Page 82 of Gluttony

“Because Hadley is a danger on the road and we decided not to put you in harm’s way.” I smile at that.

“You like me.” It’s not as if it’ll make a difference in the least, my contract is up in a month, give or take, and I’m guessing the fun and games end with it. Which reminds me that I need to find an apartment and a job and…a purpose.

“You’re annoying and distracting.” There’s absolutely no bite to his words, and for some reason I cannot explain, it gives me hope.

“That’s not a denial, Hayes. In fact…” I turn back to face the road, my smug smile dripping with victory. “I think you want to protect me because you don’t like the idea of me being in danger. Despite your little stunt the other night.” I don’t need to explain the reference, he knows what he did and I’ll use that shit until the day we part.

“Or…” Hayes pulls the stick down toward me, and when his hand grabs onto my chin I see that it’s the fifth gear. “I like my toys in one piece, even if they lie and cheat and try to rob me.” Oh, touché, Hayes…touché.

“Technically, I was trying to rob Orion.” We’re going at break-neck speeds and this guy turns my head and stares into my eyes like they do in the movies, except for the romantic part because this is not it.

“Two can play the blame game, Diamond, and I suggest you stay on my good side.” I have one eye on the road, hoping no one slams their breaks in front of us when he pulls my chin toward him and plants a bruising kiss on my lips. It lasts just a fraction of a second but I feel the heat of it for minutes after he’s released me.

“Okay, good side it is. How about a little road game then? The easiest way to stay on your good side is to know a bit more about you.”

Hayes raises a skeptical brow as he darts his gaze to me, then back to the road. There’s always a wall up with him but at least it’s not impenetrable right now.

“A question for a question, then? Let’s say…five.” Well, isn’t he a little sneaky sneak. He is curious about me.

“Deal.” I grin then add, “I start.”

“Why do you start?” He changes lanes, drives up beside Hadley, then rolls the window on my side down just enough to see his brother, who does the same on his side. “Slow the fuck down, Hads. You’re in a fucking truck not a Lambo.”

In true Hadley fashion, he puts his hand out the window and makes a backward peace sign. Then grins as he shoves the two fingers up like they’re going up his twin’s ass. I watch British television, I know what that sign means, so I reciprocate with my middle finger and a sweet grin on my face.

“Soon, Little Rabbit. Up both holes.” Then he hits the gas and smokes us. In a literal way.

Hayes rolls up my window as he shakes his head in amused disbelief.

“How are you two so different?”

“Is that your first question?”

I think about that and it feels relevant.

“Yes.”

“Well, when a woman’s egg is fertilized by—”

“That’s not what I meant, and you know it.” I guess he isn’t that different from his twin, after all. When I turn to look at him, his wide grin and the crinkles at the corners of his eyes make my heart swell with so much…emotion. And it’s not lust, not right now.

“Twins are different from every other type of siblings. We grow up not really needing anyone because it’s like we can speak without talking. We’re never alone, we’re never separated. Our parents…well, our mum, was adamant about us having our own identities so she never dressed us the same or forced the headmasters to put us in the same classes.” Not once does he look at me as he speaks, driving at a slower speed than before but still sports car worthy.

“So, you had different sets of friends?”

He tuts with his tongue. “My turn, Diamond.” Fuck. I was so invested in his story and I interrupted him before he was even finished. Rookie move.

Hayes turns on the blinker to exit highway eighty-seven, taking us on country roads where the snow, in these parts, fell not too long ago.

“Fine. Ask away, I’m an open-ish book.” I smile and sneak a peek. Hayes grabs onto my thigh and squeezes.

“Wide open, Miss Jones. That’s how I want you.” I spread open my legs and give him access. To my surprise, he only caresses me over my panties, getting me nice and wet but nothing more.

“Are you still sore?” Ha! Did I say rookie move about myself? Sucker!

“Yes. My turn.”

“You little…”

---