Page 36 of Perfect

Curiosity bubbled within me. Wasn’t he bare-faced lying again now? He’d said to the guys that he’d expected to see them late.

I paused and pretended to consider his words before replying.

Was he really concerned about me? Had our normal on-and-off conversations made him actually care about my welfare, or did he just enjoy being a bossy dick? I went with the latter. The guy was all about being the boss.

“I see. And this is all about looking out for me, is it? You care all of a sudden?” I said in a cynical voice.

He rolled his eyes before shooting me an unwavering dark gaze.

“I care about Mike yes. He wouldn’t want you there. Nate is a tool, ask Ella. The police have been involved in the past and don’t get me started on last year. To be honest, I’m surprised Sally and Adam have left Nathan in the house without Ryan to keep an eye on him. At leasthehas a brain.”

I shrugged not bothering to ask who Ryan was. “Look whatever, I’m going to my room so, let me by please.”

I made an attempt to move past him but he stepped sideways to block my path. He was so tall, lean and angry and so much stronger than I. My shoulders dropped and I felt myself wilting before such flagrant masculinity and strength. You could taste the testosterone radiating from him.

I swallowed, feeling intimidated again. He was all bristling aggression. That feeling of fear of the unknown was also a strange turn on. An odd combination I know.

He took a deep breath, silent for a moment as if trying to calm himself down.

“You should be thankful that I have some level of restraint today, Harlow.”

Rolling my eyes, I shot him an accusatory look. “You wouldn’t touch me, you’re notthatguy,” I said with a pointed look.

“Don’t be too sure. You don’t know me, you don’t know what I’m capable of,” Connor’s voice dropped and took on a dangerous edge. I still wasn’t afraid, not really. “For fucks sake, I’m not even sure myself half the time.”

“I know you’re capable of being an absolute dick,” I volleyed back unperturbed.

I again attempted to move around him but he shot out one strong arm across the doorway to block my exit.

“There’s more to me than that Harlow. There is something inside me that I hope youneverget to see.”

“Whatever.” I tried to move his arm but he kept his stance firm, blocking my escape.

Leaning down toward me, he said in a voice full of warning.

“I mean it, Harlow. You’re to stay here tonight. You don’t want to see the pissed off side of me,” his voice was now super serious and his eyes were searching my face, looking for a sign that he’d weakened me.

“I think I’m already acquainted as that’s all you ever are around me and you can stop with the threats. I know you’d never hurt me.”

He closed his eyes, savouring my words before he shot me a look of silent promise. “Maybe not, but I’d definitely put my hands on you.”

Shock and excitement jetted through me. He meant it. Hereallydidn’t want me to go to the party, which as you can imagine made me more determined to do the opposite. It was strange behaviour for me really, when did I become such a rebel?

I decided to play ball, purely for his benefit, knowing that as soon as I walked away, I’d text Tom to find out more about this stupid party. If anything, at least it got Connor’s attention. I hadhatedbeing ignored and if Connor could lie, so could I.

“Well, I can hardly go when a) I wasn’t invited and b) I haven’t got a clue where he lives can I?” I pointed out like he was stupid. I was now an Oscar-winning actress it appeared.

He pursed his lips whilst watching me and I felt a slight twinge of guilt, although it was very slight. Miniscule really.

“It isn’t your type of party Harlow,” he warned, dropping his arm before adding. “Honestly, I’m not saying it to be a dick.”

I almost didn’t grace his bullshit with a response but then put in, “Whatever you say,brother.” I knew he wouldn’t care for that comment.

He was such a bastard.

I pushed past him and he let me go thank goodness, part of me wondered if he’d keep me there until I promised in blood that I wouldn’t go.

I exited the study and headed for the stairs without looking back.

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