Page 69 of Something So Strong

KAI: You know I want to, but I can’t.

I stew on my final reply until the anger has softened any anticipation the bastard created.

Time after time Kai gives me what I need only to pull away faster than a bullet train, and I’m sick to death of it. I feel tricked. Manipulated by his charm. And I’m beginning to question how truthful his feelings actually are.

JESSE: You’re such a cunt, and I’m too smart to keep putting up with your bullshit.

Never have I ever wanted to punch someone in the face as much as I did yesterday.

Unfortunately, though, it isn’t the full extent of my problem. That’s because the caveat of why beating Kai in the face would feel so satisfying, is that I’ve never felt the urge to maim someone that I’ve also wanted grinding on top of me.

Ah, what a plot twist in the shitty narrative this is turning out to be.

Storming out on him—and Romeo—yesterday had satiated me for all of about five minutes. Then I got angry all over again at his lack of response to me calling him out.

Was shedding light on his cunt behavior not reason enough to apologize?

Am I literally going to have to suck his dick before he realizes that what we have isn’t a mistake?

Scratch that. There’s no way in hell I’m giving him the pleasure of that happening.

Leaving my room late is a strategic choice. The goal is to have as little free time as possible with us in each other’s company before our shift starts, where Kai can slip in another innuendo or commanding gaze. Because I just don’t have the strength for it today.

A decent night’s sleep and an anger-wank in the shower this morning have managed to quell the lustful disdain I have for him… for now. And I am crossing my fingers that, if I play my cards right, I can make it to lunch without snapping his head off.

Too bad I’m holding my cards the wrong way around and fate is a tumultuous whore who thrives off my misery….

“Morning.” Kai flouts at the crestfallen look on my face when I notice he’s still in the kitchen.

By the coffee maker.

Right where I need to be.

Groaning, I take the largest disposable cup available and slide it under the spout of the machine, take the strongest pod available, slap the lid closed, and allow it to start in my absence as I fetch some milk.

“Sleep well?” Kai asks when I return, not even attempting to conceal the smirk on his face.

I bite my tongue—literally—and fish through the basket for another ristretto. Because it looks like it’s gonna be that kind of morning.

“You know, I’ve always liked the strong, silent type.”

Maybe that’s my thing too. Why not shut up and find out?

Kai tuts as I throw the first capsule in the bin and start the second. “I thought I was the brooder in this relationship?”

What fucking relationship?!

Focusing all my frustration into my fingers, I tear off the top of four sugar packets in one go.

“Better ease up there, Jess. You’re already sweet enough.”

I‘m seriously going to kill you.

Topping the coffee up with milk, I press on a lid, return the milk, and get two steps towards the door before I look back at Kai. With a grunt, I gesture for him to follow, because no matter how hard I fight it, I’m a fucking simp for him and he knows it all too well.

“I hate to say it, but this caveman thing is really doing it for me.”

Tapping the edge of the coffee lid against my forehead in frustration, I successfully manage to not bite back for a record sixth time in a row.

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