Page 21 of Cruel Alpha Bully

“Did you have a good day?” Bae asks.

I look over at him. He’s watching me closely, as if he really cares about the answer. I almost make a crack about Scott, but stop myself just in time.

“Yes, I had a good day.” I smile at him, and he smiles back. For just a moment, there is real warmth between us.

“I could make it really good,” he says, his voice deepening and taking on a light, teasing tone. My stomach flutters with excitement, but at the same time, my chest tightens with fear.

“Yeah? How?” I ask, my voice coming out harder than I intended.

“Just give me a few minutes,” Bae murmurs. “I promise you won’t regret it.”

I look over at him, slowing down just a little. I want to shut him down, but his bright mischief is just too hard to resist. I’m sick of holding back, and I just can’t help myself.

“Really, tiger?” I say, raising an eyebrow. “A few moments? Is that all you’ve got?”

A flash of true happiness runs across his features, but he holds it in, keeping the light, teasing tone and exaggerated sultry look.

“Well, maybe a few moments of me is all you can take,” he grins. “But I’m sure we can condition you into greater fitness.”

“Isn’t that your tagline?”

“For the gym and for me, babe.”

“Where does a girl get fitter? At your gym, or in your bed?”

“Both,” he says softly.

We’re almost home now, almost standing on the lawn. He stops, reaching out and holding my arms gently as he turns me to face him.

“Gina,” he whispers. I can’t stand the way he’s looking at me. The intensity of his gaze, the heat in his touch. It can’t be a lie.

He wants me.

“So, why then,” I begin, my voice so soft even I can barely hear it, “if you want me so bad, why did you reject me in front of the whole damn school?”

Bae seems to freeze in place. His hands grip my arms a little tighter, and his mouth twists.

“I have to… I mean, I can’t…” Bae looks away from me, staring at the ground as he lets out a huge sigh. He doesn’t let go of me, and when he looks up, his big, pale brown eyes are shimmering with emotion.

“Gina, I’m so, so sorry.”

What?

The words hit me so hard, I can barely think. My entire world has just been shaken and tumbled upside down.

“What?” My voice comes out in a low croak.

“I am so incredibly sorry,” Bae says.

He can’t be lying—there is a look in his gold eyes that I’ve never seen before. His hands press against me gently but firmly, as if he has to imprint his words onto my skin.

“I was an idiot. A total, complete fool.” His voice is gaining strength now. “I rejected you because I was afraid—afraid people would think less of me. I followed the crowd, too young, stupid and arrogant to realize I should be the one leading it.”

He leans forward, almost close enough to kiss.

“I am sorry,” he says again. “I couldn’t believe it when you left town. I didn’t realize how much I meant to you—”

“Bailey,” a loud, clear voice cracks through the air, breaking the moment.

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