Page 3 of Scorpion
“Of course you do,” Dan says, pointing an accusatory finger my way. “All women do! And I can show you a whole fucking world that he can’t.”
“Dan, I’ve already told you I’m not interested,” I say, forcing myself to remain civil. He’s completely unhinged and if I say one wrong thing, he might unleash whatever messed up energy he’s got bouncing around inside him on me. “I shouldn’t have to tell you multiple times.”
“Dump him,” he says, slamming his hands down on my desk like a child throwing a tantrum. “Dump that asshole and let me take you out.”
“I’m not going to dump my boy–”
“Then don’t dump him, but let me take you out anyway,” Dan cuts me off. That nasty smirk is back on his face, his patchy mustache curling around it in a way that makes my stomach turn. “I promise you’ll be ready to get rid of him by the end of the night.”
“I’m not a cheater, thanks,” I say, my hands digging into my bag with even more force. God,whereis my phone? I have to get out of here. I need someone. I need Scorpion. “Seriously, Dan. I’m fl–flattered, but I’m not interested. I’m sure there’s someone out there–”
“You,” he says, interrupting me again. It’s like he doesn’t want me to get a single word out. “Youare the person for me, Lilah.”
“I promise, I’m not.”
“And I’ve been nice,” he continues, completely ignoring me.
He takes a step like he’s about to come behind my desk. God, is there pepper spray in my backpack? I can’t remember.
“I’ve been patient, thinking you just didn’t realize how good I’d be for you,” he says, the look in his eyes accusatory and predatory. “But obviously, you haven’t figured that out. It’s okay. You’re still young. You just don’t know what you want or what’s good for you. So, you’re dumb enough to fool around with a guy like that.”
Those words shouldn’t sting, but they do. Having my intelligence insulted feels like the worst kind of dagger. I open my mouth to respond, the trepidation I felt earlier morphing into rage. Before I can get any words out, someone clears their throat.
“Is this guy bothering you?” a deep voice that I’m coming to associate with warmth and safety asks.
Scorpion.
For a beat, I consider saying that Dan is bothering me. But, I think better of it. I can tell by the look in Scorpion’seyes that he won’t hesitate to beat the crap out of this guy. The thought is hot, I won’t lie, but I’m going to be the bigger person.
So, I say, “No. We were just talking.”
Still, I give Dan a pointed look to convey that he needs to drop everything. I hope he realizes that I just saved him from himself.
“Could have fooled me,” Scorpion says, leveling Dan with a glare.
Dan stands there, simmering in his anger. He doesn’t make any sort of moves to get closer to me, though. I take the opportunity to gather my things and come out from behind the desk. In an attempt to prove that I’m off limits, I hook my arm with Scorpion’s. The way Dan’s face contorts with disgust is delicious.
Then, before I even know what’s happening, Scorpion’s strong hand is on my jaw, tilting my head up. I have a second to admire his chiseled face and soft brown eyes before he’s leaning in. The last thing I see before his lips crash into mine is that shock of short brown hair.
This kiss isn’t anything like the one I initiated earlier. Scorpion’s mouth is insistent, passionate. I struggle to keep up, a surprised noise escaping my mouth. On instinct, I bring my hands up, throwing one around his neck and tangling the other in his surprisingly soft hair.
We part far too soon, my chest heaving and every nerve in my body screaming for more. I’m leaning in, intent on kissing him again when I remember where we are. Suddenly, my face goes red, and I hide it in Scorpion’s muscular chest.
I can practically hear the steam coming out of Dan’s ears, and Scorpion’s posture takes on a self-satisfied air. I feelgiggly, like a schoolgirl with a crush. Then, when Scorpion’s lips graze the top of my head, I realize I might as well be. Because Idefinitelyhave a crush on this handsome hunk of man that swooped in and saved me.
The quiet settles over us, and eventually my face starts to come down to a normal temperature. I pull away slowly, glancing up at Scorpion first. He’s glaring at Dan, and I think that if that hateful look was aimed at me, I’d melt into the floor. When I turn my attention to Dan, he looks like he’s about thirty seconds from doing so.
“Come on, babe,” Scorpion says, pulling my backpack from my shoulders. “Let’s go get dinner.”
Chapter 3
Scorpion
I lead Lilah out of the insurance agency with my hand firmly on the small of her back. I’m aware that Dan is watching us. His eyes might as well be burning a hole into the back of my head. And he can keep trying for all I care.
Lilah is mine. Fuck the fake relationship guise. I’m going to make her mine for real, without a shadow of a doubt.
That thought is sudden, but not surprising. She’s gorgeous and kisses me like she’s drowning. And, when I look at her, my protective instincts flair.
