Page 92 of King of Malice
I came here for a change and instantly fell into old patterns again the moment real intimacy and sharing started developing.
Hell, all he had to do was ask a couple of questions…
“I’ve got news for you, I’ve had my fair share of sex, and it never feels like this,” I say my hand coming to my hip.
He turns over to look at me, his face deadly calm, but his eyes are…resolute. “That’s because we share a bond from the competition. A bond you are doing your best to kill.”
My chin notches as I glare back. “I’m trying to kill it? You’re the one who’s prying into my past and bossing me around. Why don’t we try it in the reverse, huh? Why don’t I start telling you when and what to eat or ask you the uncomfortable questions that dig into your worst memories?”
I see his slight wince and know I’ve landed a good shot. “I didn’t mean to ask more than you were ready to give. And I only asked you to eat because?—”
I push up from the bed, staring down at him because it helps me hold onto my anger. “Foster homes are frequently light on food. Maybe you get two meals a day, maybe you only get one. You eat what they tell you when they tell you and thank them for a gas station burrito warmed up in the communal microwave.” I don’t even know whyI’m saying this.
His jaw hardens as he pushes up. “Cadence, that is?—”
“I don’t need your pity. I don’t. I just want you to understand that I don’t let anyone tell me what to eat or when.”
“I don’t pity you,” he shakes his head as he comes to stand next to me. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t be sad for the little girl who didn’t get everything that she needed.”
His words make me want to cry, which in turn, pisses me off. Anger is the only way I know to protect myself from the hurt. “I am fine. Just fine. And just so we’re clear, the person not giving me what I need right now, is you.”
“I disagree,” he rumbles back.
“Oh yeah, why’s that?”
“Because what you need is a connection with a person that is deeper than sex.” He’s raising himself up again, arms crossed over his chest.
“I decide what I need, not you.” I poke him in the chest to make my point. “You’re a bossy asshole, you know that?”
“Fine. I want a connection with a person that’s deeper than sex. And I was hoping that person would be you, but if I can’t even suggest you eat breakfast without you shutting down, that’s going to be difficult.”
My hands clench into fists. It’s not like I didn’t know this would happen. “Well then why don’t you just fuck off.” My voice rises with every word.
“That’s going to be productive. You telling me to fuck off instead of working through a problem.”
“Sorry. How about you fuck the fuck off.” Now I’m screaming, as my hands ball into fists.
He steps closer. “Listen, I’m not asking for too much here and you?—”
But I don’t want to hear more, and I give him a good shove backwards. “I don’t do men crowding me.”
His jaw goes granite hard. “Crowding you? Have you lost your mind?”
My mind totally buzzes with emotion as I feel the rage burn through me. “You’re calling me crazy?”
“No. Not crowding you. And not calling you crazy. It’s an expression. I’m just trying to figure out how this day went so wrong.”
I shake my head, realizing that I’ve gotten to the same place I do every time, only in record time. The Hunt didn’t get me past my issues, it only shortened my timeline. Spinning on a heel, I stomp out to the living room and open the front door as Zane appears in the entrance of the bedroom.
Seeing him just pisses me off more and makes me ache all at the same time. Instead of saying that, I toss over my shoulder, “I’m a fucked-up woman with a fucked-up past and intimacy issues. Now you know.” And then I step out into the night in bare feet and a scrap of satin before I slam the door shut.
I look across the dark woods, the river sparkling in the moonlight. I loved this place less than twenty-four hours ago. Now…
I just want to escape.
The grounds are surrounded by a wall. I don’t know how big this place is exactly, but I know I’m only going so far.
Still, I can’t go back in there.
