Page 14 of Renascence
Her cheeks turn red, but then she throws her head back, laughing. “Okay, this time it’s not me. That wasdefinitelya penis joke.”
I join her, liking the sound of her laughter more than anything else. In the short time I’ve known her, she’s always seemed so weighed down. Now, for the first time, she looks unburdened.
AndIdid that.
“You’re a sharp one, Miss Emily.”
“What can I say? My parents didn’t pay for college for nothin’.”
“Money well spent.” I shift in discomfort, attempting to change the subject. “Why were you avoiding me all night?”
“I wasn’t. The conditions weren’t exactly conducive to conversation.”
“Not even to say hi?”
Her gaze drops to the counter. “You didn’t, either. I figured you didn’t want to talk to me.”
“I thought I made myself clear last night. Is there something you need clarification on?”
“I just… I can’t. I can’t do that with you.”
“Why?”
“You don’t want me, Venom. Trust me.” She slides off the stool, grabbing her bag before walking away from me. “Thanks for the drink.”
I follow, catching up to her outside. “Why?” I repeat.
“Just drop it, okay?”
“Are you afraid to say you’re too good for me?” My nostrils flare, teeth clenching.
She stops in her tracks, turning to me with eyes wide in horror. “What?”
“You heard me. You think I’m biker trash, or whatever it is your kind calls mine nowadays.”
“That issofar from the truth. In fact,you’rethe one who’s probably too good for me.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
“Look, it’s not a condescending, social hierarchy type thing. What you want? I’m severely lacking in the skills department. You’d be better off with your hand.”
Emily spins on her heels, leaving me to watch her retreating back with a confused frown.Skills? What, she thinks she can’t satisfy me? That’s the biggest load of bullshit I’ve ever heard out of a woman’s mouth.
“Emily!” I call out, jogging to get to her side. “Are you fucking with me right now?” I grip her elbow, forcing her to look at me. “Usually it’s the woman worried about the man not pleasing her.”
“Yeah, well… I doubt you have that problem.”
“Shit. You’re fucked up in the head, aren’t you?” I look her up and down, seriously contemplating if it’s even worth trying to fuck her anymore. I don’t do crazy bitches. I don’t do whiny bitches, either, and Emily’s self-deprecating behavior is beginning to turn me off.
“Why, thank you.” Her voice breaks as she tugs out of my hold, hurrying toward her uncle’s truck.
Fuck me. Sometimes I don’t know how to keep my fucking mouth shut. “Emily, wait!”
She pauses by the truck but doesn’t turn around. I make my way to her, taking a deep breath as I lean on the vehicle.
“Look, I’m sorry. This whole situation’s just been a little weird for me. This is not how it usually goes down when I try to get with a woman.”
“No.” She shakes her head. “You’re right. Iamfucked up in the head, and you need to stay far away from me.”
