested in anything more than the occasional screw.”