Page 30 of Same Difference
“And then?”
And then he was everything. “And then you were a failed pairing. End of story.”
She reached for the peach margarita, but he grabbed her arm and drew her wrist to his lips. He kissed her there at her tripping pulse, eyes boring into hers. He bit her gently before he released her. “We will have more fun as friends.”
“You’re dangerous.”
Another predator’s smile. “You have no idea.”
“You broke rule number one.”
“I don’t care.” Truth.
“Why now, Nate?”
“Nathan. Everyone outside of this Pack calls me Nathan.”
“Nathan,” she whispered. “Why now? Why are you showing up here? Why are you fixing my den? Why are you touching me after showing zero interest for weeks?”
He shrugged up one shoulder and relaxed into his chair, spun the full water glass slowly on the bar top. “Maybe because you are more interesting now.”
“Now that I don’t want you back.”
“Mmm, that’s not true. I can smell your arousal. You want me just fine.”
“You want me now that you can’t have me.”
“I do like a challenge. Maybe. That feels right.”
“And what would you do if I gave myself to you again?”
“Probably squander it.”
She took another sip of her margarita and bought herself time to think. She’d heard nothing but brutal honesty in every word he’d spoken tonight. His answers were disturbing, but on the bright side, she knew exactly where she stood with him.
“Rule number seven.”
“Is it seven?” he asked.
“Always be exactly this honest with me.”
“So you can decide how much to hate me?”
Or love him. “No, so I can know how you really feel. I would rather know the monster than guess at the mystery.”
His mouth downturned for a moment like he was impressed, and then he nodded toward the pool table. “Let’s play a game.” He stood and offered his hand.
“No thank you. I’m tired of your games.”
He huffed a laugh. “It wasn’t a question. Get your fine little ass to the table. I’m going to teach you.”
She watched him carry both of their drinks to a little bench right beside the pool table. He was smooth and confident with every move as he racked the balls and chalked up a pool stick.
“What the fuck is happening?” Nory whisper screamed from behind a nearby support beam.
“I don’t know,” she answered. “What do I do?”
“Bone him?”
