Page 42 of Bittersweet Revenge

“I know.”

“You do?”

He scoffed. “Of course I do.”

“But you said–”

He raised his hand. “I know what I said and I didn't mean that.”

“Yes you did.”

He sighed, running his hand through his hair. “And now I don’t anymore.”

“Are you saying that you believe me now or you’re being decent because you’re scared I’ll kill myself?”

I ignored my phone vibrating in my armband.

Caleb looked at my phone, his face darkening. “Stay away from him.”

“I’m trying.”

“Try better.”

I growled. He was so frustrating. How was I supposed to try?! It was their house and he’d been waiting in front of my door.

“Just…” Caleb looked heavenward. “He is not safe.”

I snorted. “Yeah, I noticed.”

“And while you’re at it, avoid my mother. She’s…”

“Crazy?”

He threw me a dark look. “Confused.”

Yeah... That was one way of putting it.

“You have a phone now,” he said, pointing at my armband. “If you need to go around or if you get uncomfortable again, just text me.”

That sort of thwarted my plans of searching the house for any kind of evidence. “You know if you’re not careful, I’ll start to think you care about me.”

It was his turn to snort. “I merely want to avoid any more drama in this house.”

“Okay...” I turned around to hide my smile. It was so obviously a lie, but he wasn’t going to admit it.

“I’ll come pick you up for dinner, okay? Don’t go without me.”

I turned around at the concern in his voice. He was now standing by the door, his hand on the doorknob.

The concern was genuine and reflected in his face. He wanted to keep me safe even against his own instincts.

“I promise.”

He nodded once and left without another word.

I took a quick shower, trying to get rid of both the sweat and James’s sweet scent which seemed to be ingrained in my skin.

After three full body scrubs, I was finally satisfied that James’s aura was completely expelled. Then I went back to my room where I decided to spend the day and maybe catch up on my homework.

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