Page 82 of Love, Hate, Love

“No.” The word came out of me like it had been ripped out of my gut.

Alec kept on staring. And staring, as if he couldn’t stop himself. As if she were the only person in the world.

“Huh?” he said, turning to me, blinking. He didn’t even realize how obvious he’d been or that I’d caught him staring.

I’d wanted to give Missy a moment, but not one that would lead to what was happening here. She was too young, too sweet for the likes of Alec, whether he realized it or not.

“Not her,” I said, glancing in Missy’s direction. “She’s not one to add to your roster—remember our talk?”

He dragged his gaze back to me. “Oh, no, I’d never. I’m just surprised.” He looked back to her. “I mean, I knew she was a cute kid, but damn is she turning into one of the most beautiful?—”

“You’re doing it again, and no.”

“Doing what?”

“Staring at her with that look you have, and don’t tell me you don’t know what one I’m talking about.”

“I told you I wasn’t going to do anything. She’s a kid. I’m surprised, is all.”

“If you’re not going to do anything, stop staring at her. She’s not a one-night-stand girl.” Was it possible he didn’t even realize the heat he was throwing off? Was he kidding me or himself?

He shook his head, as if he hadn’t realized he’d been doing it again. “You’re beating a dead horse. How many times do I need to tell you I’m not interested in that way?”

He wasn’t bullshitting me. He was bullshitting himself.

“Just promise me you won’t touch her if the urge presents itself.” Or if he finally acknowledged it.

“She’s too young and innocent for me. I don’t mess with girls right out of the playroom.”

Again, hesoundedlike he believed what he was saying, but I knew that look. He wanted her, whether he realized it or not.

“And I, for one, own my feelings,” he said with a raised brow.

“Are you trying to insinuate that I don’t?”

“If the shoe fits.” He shrugged.

“I am not into your brother.”

“Strange how you didn’t think for a second I meant Elijah or Adam.” He made a long humming noise.

“I’m not.”WasI attracted to Kade? I was human. Were we maybe becoming friends again, or some shape of that? Perhaps. But we weren’t anything more, and couldn’t be.

“And I’m not angling for Missy.”

“Then we’re good. Nothing else to talk about.” I looked down the bar, trying to wave over the bartender. I needed a shot and didn’t care who saw me right now.

“Nope,” he said.

“Not at all,” I agreed.

The bartender stopped in front of us.

Alec looked at me, and I nodded.

“Two shots of the best whiskey you’ve got,” he said.

“Maybe bring us that bottle,” I added.

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