Page 19 of Hate So Deep
“You want another drink?” he asks, and I drop my gaze to my cup.
It’s half full but getting warm. Not that it matters, I have to go before Colt arrives and once again the bitter sting of annoyance clogs my throat.
Why should I have to leave? It’s a free fucking country, right?
“Sure,” I say, and he eyes me strangely before backing toward the house.
“Don’t go anywhere,” he husks, and I smile, which fades as soon as he turns away.
Meanwhile I search for Caro but find her halfway across the yard speaking to some dude.
Before I can head that way though, a shadow forms over my shoulder and Dirk says, “You lost, baby doll?”
The husky baritone rolls over my skin like warm chocolate, and I suppress a shiver as I meet his gaze.
“I know exactly where I am,” I mutter, raising my chin.
“Hm,” he drawls, looking me over once more. “Your boytoy know you’re Academy?”
Rolling my eyes, I say to the sky, “He’s not my anything and who fucking cares?”
“Oh baby,” he says, chuckling. “You’re so naive. Of course, he cares. They all do.”
He tips his head, and I glance around the yard. For my efforts, I receive a few frowns, mostly from the girls, and surmise that it’s more about the competition than my Academy affiliation.
When I turn back to Dirk, he raises his brow again and I shake my head, saying, “I don’t care.”
At that his brows furrow and he leans in until his breath is puffing against my lips to say, “You should. These assholes will eat you up and spit you out. You’re easy fucking prey.”
“Really?” I mutter. “I was doing just fine until you got here.”
Despite the tenor of this conversation, my blood is pumping heavily through my veins because I enjoy sparring with the handsome devil.
Strangely, it’s like foreplay.
“You confused then?” he says.
“No,” I grit through my teeth.
Who the hell does he think he is?
“Take another look around, baby girl. The fucker to the right is about to jump the douche across from him. That chick eyeing you like a bitch just did time for assault. This ain’t no picnic and you’re fucking stupid if you think your rich ass is immune.”
Wow. What an asshole.
He may be hot, but I get the abuse he’s throwing around for free at home. I’m not interested and rocking back on my heels, I say, “Fuck. You.”
Once again, he smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes when he says, “Oh baby. I was fucked a long time ago. Run along now.”
He flicks his wrist, and I bite my tongue because no sooner does he gesture me away than Colt appears.
I can’t resist one last dig though and mutter before I walk away, “I’m not your little dog. I go where I want. Get used to it.”
Of course, he doesn’t bother to respond and I’m fuming while I make my way to the house, texting Caro as I go.
I can’t believe that I’m backing down, but I still don’t know the rules and until I’ve figured it out, it’s safer to avoid the half-brother I’ve yet to meet.
Chapter 7
