Page 14 of Satan's Son

Chapter 4

“Ethan, Ethan, Ethan, Ethan, Ethan, Ethan.” I swung my feet over the edge of the bench, tapping them in beat with his name. “Ethan, Ethan, Ethan.”

Shut up!” He spun around and glared at me. “Say my name one more time, and I swear I will make you regret it.”

“Do it,” I egged him on. “I dare you.”

Ethan’s hands were curled into tight fists at his side. I knew he didn’t have it in him to actually stand up to me. For some reason, Ethan would let it go, even though it looked as if it physically pained him.

Grinning widely at him, I wanted to see how far I could push him before he snapped. He muttered something under his breath, turned his back to me once more, and we continued to walk down the busy street. I actually made an effort not to walk through people. Ethan didn’t.

“Ethan, do you have pets?” I knew he could hear me; he was ignoring me on purpose. For some reason, he thought ignoring me would make me stop annoying him. Boy, was he wrong! I was bored, and he was the only source of entertainment I had. So, doing what any bored but sane person would do, I conversed with myself.

“You take me as the sort of man who would have a turtle?”

“Do you, Ethan? Do you own a turtle?”

Silence.

“I had a pet once. I lost it. Who knew hermit crabs could run away?”

I sidestepped another two people and my heels clicked a little louder as I attempted to keep up with Ethan’s fast pace.

“Maybe you’re more of a mouse man? Are you hot for mice?”

Again, nothing. Okay, fine. I would have to take it up a few notches. I wanted a reaction out of him.

“So, Ethan, how long has it been?”

Nothing again.

“You know, you’re actually the first gay man I have known.”

My voice was honest, and the humor was hidden. I even kept my face straight; my own acting skills surprised me. He stopped abruptly, and a dull squeal of pain escaped my lips as I went flying into Ethan’s toned back. Tears welled up in my eyes as I cupped my nose. Damn, that hurt!

“What did you say?” Ethan spun around, ignoring the fact that I had just slammed into his back. Bloody hell, who has a back that toned? It was like slamming into a concrete wall!

“I said, you are the first gay guy I have met.” My voice was slightly muffled as I cupped my nose.

“You think…” Ethan took a step back. “You think I’m gay?”

Slowly, I moved my hands down from my face, my look blank. Exhaling slowly, I pretended to study him. I ran my eyes up and down his body before I looked him squarely in the eye.

“No, but I got you to answer me.” My lips twitched into a full-on grin. and his face dropped in annoyance, his lips pinching together. “So much for not speaking.”

I poked him in the chest, and he continued to stare at me as if I was the most annoying person breathing. Or not breathing, in this case.

“I really dislike you.” He gritted his teeth.

“So why do you dream of me?” I placed a hand on my hip. Ethan’s personal space was dangerously close.

His face showed true terror. “What did you just say?”

I couldn’t help but frown at his weird reaction. “I said, so why do you dream of me?” I slowed my words and watched him closely. He looked as if I had just slapped him with a cold fish!

“I don’t dream of you!” he finally choked out, but by his delayed response, I knew he was lying, which only confused me more.

“You actually do, don’t you?” My teasing grin dropped. “How? We have only known each other for a little while. Hell, I haven’t even slept with you yet.”

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