Page 24 of Liars

What is wrong with me?

Kreed wasnot…I repeat, was not someone I wanted to get mixed up with, and not just because his daddy warned me not to. He was trouble. I didn’t have to look at his school record, hell, criminal record to know it. I avoided guys like him at the academy. I wasn’t about to make an exception now that I was going to Public.

After what felt like an eternity, the footsteps receded, and the light disappeared, but Kreed didn’t release me. He didn’t back away. Nor did he remove his hand from my mouth.

He watched me.

I found myself entranced by him, by the gleam in his silver eyes.

My gaze darted to his lips. And then I did the most wicked thing I could think of—surprising not just me but him.

I licked the inside of his palm.

It was worth seeing the darkening of his eyes.

He finally released me, stepping back with a smirk that sent a fresh wave of irritation through me. “He’s gone. For now. But he will be back. We’ve all suffered the wrath of Evan. He’s relentless, which is why he works for my father.”

My heart faltered.

“You’re welcome,” he said, his tone laced with mockery.

My eyes narrowed. “What exactly am I thanking you for? Not exposing me? Somehow, I think that was for your benefit, not mine. I’m the one who is a prisoner. Not you.”

“Prisoner, huh?” he echoed, raising a brow. “You have a funny perception of things, little raven.”

“What would you call being held captive inside a house with security watching your every move?” I snapped.

“Protection. Surely you haven’t forgotten what got you here?”

How dare he bring up what happened to my parents. “I’ll never forget.” And the last thing I would admit was that he might have a valid concern. The people who murdered my parents were still out there, and since I had no information on whether it was planned or a random attack, I shouldn’t assume I wasn’t in danger.

“I can see the wheels working in that pretty head of yours.”

Had he just admitted he thought I was pretty? Don’t let that go to your head, Kaylor.

“You’re impossible,” I declared, brushing past him.

He grabbed my arm, stopping me, his grip firm but not painful as his expression darkened. “If you pull a stunt like this again, I won’t be so generous. You get one pass.”

I ripped my arm free, anger flaring within me. “I didn’t ask for your help.”

“Good thing you hadn’t,” he shot back. “And don’t worry, my father won’t hear about this from me. You’re welcome for that, too. Try and stay out of trouble.”

I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling through my veins to where I didn’t even feel the cold anymore. “Fuck off.”

He chuckled, low and sarcastic. “Gladly.” Kreed turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving me fuming and more confused than ever.

I glared after him, my mind racing. Kreed was trouble, that much was clear. But for someone who seemed to take such pleasure in antagonizing me, he’d just kept me from getting caught.

Or so I thought…

A whistle cut through the night’s silence. “She’s in the back, near the wall,” Kreed announced, his voice raised.

“Son of a bitch,” I hissed under my breath. That prick. What was the point of hiding me just to turn me in?

I hated him. I hated Kreed Corvo with a vengeance. Actually, vengeance sounded pretty nice. I would get him back.

Shaking my head, I turned toward the house, accepting my fate. My escape was foiled for the night. It was pointless to try to run.

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