Page 39 of Fervency Love

“I saw how he looked at you. He wants you.”

“Maybe, but I’m not interested.”

“I don’t want you to see him anymore.”

“It was an accident. Stop freaking out, Connor,” I snap.

“It’s Connor now, yeah? Why did you call me that?”

“Because that’s your name,” I cry, raising my voice.

“But that’s not what you call me normally.”

“I do when you piss me off.”

“I’m getting on your nerves?”

“Yes! You’re making me fucking furious with your jealousy! You’re totally out of line.”

“You’re wrong. I have my reasons. I’m not going to let anyone take you away from me,” he says with a growl.

“I’m not going to allow that either, Ve. Can we stop now? People are staring.”

“Let them stare, I don’t care.”

“What are you doing here anyway?”

“Nothing. I came to get you. Thought I’d walk you home.”

“Well, you’re in luck, as I was about to take the bus he just got off.”

“So why didn’t you do that?”

“Because the cavemen were inside, and I’m not looking for trouble. Anyway, you would have missed me.”

“I don’t think so. I’ve been waiting for some time.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? You’ve been following me? What the hell were you thinking!?” I scream. I’ve had enough of this conversation. Enough pressure and restrictions.

“No. I wanted to come over, but I saw him.”

“And what did that get you? You saw something that makes you think you have the right to talk to me like that now?”

“I saw how he looked at you.”

“So did I do anything to make you worry?” I lower my voice again, suddenly getting it—he’s simply hurting.

He says nothing.

“Tell me,” I demand.

“You touched him. You smiled. You looked involved,” he mutters.

“He’s an old friend of mine, Ve. That touch meant nothing. It was a friendly gesture. You have nothing to worry about.”

“It may mean nothing to you, but I’m sure it did matter for him. Better he didn’t try anything.”

“Even if you’re right, the show you gave him left no doubts that I’m yours. I’m not in the mood for a bus ride anymore,” I add. “I want to take a walk. You coming?”

---