Page 23 of Wolf Cursed
I let the mock innocence fall away and snarled, “That you could kiss my ass.”
Then, I turned and stomped up the stairs before he could reply.
By the time I reached the apartment, I was almost hyperventilating. Where had that bravery come from? Kai hated me, and something told me he wasn’t used to losing. If he wanted me gone, that meant he was going to do whatever it took to make it happen. He was not someone to fuck with. So why was I doing exactly that?
It was the tattoos.
They’d given me temporary insanity.
Kai was not someone to mess with. Or flirt with. Or daydream about. He was an asshole. And definitely not someone I wanted to get naked with.
He was someone to avoid.
A toxic jerk exactly like the kind I’d just run away from.
So, why did I find myself wanting to run toward him instead of away?
Oh yeah, because I was an idiot.
Chapter Six
The conversation I’d overheard between Oscar and Kai raised a lot of questions. And even more red flags. One thing was clear, though. My time in Ridley Falls was going to be short-lived. Whether Kai kicked me out or I went willingly. Sometime between three and four in the morning, I’d decided to stay here only as long as it took me to save up for a car and a plan—and then I was out. My choice. My terms. Sure, “bad boy” Kai was the hottest thing on two legs, and he had a jawline and set of eyes that could melt ovaries on the spot. But he was a dick. And if there was one thing I wouldn’t put up with ever again, it was an asshole who wanted to control me.
First, Dad. Then, Vorack. And now, Kai.
It wasn’t okay.
In fact, I refused to let it happen.
So, Operation Temporary had begun. No getting attached. No divulging personal information. No making friends. It was all about making a new plan. Figuring out my next move.
And as if the Universe agreed, I showered and arrived downstairs the following morning only to find the place empty and the Closed sign still displayed.
“Where is everyone?” I asked.
“Off,” Oscar said.
He sat on a barstool at the counter, sipping coffee and reading the paper. When I didn’t answer, he looked up. My look of confusion must have clued him in, and he added, “It’s Sunday. We’re closed on Sundays.”
“Oh.”
Perfect. I had the entire day to work on my plan. And my bruises were finally able to be covered by makeup—which I still needed to buy. But, hey, the day was looking up.
I wasn’t even put off when Oscar gave me a grocery list and asked me to pick up some things. That only made it easier to venture into town. At least, I didn’t have to sneak out.
“Here’s my card,” he added, holding out his plastic debit card.
I looked up and met his gaze, noting the spark in his direct look.
“I’m not going to steal your money,” I said, taking the card and slipping it into my back pocket.
“I know,” he said, and I rolled my eyes at the forced nonchalance in his tone.
Right.
“I might have to make a couple of trips,” I said.
“Why’s that?”
