“What’s wrong?” I hoarsely ask, knowing he’s not going to answer me.
“It’s probably nothing. I’ll be right back,” he lies, and then he kisses me lightly before swishing out of the room.
I stare at his back as he disappears, and I notice Clay following him. What the fuck?
“Holy shit. I really wish you had bought a dress like that when you and I were together,” Brazen sizzles out as his hands pull me to his body for a dance.
I half smile while my distracted mind follows Hale and his secrets.
“You always seemed more of the conservative type, considering your prominent full blood upbringing. I just assumed something this would seem a little tacky to you. I dressed the way I thought you wanted me to.”
“Do you really think I’d prefer seeing you in long skirts versus this goddess like attire?” he scoffs.
I laugh as I finally turn to stare him in the pale eyes, suddenly wishing my gaze had never connected. He looks incredible. I squirm uncomfortably, and he smirks when he notices.
“Where did Hale go?”
“I’m not sure. He apparently had an important call,” I grumble while looking away.
“Well,” he murmurs while turning my face back to meet his, “Then I get to dance with the birthday girl.”
I smile lightly, and he pulls me even closer while his deliciously cold hands stroll down my heated back. His lips threaten mine, and I roll my eyes while backing away.
“I’m with Hale,” I caution.
“I already told you, I don’t care,” he smolders, but right now my mind is desperate to find out what that phone call was all about.
Why did he freak out?
“I need to go grab something from the apartment. I’ll see you later?” I ask softly, and he smirks.
“You know you will.”
I force a smile before dashing out, and I feel the knotted nerves gathering in the pit of my stomach as my hand hesitantly hovers over the door knob. I finally take a deep breath before walking in, and I’m not as surprised as I should be when I see him packing.
“Where are you going?” my shaky voice inquires.
“Hey,” he says with a bit of a startle. “I’m going north for a lead on an old case.”
“Right now?”
“Yeah. It’s sort of urgent,” he murmurs vaguely.
“Then I suppose I should pack as well. Right?” I ask very leadingly.
“Not for this. I shouldn’t be gone long, and I’ll see you when I get back,” he says very dismissively, refusing to make eye contact.
“You can’t be doing this again. Not now. Not tonight,” I wail as tears start to form fiercely.
“I’m sorry, but I have to,” he says almost coldly, his eyes still refusing to meet mine.
“Have to? You don’t have to do shit. You’re shutting me out again.”
“I’m not shutting you out, Araya. I’ve got shit to do. Deal with it,” he almost snaps.
And there he is - that’s the Hale I remember. He’s cold, distant, distracted, and he doesn’t give a fuck about the way he’s hurting me right now.
“You haven’t changed a bit. I’m so fucking stupid for believing you. Either you tell me the truth, or I’m done with you,” I strain through the emotional rush I’m shaking from.
