Page 90 of Dust to Dust

“MIT must be admitting anyone these days.”

Gritting my teeth, I replied, “Just those with a 4.0 and a 38 on the ACT. Well, at least that’s true in my case.”

He snorted contemptuously. “I’m sure your looks had nothing to do with it.”

My mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Although my parents had ingrained in me the necessity of turning the other cheek in situations like these, I found myself unable to do so. Maybe it was because of feeling helpless after my attack, but I wasn’t going to take any man’s bullshit.

“You arrogant blowhole!”

Quinn’s attention whirled from his conversation to me. “Isla,” he warned.

“Do you know what he said?”

“Keep your voice down.”

I smacked my napkin on the table. “I don’t need to sit between two patronizing jackasses, thank you very much.”

After rising out of my chair, I hightailed it out of the dining room. I searched for the bathroom before disappearing inside. I’d started over to the sink when I caught Quinn’s reflection behind me. “You can’t be in here.”

“What the hell was that about back there?”

“Just leave me alone.”

“Do you know who that man’s family is?”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “I don’t care who he is. If he’s so important, he should’ve had better manners than to insult his dinner companion.”

Quinn swept his hands to his hips. “What are you talking about?”

“He said that since I attend MIT, they must be admitting anyone. Then he said my looks must’ve had some bearing on my being admitted.

Quinn’s eyes darkened. “He said that?”

“Yeah, he did.” I jabbed my finger into his chest. “But you know what? I don’t care about that arrogant prick. What I do care about is how you didn’t even stop to see what was wrong. You just admonished me like I was a child acting up.”

With a repentant look, he jerked a hand through his hair. “I’m so sorry, Isla. I keep fucking up when it comes to you.” Shaking his head, he replied, “I don’t know how to be soft and tender.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Well, you’re going to have to try harder. I know this is all still new between us, but you need to have my back always, even if I’m in the wrong.”

“You’re right. And I’m truly sorry.” He reached for my hand and brought it to his lips. “Please forgive me, Little Dove.”

“Actions speak louder than words.”

“Regardless of who he is, I’ll go right now and demand that he apologize to you.”

“You will?”

“Aye, I will. I’ll have words with any man who makes you feel less of the goddess that you are.”

“Don’t ever do that again.”

“I won’t.” He brushed his lips against mine. “What can I do to make it up to you?”

“Instead of demanding his apology, could you beat his pompous ass?” I suggested.

“Perhaps something less violent?” His hand came to my breast. “Maybe more pleasurable.”

“That’s how you want to make things right?”

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