Page 34 of Perfect

What thehellwas his problem? Did he think me some type of slut that would work her way through all his friends and make a name for herself? Or was he trying to protect me from them? It was all very bizarre. They came across as regular boys, not sex-starved lunatics. Maybe he just didn’t like it that other people could hold conversations. He was pretty shit at it.

I replayed the scenario in my head as I walked into the kitchen, the smell of bread still lingering.

The guys had definitely been on full flirt alert, even Tom in his own shy way but not in an over-the-top fashion. I imagined out of the four of them, Nathan would be the one to watch out for. He probably went through girls like he went through socks. I wondered fleetingly how he’d got the scar.

“What did you mean, ‘later’?”

I jumped, startled at Connor’s voice. He must have ditched his friends and followed me into the house.

I turned to face him and folded my arms, conscious of my braless chest after his comment. Connor tilted his head to one side and eyed the motion curiously. I saw a fire in his eyes, he was definitely trying not to stare at my breasts.

I blew out a breath, confused, replaying his question in my head as I attempted to control my body’s reaction to his nearness. My nipples were now hard and it hadnothingto do with the cold. “Nothing. I was just saying ‘see you’, you know, in theusualway.”

His antagonistic eyes narrowed. “So, they didn’t invite you to the party?” His voice reeked of disbelief and he folded his strong arms over his chest, his biceps bunching.

I was well and truly puzzled.

“Party?” I began. Ah, yes. Kylehadmentioned something, but his voice had been drowned out by the noise of the car.

“Not sure about any party,” I still said, playing ignorant seemed the best option.

“Don’t play dumb sweetheart. The party tonight at Nathan’s house.” His eyes glittered hotly.

He spoke to me like he would a five-year-old.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Connor,” I snapped. I so didn’t want to argue with him, but I wasn’t sure what to say to shut it down.

He shook his head and his expression twisted before he shrugged those huge shoulders.

“It doesn’t matter, as you won’t be going,” he replied throwing his arms open.

His words wound me up, instantly grating my nerves. Who the hell did he think he was telling me what I could and couldn’t do? I remembered Ella’s controlling comment. No shit.

I squared my shoulders and shook my hair away from my face before stating in a tone of my own.

“I’m not? Oh,pleaseDad,” I mocked in my best fake begging voice. “Who died and made you in charge?”

He didn’t like that and he took a threatening step forward, blasting down at me.

“While Mike is out, I’m responsible for you.”

His words were like a red flag to a bull. Ah ha, so heknewMike was out.

“So, my dadisout and therefore can’t be ‘lookingfor me’. You’re such a lying shit,” I bit out, impressed by my willpower. I literally wanted to strangle him at that point.

He had the guts to look slightly uncomfortable as he replied.

“You should thank me for helping you out of an awkward situation.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Awkwardsituation?Whatawkward situation? Being surrounded by fit guys who were all giving me attention and talking to me like normal people?Thattype?”

I was astounded that he had the balls to make himself out to be my saviour.

He didn’t reply straight away and cleared his throat noisily. I thought I was actually managing to back him into a corner for once, but of course, he recovered.

“Lane is reckless, bad news. All he cares about is drinking and getting laid. He isn’t interested in conversation, just what you keep in your jeans,” he drawled nastily, flicking a glance toward my crotch.

I flinched.

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