Page 54 of Hunted by the Fallen
“She didn’t look like she was about to hit you,” he replies. “She lookedterrified.”
I snort. Terrified? Please. “Of course, you defendTina.”
“What is that supposed tomean?”
“Just because she’s pretty doesn’t mean she’s innocent,” I snapback.
Zeke looks dumbfounded. “I don’t think she’spretty.”
“HA!”
Zeke holds up a hand. “What I mean is, whether or not she’s pretty, that does not change my read on the situation. You were toying with her.Why?”
I shrug. “Why not? She’s been a bitch to me my whole life. I wanted to put her in herplace.”
“Are you listening toyourself?”
Ifrown.
Zeke continues, “This isn’t like you, Ron. Since when are you abully?”
“I’m a bully? That’srich.”
“To everyone in that hall, you were acting as thebully.”
I want to scream. How dare Zeke make a snap judgment. He wasn’t there. He doesn’t know what happened before hearrived.
Rather than get upset, I shut down. “You know what? Fine. Think what you want. I’m done talking to you. Feel free to run along and check on your beloved Tina. Be sure to throw in an extra smile or two, and I’m sure she will feel right asrain.”
I stomp towards the door. I almost make it, too, but Zeke’s quick. He blocks my path, leaning against my onlyexit.
“Get out of myway.”
He stares down his nose at me. “No.”
I growl. “I’m done talking toyou.”
“Well, I’m not done talking toyou.”
“Yes,” I reach out and try to shove him. “Youare.”
Zeke doesn’t move aninch.
“Ugh!” I yell. “Move!”
“Not until you tell me why you are acting cruel,” he shoutsback.
“I’mnot.”
“Youare.”
I shove him again. This time, Zeke’s hands latch onto my wrists, holding them down at my side. Our chests are almost touching. We haven’t been this close since I kissed him on the hiking trail. I shove away the memory. I’m mad at him. Now is not the time to remember how it felt to have his hands pressed against my back and his lips onmine.
“Are you jealous?... Is thatit?”
“Why would I be jealous?” I try to throw disgust behind the words, but Zeke is notfooled.
His eyes search mine. “Because you seem to believe I think Tina ispretty.”
