Page 69 of Pretend
Did he?
Did he just imply?
Butterflies kick in, and I’m trying to process what he means by that, but all that leaves my lips is a snarky remark.
“Don’t call me that.”
“What? You’re not a girl?”
“You know exactly what I mean.”
“Nope, no idea.”
“Stop it.”
He invades my space, “I’ll call you whatever I want, whenever I want.” Cigarettes and his cologne hit me hard, and I want to slap him…and then kiss him because I know how his lips feel. I know how hot he is underneath that mask, and I miss it. I miss him being vulnerable around me, even if it was just for one night.
The fear that once filled my veins is now replaced with temptation.
And as if he can read my thoughts, he leans down, our height difference forcing him to bend his knees, and I catch a glimpse of his Adam’s Apple bobbing up and down like he wants to match my thoughts of desire. “And you’re not going anywhere alone with Zeke.” He snarls, reminding me of our earlier argument. My eyes squint in defiance.
Even though there’s chaos happening all around us, it doesn’t compare to what this man does to my heart, and I decide to act on it, bracing myself to make a move since he won’t.
The dim lights flicker, flashing against my hand as I reach for his mask.
I want to see him.
Daegan stops breathing, and so do I. But I don’t get to execute.
“You’re obsessed with me,” I whisper, our mouths so close to each other. I can smell the hint of cigarettes and his scent.
“Obsessed and following orders are two different things.” He growls low.
I smirk, taunting him further, as the throbbing in between my thighs gets louder. “You always want to know where I’m going, what I’m doing. Who I’m with…are you sure you’re not obsessed?” I arch a brow, biting my lip, hoping it’ll stop me from reaching in for a kiss.
“I’m sure.”
I look down, and there’s a tent in his pants…a very large tent.
“Your hard cock says otherwise.”
Daegan hums, and his eyes crease with determination. “Don’t start something you can’t finish, Valentine. Because when I start something, Ialwaysfinish.”
Fuck.
Daegan takes a step toward me, my back hitting the shelves again. A stack of papers falls to the ground from it, and I’m about to make the first move.
But then it’s ruined.
Our phones ping, and a loud alarm screeches through the building. Daegan grabs my hand, puts it back to my side, and walks away from me.
Kane: There’s a drone attack. Get the Admiral’s step-daughter somewhere safe. You know the protocol, Creature.
“The alarms are going off, and an attack is happening. Let’s get you somewhere safe.” He repeats the text from our group chat and opens the door. He motions his hand forward, guiding me toward the exit I don’t want to take. I want to stay here and wait it out in private until we know what’s happening.
“What? Being alone with my so-called babysitter in a room isn’t safe?”
I walk past him and into the hallway. I don’t make it far before he grabs my arm. Instead of leading me past a crowd of frantic civilians, he growls against the side of my head, his masked nose grazing against my head, “It’s fucking dangerous.”
