Page 8 of Craving Her

“If you guys are done patting yourselves on the back over there, I could use a ride home. I have to be back at the hospital early in the morning.”

“You work at the hospital?” Torin asks, and before I can respond, my brother butts in.

“Yep. She’s going to college in the fall. She’s pre-med. She’s going to be a doctor.”

“Maybe,” I answer, nervousness causing butterflies to take flight in my stomach. “For now, I’m working at the hospital as a CNA to get money for college. Which is why I need to get home. Tor—Jokeroffered to take me home earlier, so I’ll let him andget out of your hair, Mattie.” I need to talk to Torin alone. I’m not sure what’s going on with him, but he’s completely different, and I know that’s not going to bode well for me.

“Joker, I can do it if you don’t want to fool with it.”

Torin stares at me. He doesn’t have to explain. I can see it on his face. He doesnotwant to be alone with me. Whatever magic we had between us, he’s intent on forgetting it now. I wonder how he’s going to react when he discovers that I’m not going to let him?

“Nah, man. I don’t care. I got a date with Dallas tonight and she’s bringing a friend. I can drop your sister off on the way.”

I thought I was in pain earlier. Now, I feel like I’m dying. It wasn’t bad enough that he refers to me as Mattie’s sister, no; he had to completely destroy me by talking about plans for a threesome tonight. Was that always the plan? Was everything we shared just a fantasy in my mind?Was he playing me?

I fight with everything in me not to show the pain he’s delivered.

“Sounds good. I’ll see you later, Skylar,” Mattie replies.

I force myself to smile at him. “Later,” I murmur, hating that my voice sounds as broken as I feel.

“You ready?” Torin asks gruffly, barely glancing at me.

“Yeah,” I respond, my voice monotone.

“Skylar? Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Just a rough day, big brother. It was hectic at work. I really didn’t need a crash course in what liars men could be on top of it,” I explain, my eyes never leaving Torin’s face as I explain. I’m sure he understands what I’m saying—even if none of the others do. They’ll blame it on Chad, and that’s fine. Torin and I know better.

“Get home and rest, then. You really push yourself too much, kiddo.”

“Yeah,” I answer, rolling my eyes. He knows I hate it when he calls me that. Ireallyhate it right now because Torin is here. There’s nothing I can do about it, though.

“Let’s go,” I add, briefly looking at Torin, before heading out of the diner in to the cool, Kentucky night air. At this point, it wouldn’t surprise me if Torin doesn’t follow me. Right now, I’m not sure I care. I just need to try to breathe through the pain of my heart breaking.

Chapter 4

Joker

The ride to Skylar’s parents was quiet and strained. I didn’t talk to her and ignored any effort she made. I drove like a bat out of hell to get her there as quick as I could, too. I had to. I didn’t have a choice. The feel of her hands wrapped around me, her body pressed up against mine, and her legs cradled against my hips were just too much. Even now, knowing she’s freshly out of high school, I still want her. I’m still hard. What kind of sick fuck does that make me? She’s so damn young. For all I know, she could be illegal. Just an hour ago, I was ready to fuck her against the wall. If Bull or Breaker didn’t kill me, I figure I would have been arrested for it.And Skylar?She didn’t tell me shit. I’m pissed off, upset because I wanted her—want herstill—and crushed because I know that no matter what, she can never be mine.

Parking against the curb of the street, I wait for her to get off. I need her body away from mine. After tonight, I will have to guard myself. I can’t let myself get close enough to touch her. “Get off,” I bark, when she doesn’t make a move to leave. I can feel her body jerk, and I close my eyes against the pain. I know I’m hurting her. I have to. If I don’t, she’ll know just how weak I am around her. I can’t allow that.

“Torin, do you want to tell me what’s wrong?” She lets out a sigh when I don’t respond. I don’t even turn around and look at her. If I was smart, I’d drive off. I want to make sure she makes it in the house, though. I can’t leave her out here unprotected, even if I should. Hell, right now, I figure I’m the biggest threat to her and the stupid girl doesn’t even realize it. Skylar’s still trying to play at being an adult.Christ.“Are you seriously not even going to talk to me? Don’t I at least deserve to know what I did wrong?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose and try to force myself to be quiet, but I fail. “You know what’s wrong, Skylar. Quit playing stupid. You’re going to college, planning on being a doctor. You have to be smarter than the cluelessness you’re trying to pass off right now.”

“What are you saying? Are you pissed about my career goals?”

Tiring of this bullshit, a snarl escapes. I get off my bike and spin around to look at her. I’m standing so close that I know she can see the full extent of my frustration and anger. We’re right underneath the streetlight and it likely is highlighted under the light. I’ve been told I’m an intimidating man when I’m pissed. I’ve always used it to my advantage. I can tell I’m scaring Skylar, and a part of me is glad. She jumps back as if she’s afraid I’m going to hurt her. That’s probably smart. If I give in to the hunger ravaging my body, it will hurt her. She stumbles and is about to fall in her attempt to escape my wrath. I reach out to catch her, but immediately let go of her. Just that small touch is enough to fill me with desire. I can’t allow that.

“If you want to play stupid, go ahead, but you should have told me you’re just a damn kid. I shouldn’t need to explain it to you.”

“I … it didn’t really occur to me. I mean, I figured you would think I was a little older, but you didn’t ask me how old I was,Torin. You can’t act all upset about it now. Not knowing didn’t stop you from doing …”

I laugh at her, but it’s a cold, emotionless sound. “Doing what, Skylar? Can you even say it?”

“I didn’t do anything for you to treat me like this.”

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