Page 189 of Broken by my Bully
…this…
That word releases a cloud of frantic butterfliesinto my gut.
After he’d just gone to lengths to tell me I’m imaginingthis.
“I don’t own any pretty dresses,” I snap. “As you’rewellaware.”
His lips tighten into a line. He looks at me from the corner of his eye, his fingers still white where he’s gripping the door.
“Should I just have tossed your trash bags in the back of my Land Rover and not given it a second thought?”
“Yeah. Maybe.” I meant to be more vehement about it, but he took the fucking wind out of my sails by being so damn psychic.
“Well, tough shit. I did you a favor instead. Deal with it.”
“You’re mean.”
“And you’re a brat. But you’re not the first brat I’ve had to deal with.” He laughs at my expression. “Close your mouth before you catch a fly.”
“That’s it. I’m leaving.” I reach for the door handle, but Bastian captures my wrist, refusing to let go even when I tug.
“Not yet. We have an errand to run.”
“I have to go.” I still have two hours before my shift starts, but I planned to spend the time studying.
“Nope. You’re coming with me, missy.”
He half drags me out of the car, not seeming to care that Milo’s watching from the taco stand. Watching my professor manhandle me in broad daylight. Watching me not scream for help.
Because we both know I won’t.
We both know I want this.
He shuts the door, wrestles the keys out of my hand, and locks it.
Then shoves them in his pocket.
“Hey!”
He lets go of my hand, urging me toward his Tesla with his fingers pressed to the small of my back.
“Get in the car, Haven.”
It’s never a request with him, always a command.
Thunder rumbles as I slide onto the soft leather seat, and it has the audacity to be ominous about it. The door locks automatically behind me.
I could have dug in my heels. I might have lost a flip-flop, but at least I’d have won the battle.
But I don’t fight, because I enjoy spending time with Bastian, even when we’re arguing and I’m so frustrated I want to slap him. And it’s obvious he likes being with me too, even though I keep challenging him at every turn.
What does that say about me?
What does that say abouthim?
Haven
“This feels like a kidnapping.”
