Page 199 of His Virgin Romance Series
“At least I’ll be happy,” I said, dropping the bread in my hand and walking away from him.
He abandoned his task too and turned to me. “Please… that’s not happiness. It’s just another form of entrapment. It’s just socially acceptable, so you’ll convince yourself it’s what you want.”
“What the fuck do you know about what I want?” I demanded.
“More than you do.”
“You’re an asshole.”
Ryder walked towards me until we were almost nose-to-nose. He was very much taller than me, but I didn’t let that intimidate me. I pulled myself up to my fullest height and stared him down.
“Sure,” he agreed. “I’m an asshole, and you’re hopelessly in love with me.”
I bristled at his words and stared at him in shock.
“What?” he challenged. “Nothing to say now?”
“I… that’s… You are dreaming—dreaming—if you think I’m in love with you.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” Ryder laughed. “I’m sure it makes you feel better.”
“I don’t have to tell myself anything,” I stormed. “You are the last man on earth I would ever fall in love with. You’re arrogant and rude and violent and—”
“Strong and confident and passionate and exciting,” Ryder interrupted. “And you know you’re attracted to me. You’re just scared to admit it.”
“Why would I be scared to admit that?” I demanded.
“Because you’re scared of me,” Ryder said unapologetically. “And you’re scared of the life I live.”
I stared at him for a shocked second, and then I turned and walked out of the kitchen without another word.
