Page 83 of Entwined

I shrug, “Biting isn’t a hard limit for me.” I finish with a cheeky grin.

She rolls her eyes again. “You. You are a hard limit for me. I’m not doing this again.” She gestures between the two of us.

“I guess I’ll just have to change your mind.”

“Can you move? I have a job to do.”

“Not until you agree to lunch.”

“I should let Snickers bite you,” she mutters.

I arch an eyebrow, not budging, refusing to let her and the horse out of the stall.

“Fine. Lunch. That’s it. Text me the address, I’m not stupid enough to get into a car with you. I’d probably end up naked in a hold again.”

“I’ve changed.”

“Ha, I don’t think so. I’m not falling for your shit again.”

“Give me a chance to prove it to you. I meant what I said—I don’t want to go back. I want to move forward. Just talk to me. Tell me everything about your life this past year. I’ve missed you.”

“Move.”

I sigh, finally moving away from the stall door. “Are you riding Simone today?”

“I was planning on it when I finished up. But I might not have time since you won’t let me work.”

“Fine. I’m texting you the address. Meet me at one, ok.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Jessie.” I warn almost growling.

“You don’t deserve a third chance.”

“I know. I fucked up. I was fucked up.” I rake a hand through my hair.

“I can’t go back to who I was with you.”

A movement in the corner of my eye has me looking away from her. Bloody hell. She’s actually talking to me, opening up and that bitch is still watching us; eavesdropping from the next stall. I motion with my head in her direction so Jessie catches my drift. “Can we continue this conversation later, in private?”

She nods. “But only because I need closure. I meant what I said too. I can’t do this again.”

I sigh, reluctant to leave but knowing I can’t stay. If I keep pushing—I’ll only end up pushing her away. “Later, okay? I’ll text you the address for lunch.” My eyes caress her face as I step back, turning away.

“What does she have? A golden twat? First Ben and now Christos Devillo?” The girl mutters as I pass her still brushing her horse in its stall.

“She has everything you will never possess. A heart, compassion, strength—I could list a million things. Leave her the fuck alone, or I’ll make sure you never ride here again.”

She swallows hard; she knows who I am. I’d do it to. Jessie would be pissed as hell, but I don’t give a fuck. I protect what’s mine. Always.

“Is this right?” I check the address Christos texted me with a puzzled frown. I took the tube from campus using an app. According to that—I’m in the right place.

Me:I’m here.

Christos:I’ll be right out.

Two minutes later he opens the front door of the large brick building.

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