She stiffens. “What?”
“You heard me, Charlotte.”
“But—”
I shoot her a look. The kind that ends arguments before they start.
She swallows. Shuts the fuck up. Like she should.
I stare at her a second longer, force a pleased smile, then let go. Underneath, though, I’m disgusted. Forgiveness? What a laugh.
I opened myself up to this short, irritating bitch. Gave her everything I didn’t know I still had. Let her in. Then she sent me all over town, bringing up thoughts I’ve suppressed for so long. Fuck, I didn’t know I could stillfeelthat much.
Just a matter of time, though.
I’ll keep her close and pray she never smartens up. Because if she does... she’ll run.
But until then, all I got is that faint sense of hope.
The day drags. I’m on my fifth energy drink. The work is endless, heavy. I’m sweating bullets, still fuming, and of course, obsessing.
I check my phone every chance I get. Ready if she needs anything. A fuckin’ tissue and I’ll bring it to her.
No texts.
After lunch, I’m losing it.
Who did she sit with? Was it a guy? Some grinning NPC who lent her a pen and thinks he earned more of her attention. Is she into girls now? Maybe she’s making friends. Ones that’ll convince her she deserves better than a guy like me.
Damn it. Snap out of it, Grayson.
I cave anyway. Thumbs move before I can stop them.
Having a good day?
I stare. Wait.
Crates slam. Fish slap cold metal. Men shout over compressors.
None of it touches me.
“Fucking reply, Charlotte,” I growl, teeth clenched so hard my jaw aches.
Still nothing.
Apparently, I didn’t teach her anything. Should’ve skull-fucked her till she puked, then shoved her face in the mess and made her say thank you.
“Grayson! Move your goddamn ass!” the foreman barks.
I wipe sweat off my brow, mutter a string of curses, and shove my phone back into my pocket.
I miss Meghan... if only for her money. I don’t mind this work. But I mind not having freedom to go whoop Charlotte’s ass at this moment.
It’s time.
I wait curbside, engine idling, jaw locked, watching the doors like a predator. Then I see her.
That selfish fucking brat.
