Page 17 of Hollyhocks

“I’m sorry, Fitz. You’re sure you’re okay?”

“Keep me updated on Mickey.”

“I will. Thanks, Fitz. You’re the best.”

I give a small wave as he climbs into his truck and speeds away.

Pushing through the dull headache, I begin working on Ms. Livingston’s car again. While I work, I think back to when I was so in love that I’d drop anything for my partner. I can’t think of one moment.

I’ve never been in love. I’ve dated, sure. I’ve had sex.

But love?

Never. I guess even for me, it’s too wild of a thought.

I’m starting to think someone like me won’t get to experience love. I’m too much for people. I’m always going out of my way. I’m a big people pleaser. Love isn’t meant for people who allow themselves to be taken advantage of like I do.

I’ll sit back, watch my friends be in love, grow families, and dream of a life that’s so far out of reach—it might as well be a fantasy.

Good thing I’m such a good dreamer. At least at night, I can have everything I want when I close my eyes.

Who the hell is that fucking bitch touching my mate?

My hands tighten around the steering wheel until it creeks from my strength. I crack my neck and try to take a deep calming breath.

It doesn’t work.

I only feel more murderous.

I’m parked in front of an ice cream shop that gives me the perfect view of Snapdragons Garage. Fitz is gorgeous. I can understand why that woman wants to put her hands all over him.

She’ll never get to. She’ll never get to experience him like I’m going to. I’ll own his laughs, smile, orgasms, and every other aspect of his life. No one is allowed to take what isn’t theirs.

Didn’t her parents ever teach her that? Perhaps, she needs a reminder of basic manners.

I growl under my breath, watching her smile, and toss her long hair over her shoulder. She twists it around her finger, flirting withmymate.

She must have a death wish. Why else would she be so careless with her life?

A third of the steering wheel breaks off. I sneer, tossing it in the backseat.

“Now she owes me a new steering wheel,” I mutter, wishing my eyes could throw sharpened daggers at the woman who is flirting withmyFitz.

His doe eyes belong locked on me. I want to see them widen when he is about to come. He won’t look so sweet and innocent when he is screaming my name with his cock buried deep inside me.

She’ll never get the chance.

“Call me Lily,” I mock with a curl of my lip.

I’ve heard every second of their conversation because of my newly enhanced abilities.

“Lily,” I repeat her name. “He better not like those flowers.”

Straightening my spine as I watch her walk away, she turns around to sneak one last look at Fitz. He isn’t paying any attention to her, but he is looking around.

“Do you feel my gaze, Doe Eyes? You sense me, don’t you?” I blow hot air onto the window, then kiss it, Fitz’s figure blurs from the condensation. “It’s okay, you won’t miss her. She can’t give you what I can. She can’t love you like I can,” I groan, licking the kiss I just left.

I roll down the window needing some fresh air. Inhaling, Lily’s scent hits me harder than the scientists ever did.

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