Page 60 of These Deadly Vows

He hands me a jar of moonshine and I twist the lid off. “So…” I take a sip. The corn liquor tastes kind of bitter, like unflavored cough syrup. “You trying to get me drunk to take advantage of me?”

“Wouldn’t need you drunk if that’s what I wanted.”

“Ouch.”

“Oh what, now the truth hurts your feelings?” He sits next to me, his knee touching mine.

I’m not uncomfortable, but being here in this tiny room alone with him almost makes me claustrophobic.

He jerks the jar from my grip, some of the liquor sloshing over the top.

“What’s your story, anyway? Why are you exiled?”

“Just not ready to settle down, that’s all.”

“You’ve been here a while.” I note as he takes a deep breath.

“I don’t like to talk about the past.”

“Okay. You obviously didn’t bring me here to fuck me, so what do you like to talk about?”

“Why don’t you tell me why you pulled that childish stunt?”

I lick my lips as he stares at them. “I didn’t know I needed a reason. I was bored.”

“Bullshit.”

“Why don’t you like Stray?”

“She wants a boyfriend.”

“And you don’t?”

“Want a boyfriend? Fuck no.” He chuckles. “Why do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Have to fuck with everyone.”

“Because it’s fun.”

“You’re all about fun, aren’t you? Heard about that show you put on a few weeks back.”

I stiffen. “I was drunk and horny. So what?”

“Doesn’t it bother you that they’re only using you?”

“No. I’m using them too.”

“To what end?”

“I don’t know. What’s it matter to you?”

“It doesn’t.”

“Okay… I think I’m going to go.”

I start to get up when he leans toward me, brushing my hair behind my ear. I stare at him, wondering what the fuck is happening here.

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