His lips turned down in annoyance. For a brief second, the mask fractured and sadness shaped his features. I couldn’t be sure I actually saw it. I squared my shoulders, prepared to hear the worse. He was treating me like I had leprosy.
“Look, you heard what Ives said. The more we are together, they deeper we get, the stronger our bond becomes. I can’t take the chance of that happening. I’ve seen what it did to Travis when Emma left. I need a clear head or someone is going to die. My number one priority is to keep you alive, not get in your pants. It would help if you didn’t constantly put yourself in danger and throw yourself at me. I’ve already given up enough for you.”
Ouch. Pain exuded in my eyes. My fists clenched at my sides, nails digging into my skin. What I heard was he’d given up his life to be tied down to me in a bond he didn’t want. “Don’t do me any favors. I don’t need you. And as sure as hell don’t want you.”
Lie. Lie. Lie.
It was all big fat lies.
Anger zapped into his demon eyes. I guess that wasn’t the right response. A muscle popped in his jaw. “You are so frustrating,” he snapped, eyes blistering with increased irritation. “Why do I care? Have it your way.” Long purposeful strides carried him across the room.
“Good. That’s the way I like it! My way!” I yelled to his rippled receding back.
Ugh. Why did I have to notice how he looked all the time? Why couldn’t he be repulsive and an ass, instead of just being the biggest ass in the galaxy.
Right before he slammed door, he looked over his shoulder for one last long glare. I gave him the timeless one finger salute. Some things never change. The door vibrated on its hinges, and I swear I heard wood split.
Sinking into the couch like a slug, I could barely believe we were back to this.
Fighting.
Slamming doors.
At each other’s throats.
I had really hoped that we had moved past this, talk about a giant leap backwards. Was this what being linked to Chase would be like? Extreme highs and extreme lows? Were we forever stuck in this cycle of devouring and despising one another?
Only time would tell.
Well time could kiss my scrawny ass.
Chapter 15
The following afternoon I’d successfully avoided Chase. It helped that he seemed to be doing the same. Lexi continually gave us exhausted glances. I could tell she thought we were being silly and didn’t enjoy being caught in the middle of our hateful glares.
Poor Lexi.
I was going to have to make it up to her, a shopping trip or some other torturous excursion like a spa day. Gag with me a spoon. I must really like Lexi if I was remotely thinking of agreeing to let someone smear mud masks on my face, paint my nails, or touch my hair.
She was my best friend, and lately we haven’t really spent time together. I must be feeling guilty. It was all Chase’s fault. This stupid soulbond and his mood swings were driving me berserk. What I needed to do was get my life back. Back before every thought was consumed with my overbearing yet drool-worthy hot neighbor.
I needed counseling.
Or worse, shock therapy.
Something, anything to rid me of my obsession with Chase Winters.
Parking my little white Fusion in my driveway, I swung the car door shut behind me. As I lifted my bag higher on my shoulder, a movement at Lexi’s house caught my attention. Chase’s shadowy form lurked in the doorway, and our eyes fastened. I couldn’t make out his expression, but his lazy stance leaning up against the door frame made my heart sputter.
I blinked.
That was all it took for him to disappear. One blink and he left me wondering if he had ever really been there, or was my mind now imagining him. Steaming, I stomped into the house cursing and banishing thoughts of Chase Winters from my head. I refused to admit that after only twenty-four hours I missed him, no matter what games my subconscious was playing on me.
Walking into the house, I ignored the pangs that plagued my chest. Rejection was a bitch no matter how you sugarcoated it. Just as I was about to flip the light switch on in the hallway, I noticed what looked like a figure sitting in the dark on my couch. Complete panic set in and a scream bubbled up my esophagus. I swallowed it down the back of my throat before I got myself killed. Gazillion of gruesome thoughts and images spiraled through my brain. I really needed to lay off the video games, but in my defense, my real life wasn’t that far off from fantasy.
Run, warned an impatient voice in my head. Get out of there while his back is to you.
But following directions was never my strong suit. I pretty much did things to the beat of my own drum and forget about doing what normal, rational people would have done. My brain wasn’t wired on the same frequency as everyone else’s. If it had been, I would have retreated quietly from the house and ran next door. Nope, instead I stood there frozen like a time capsule.