“Let me go, Fox,” I sigh, trying to push him off, but he doesn’t budge.He’s taller, stronger, and standing in front of me like a wall.
“Don’t do this,” I continue.“Just because I told you how I feel doesn’t mean you have to reciprocate.In fact, I don’t want you to.”
He opens his mouth to speak, hesitating.“I don’t want you to go on a date with Elias,” he says finally, the name practically a taboo in his mouth.
I stare at him, incredulous.How can he always be such an ass?
“You don’t get to tell me what to do, Fox.What is your problem?”My voice rises.“You kiss me, then you treat me like crap the next second.Then you try to control who I go out with.Does seeing me hurt make you feel better?”
“If you’re so disgusted by the idea of us—if you’re so damn ‘curious’—you should check the gay kid next door because I'm sick of your shit,” I add, taking a steadying breath.
I’m tempted to push him again, maybe even hit him, just to release the frustration building up inside me.But he’s faster.His hand comes up to cup my cheek, and even though I hate myself for it, I can’t pull away.Somehow, I want him to say he wants me, even if there’s another guy—a good-looking and nice guy—right now in my living room waiting to take me out on a real date.It’s twisted.I should walk away, but I’m rooted here, wanting more from him.
Fox leans in, brushing his lips against my neck, then moving to the corner of my mouth.Finally, our lips meet, and the kiss is fierce and desperate.His hands trace the lines of my body, exploring every inch, and I give in, my arms wrapping around his neck, my fingers tangling in his hair.It’s impossible to resist him, even knowing what this kiss means—or doesn’t mean—to him.I can’t stop myself from wanting him.As much as I hate everything about this asshole, I love everything about him.
With the last bit of strength I have, I pull away, breathless.He looks stunned, his brown hair tousled and lips swollen.Our kiss was filled with both anger and longing—a war fought in a silent intense kiss.I was furious with him, but I still wanted him.Part of me believes that maybe Fox wants me too, but another part can’t shake the feeling that I’m nothing more than an experiment to him, something to satisfy his curiosity and inflate his ego.
“This can’t happen again,” I say, using his own words against him.He raises an eyebrow, caught off guard.
“Cam, I want us to figure this out.”
“I don’t want to figure anything out, especially with you.”His eyes shift, hurt flashing in them.“You’re not gay, Fox.You like women.And we—this—can’t be anything.”
He smirks, that familiar arrogance surfacing.“And who said I wanted this to be a ‘thing’?”
Of course.I should have known better.As much as it stings, I’ve gotten used to his words cutting me down.I let myself hope, let him reel me in, and each time, he walks away with another piece of me.
“Right.”I sigh, stepping away from the door and gesturing for him to leave.
He stares at me, surprised, maybe even frustrated, realizing he doesn’t get to have it his way this time.
“Get out, Fox,” I say, steadying my voice.“And do us both a favor.Spend the night at your frat house.Elias is coming back here with me, and I’m pretty sure you won’t be comfortable with that.You know, with all the moaning and groaning.”
His jaw clenches, and if looks could burn, I’d be in ashes.But he doesn’t move.For once, Fox Wilder is speechless, not a smug comeback in sight.
“At the end of the day,” he says finally, his voice low, “he’s never going to be the man you really want.”
I cross my arms, locking eyes with him.“And what makes you think you’re fucking irreplaceable?”
We stand there, silent and tense, but when he doesn’t respond, I take a breath.
“Exactly.Easily replaceable,” I say, emphasizing each word.“Now, get out.”
He bites his lip hard, but without another word, he storms out of my room.
I lean back against the wall, sliding down the cold surface with my eyes shut, struggling to catch my breath and calm the chaos he left in his wake.
“Cam?”Elias’ voice breaks in, and I whip around to see him standing at my bedroom door, looking concerned.
“Are you okay?You guys took forever,” he says, and I stand up at once.
“Yeah.We were just…talking.”I force a smile and start buttoning my shirt, hoping to shake off the intensity from the last few minutes.
“Here, let me help.”Elias steps forward and gently brushes my fingers away, finishing the buttons himself.His eyes meet mine, holding a little longer than usual.I can’t help feeling a flicker of discomfort—maybe it’s because of Fox’s lingering presence in my mind and the kiss we just shared.
“Are you okay?”Elias asks, smoothing his hand over my shirt once he’s done with the buttons.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”I offer a small smile, moving over to grab my shoes.
