Page 22 of Sweet Hate
Defiant little shit.
That spark is one of my favorite things about her. Or at least it used to be. But, right now, this fucking spark of hers is a problem. It’s keeping her rooted to the spot instead of where she needs to be.
In my bed.
What the fuck?No.
I mean, in front of me. You know, where I can talk to her.
“I need to speak to you. Outside. Now.”
“I think we’ve said all there is to say to each other, Verona. Don’t you?”
I wish she’d stop calling me that.
She used to say that was what my knucklehead friends called me, and she wanted to be different. Special. And I loved hearing my name fall from her sexy lips.
Now, she might single-handedly be the most infuriating person I know.
“Is this guy bothering you, ma’am?” The lazy slurred drawl of this prick catches my attention for a second, and I glare at him. I don’t miss his bloodshot eyes and unfocused stare.
Fuck this. It’s time for him to go.
Stalking over to Haven, I toss her over my shoulder, carrying her ass back out to the parking lot with her swearing and slapping my back the entire time.
Once outside, I let her go, caging her against the back door with my arms so she can’t bolt again. It doesn’t stop her from pressing her warm hands to my bare chest to try and shove me back. Nice try, but I’m not going anywhere, and neither is she.
I pin her with a glare.
“Haven, would you give me a damn second to talk?”
Her derisive laugh sets me even more on edge. “Now you want to talk. What could you possibly have to say? You’ve said no more than the bare minimum to me since I’ve gotten back. I think we’re done here.”
She pushes against me harder, but I’m not budging. She needs to hear this.
Her safety is non-negotiable, no matter how much of an ass I’ve been. I’ll take no chances when it comes to her.
“We are far from done. Did you know that guy in there had his electrician’s license revoked for negligence? We got called to a house fire that started because of his shoddy work. He drinks on the job, and he’s known for getting a little toocomfortablewith the women around him when he’s drunk.”
“Oh please, you’re just saying that. I know you don’t want to help me for whatever reason, but you don’t have to screw this up for me. I thought you loved Grams, but I guess I was wrong about that too. Just leave me the hell alone.”
“I’m not just saying shit, Haven. Look.” I spin her around, pulling her against my chest so I can open the back door quietly.
Well, shit, I should have thought this through. Her curvy ass is now pressed right up against my dick, and my fingers are splayed across the soft skin of her abdomen.
I bite down on my lip, doubling my efforts to focus and keep my erection at bay, while I hold her tight and edge us inside.
Oh hell.
This really isn’t my smartest move. My dick is beginning to stir, wanting to join the party, and I didn’t bother with boxers in my rush to get dressed.
Try explaining the gray flagpole, Axeman.
Redirecting my attention to the scene ahead, I lean down, my lips brushing the shell of her ear. “Watch.”
She stands rigidly in my arms. I haven’t held her this close since we said goodbye, and I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t feel amazing.
Right.
