Page 112 of Overcast

His moss-green eyes pull up to me. “Helping.”

“I don’t need—”

“Apparently, you do. Now—” He gives the material a little tug. “—let go of my hands, sweetheart.”

My jaw sets before I dig my nails into his skin. “No. Let. Go.”

“Baby has claws,” he muses, unhurriedly rising to his full height. His eyes glimmer in amusement while I’m sure mine are appearing beyond irritated. He ascends over this whole situation, including me, and I’m burnt out.

I want to tap out.

The hot and cold that he transcends through this whole situation is draining. However, I have to keep playing the game. There isn’t any alternative.

“I forgot one rule,” he professes. “No screwing around with people when we’re out. No batting your eyes at people and—”

“I wasn’t batting my eyes.”

“Didn’t say you were, it was just something I forgot to add. Unfortunately, I can’t wipe off the innocent and angelic look that highlights you being...you. It’s glued on.”

“Can I get changed now?”

Turning his back on me, he says, “Go ahead.”

“I forgot to add ‘get out’ to my last sentence,” I mutter.

“Seems like I can’t leave you alone for two seconds.”

“Not my problem.”

He turns his head to the side but not enough for him to see me. “Yeah, it’s mine.” He returns to stare at the wall. “Now hurry up.”

Quickly I try on the new pair of jeans, looping the button through the hole to keep them around my waist when Emric whirls back to face me.

I can feel the heat of his irises on my body, studying how they fit and turning my cheeks bright pink. I notice the Shoplifters Beware sign behind him and concentrate on that.

“You’re too skinny.” I can’t help the way my face screws up at his comment.

Has he never complimented a girl in his life?

“Then go find Victoria Secret,” I shoot back. “I’m sure she’ll keep the weight on with all those apples.”

His brows fall. “What?”

“The girl you were flirting with outside.” He continues to gape at me until recognition illuminates his features. “Ah...her.”

My mouth twitches in a purposely forced grin. “Yeah, her.” He opens his mouth to speak, but I hold up my palm. “Oh, don’t think I’m jealous. Honestly, how could I be? I feel bad for her already.”

A moment of tension ping pongs between us before he says, “Right.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “So, since we got that out of the way, let’s get back to how the doc said you need to gain at least ten pounds.”

“How about everyone mind their own business like I was prior to this.”

“It’s free food, so win, win, sweetheart.” I clench my teeth together from the constant nickname. “Are you hungry now?”

“No.”

“Mhm.” He takes a singular step, sucking up my next inhale.

The characteristics on his face give away nothing. I don’t know if he’s upset, amused, or plainly doesn’t care.

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