Page 70 of Loathe Thy Neighbor

The worst part? It doesn’t seem like it’s affected River at all.

I need to know if it has.

Her lips curl back in a snarl. “Ass.”

“Ouch. I’msowounded by your super-smart insult.”

“Dick.”

“Yep, I have one, baby.”

She glances pointedly at my crotch. “Could have fooled me.”

I clench my teeth together. “That was cold, but I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything less from the Ice Queen herself.”

“I’m only cold toward you.”

“Says the girl who obviously spends more time curled up on her couch alone rather than out with friends.”

“Are you implying thatIdon’t have any friends because I’m cold?”

“You implied I didn’t first.”

“Because I’ve met you!”

“AndI’vemetyou.”

She sniffs haughtily, spinning away from me and putting distance between us.

I let out a quiet relieved breath, hoping she doesn’t hear it.

“I have plenty of friends, thank you very much.” She moves into the kitchen, reaching into the cabinet beside the fridge and pulling down a glass. “I just prefer to spend my nights by myself.”

“You sure had that excuse locked and loaded, didn’t you? I’m just saying, you should get out more. Take up a hobby. Your social calendar is undoubtedly not full.”

I’ve hit a nerve. I can see it in her jaw, the way it tics.

“I have hobbies.”

“Like?”

“Avoiding you.”

“Good luck with that since we’re living together now.”

“And at that reminder, I need a fucking drink.” She groans, muttering something, but the only word I can make out clearly isregret.

She bends, getting into the cabinet under the toaster. A bottle of whiskey settles heavily on the counter, and she pops the top off, pouring two fingers’ worth of booze into her glass.

Without hesitation, she tosses the alcohol back, then pours a refill.

“I—”

She holds her finger up, tosses back the second drink.

“Ah.” She smacks her lips together. “Much better. Maybe now I can deal with you. Now, what did you want to insult me with next?”

“You’re drinking your whiskey wrong. It’s meant to be savored, not guzzled like a cheap shot.”

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