Page 9 of Hate So Deep

Liquid heat flows through my veins and I almost squirm when I remember the rasp of his fingers across my sensitive skin.

Despite being no virgin when I met him, he’s the only one who’s ever made me orgasm.

Thankfully, Colt interjects before I make a fool of myself, and I slowly exhale as he leads Dirk away.

Once they’re gone, Celia turns to Dad and says, “Honey, let’s get the Christmas lights out.”

Oh goodie, now we’re going to decorate the fucking house. I mean, isn’t it a little early? We just finished the turkey.

Sinking in my seat, I clench my hand under the table, where I’m left, moving the food around on my plate while the others seemingly rush to the living room.

I’ve never wished to be anywhere else more in my life but what’s the alternative?

It’s not like Mom cooked up a turkey dinner at home. She’s more than likely at the hospital where she’s refused to allow me to go since that first night.

Since I’d rather claw my eyes out with a spoon than partake in another family event, I proceed to clear the table before rolling up my sleeves to tackle the dishes.

Mom would lose her shit if we left the table like that, I think absently when none other than Dirk says behind me, “Hmm, I never thought I would see the day…”

Whipping around at the husky baritone, I stare at him standing in the threshold, leaning ever so casually against the wall. I don’t know how it’s possible, but he’s filled out even more as though he was still growing into his body in high school.

It takes a monumental amount of self-control, but I manage to ignore the fire, coursing through my veins as I close the dishwasher door and turn to him.

Leaning against the counter, I raise a brow and murmur, “Oh?”

“Mhm,” he rasps, his lips pulling into a wicked smile. “The princess getting her hands dirty.”

It’s the same old fucking story and yet when his eyes light with fire, I have to bite my lip, suppressing the whimper trembling on my tongue.

Whatever. I’m not backing down this time which is why I step toward him and press my finger against his warm chest before trailing it down to his abs as I say, “I guess I do.”

A thrill rushes through me when his nostrils flare before he grabs my hand and rasps, “Still, my dirty little doll.”

Shit. Fuck. Damn.

It takes everything in me not to rub against him like a freaking cat in heat but we both come back to the moment when voices emerge from down the hall and he looks away, clearing his throat.

Coward.

With a bitter smile, I turn away and silence fills the room awkwardly while I wipe down the counter.

I can’t deny that being near him still creates a buzz below my skin but as he proved once again, I’m nothing but Colt’s sister and that’s how it will remain.

“Dirk?” I ask, staring at the wall.

“Yeah?”

“Do you remember…” What? Why was I blackout drunk the night Buck was assaulted? “What happened that night?”

I can’t believe I even have to ask this question, but it is what it is and silently sighing, I glance up, but he’s gone.

The fucker walked away and slumping to the counter, I bang my head against the cool granite before groaning.

It was bad enough having to pretend aroundthembut now with Dirk here, I really am in hell.

Dirk

Well, fuck me running, I never thought I’d see the day that Lauren Stark would be sitting at a table with my best friend. I guess things really have changed since I left.

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