Page 104 of Verses

“What if wedobecome famous? What then?”

“If I have lots of money…maybe I could buy my way out.”

Thatshit was fucking scary—and I had so many questions…but I didn’t want to push Wolf. He’d already told me so much, far more than I would have ever expected.

Better to keep things focused onjustthe band. “So when do you think we should start playing real shows? I think the guys are itching as much as I am to start playing live for more than The Apothecary’s regulars.”

“I think we should start doing shows once we have ten to twelve new songs that we’ve worked out the kinks to. When we can play all these songs in our sleep…that’s when we should start playing for crowds.”

“I agree. So do you think we might be ready by spring?”

“Maybe.”

“God, I hope so. I miss performing.”

“You do a good job of it at karaoke.”

Grinning, I scooped up some buttery baked potato. “It’s not the same as singing my own words.”

“Yeah, I know, bird. It can be gratifying, but itisdifferent.”

After swallowing my potato, I said, “I never would have eaten this stuff for breakfast, but it’s good.”

“Better than oatmeal. Like I said, this will give you strength.”

Those words vibrated through my body, humming like a song, and my pussy woke up just thinking about it. Did he know I wasn’t wearing panties? That he could quickly access me?

Just that thought reminded me of something I’d wanted to bring up. “Hey…I wanted to let you know I’m on the pill.”

He was silent for a moment, but I didn’t think it was because he was chewing on his food. “That’s smart. It’ll protect you.”

“Yeah…but I wanted to ask you about, um…you. Are you, uh, disease-free?”

A soft smile lightened his features, reminding me again why I was starting to fall so hard for this guy. “Iam. But there are lots of reasons to use a condom.”

Was he implying something? Or was I making a mountain out of a molehill? It would be best to nip that shit in the bud right now. “What are you saying exactly?”

His tone was light and casual—which might have served to just make me angrier. “I’m just saying we should probably keep playing it safe.”

“Your tongue was all over my pussy last night…so I’m pretty sure you’re not worried about disease—which makes me wonder what kind of woman you think I am.” I almost used the wordgirlbut refrained, because I was making a point here. Iwasa mature partner, and I wasn’t about to do something stupid.

Getting pregnant would ruin the band’s future. I knew that. I wasn’t stupid. And I wasn’t interested in becoming a mother anyway.

“I think you are a beautiful, intelligent, thoughtful woman. Wearing a condom isn’t a bad habit. It protects us both.”

“It protectsyou.” I wasn’t going to throw a tantrum or storm off like I had the night we’d had dinner—but I was angry now.

And no longer hungry.

I said, “It also tells me everything I need to know aboutus.”

“Such as?” I couldn’t read his tone…not at all.

“That you don’t trust me.” Pushing the chair away from the table, I stood. I was going to shower and change back into my clothes—and then I was going to ask to be taken home as politelyas I could. I needed time to think and, because I felt hurt, I wanted to do that by myself.

“Hayley.”

“I need some time, Wolf.”

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