“It’s who you’re dating that I have a problem with.”
“Ahh, right. Because everyone is trying to exploit me.” I laugh but it’s a humorless sound. “You know, I think I was happier when we didn’t interact at all.”
His eyes narrow. “I want you safe. I don’t really give a shit if that makes you unhappy.”
“Clearly, or you wouldn’t be here.”
He leans forward fractionally and I feel my heart clench. “I’ve got good instincts. They’ve kept me alive more times than I can count. So when they tell me O’Dair has another motive with you, I fucking listen to them.”
“And that’s different from woman’s intuition how, exactly?”
He ignores me. “Something about him doesn’t add up. I don’t know what, yet, but I’m looking into him. It’s only a matter of time before I find out what he’s planning.”
“Maybe he’s just planning to take me on a freaking date!”
“West, listen close.” He takes a step away from the counter and closes some of the distance between us. “This is going to go down one of two ways—”
I gasp, throwing a hand over my heart in a parody of shock. “Let me guess — the easy way or the hard way?!”
“West—”
“My name is Phoebe. Phee-bee.” I sound it out slowly, as though I’m speaking to a child. “Two syllables. Rhymes with itself. Super easy to say. You should try it sometime.”
“This isn’t up for negotiation, West.” He purposely ignores my suggestion, taking another stride toward me. “You’re not seeing him again. And he’s already been informed of that fact.”
My blood runs cold. “What did you say to him?”
He stays silent.
“Ugh!” I screech. “You know what, Knox?” I watch him flinch when I seethe out his last name. Two can play this game. “I’m getting pretty tired of this. Of you — barging into my house, my life, my freaking fridge, and bossing me around like it’s somehow your place.”
“I’m trying to keep you safe.” His words are flat, his jaw is ticking.
“Seems like you’re trying to keep me celibate, actually,” I snap, hopping off the counter in a graceful leap that rolls my ankle and nearly sends me sprawling on my face.
Excellent.
Blushing furiously, I right myself and try to ignore the fact that Nate went tense as soon as the word celibate slipped out. Turning my back on him entirely, I snap my fingers to call for Boo. When he trots to my side, I head for the stairs.
“Goodbye, Knox.” I don’t look at him as the scathing words leave my mouth. “Let’s do this again… oh, how about never.”
A hand clamps over my arm, drawing me to a sudden halt. Every muscle in my body goes still when I feel the heat of Nate’s body move closer, until he’s practically pressed against my back. His voice is low, intent when it vibrates at my neck.
“I’d notice.”
My mind swirls to a stop.
“What?” I whisper, confused.
There’s a beat of silence before he speaks.
“Earlier, you said—” He clears his throat and his voice drops lower. “You wondered if anyone would notice if you disappeared.” There’s another heavy beat of silence. Not daring to shatter the moment, I hold my breath until it burns in my lungs. I get the sense he’s doing the same.
“I’d notice,” he says finally, voice softer than I’ve ever heard it.
Before I can respond, the hand disappears from my arm and his heat disappears from my back. I’ve barely turned around when I hear the front door creak open, followed by a terse order.
“Stay the fuck away from O’Dair.”
Then, the door slams and he’s gone.
Bones jellied, I sink down to the floor and stay there, back pressed against the kitchen island, legs curled to my chest, tears gathering in my eyes.
I hate him. Hate him! He’s bossy and condescending and makes me feel like a discombobulated pre-teen girl. I hope he never comes back.