Page 45 of Cruel Legacy

“Right. Of course. It won’t happen again.”

Chapter24

Finn

Idart across the street towards the entrance of the movie theater. This new movie is supposed to be full of car chases and explosions.

I check the time on my watch as I wait for the cashier to finish printing my ticket. Good, I’ve still got enough time to get my snacks before the trailers start.

I’m pulling open the glass doors when I see a familiar reflection in the glass, and hold it open wider, so she can walk in ahead of me.

I’m such a gentleman. “Hello there, Pet.”

“I’m not your, Pet.”

I roll my eyes at her response. Why does she keep saying that? “You are what I say you are.”

She wheels around to face me. “Look, I came to see this late night viewingalone,because I like to watch my movies without a bunch of yapping. Just because we’re neighbors and here at the same time doesn’t mean we’re together. We’renottogether. I suggest you find somewhere away from me to sit.”

“I’m hurt, Pet. You don’t want to sit near me?”

“Hell no. I remember the last time I sat with you, you tried to steal my snacks.”

I grip her shirt, tugging her towards me. “I don’t have to steal, because if I ask nicely, you’ll give them to me.”

She pulls my shirt, yanking me even closer. She’s strong for a little thing. “Begging with words isn’t the flex you think it is. If you want me to share, think of more creative things to do with those lips.”

I’m still holding her shirt. With my free hand, I tug on her ponytail, forcing her head back, and lean over, my mouth inches from hers. “We can skip the movie if that’s what you want.”

“I don’t want anything from you. I’m just letting you know it takes a little more thanpretty pleaseto get anything out of me.”

She lets go of my shirt and pries my fingers off of hers. I release my hold on her hair, and allow her get in line ahead of me at the concession stand. She gets an extra large bucket of popcorn, just like before. I buy my usual snacks too and a drink, then follow her into the theater, waiting for her to pick out her seat.

I ignore the annoyed sound she makes when she sees I’m behind her. It’s a late night showing of an action flick. She can’t possibly think I’m going to let her sit alone in a dark movie theater so some dude with a tiny dick can sit next to her and steal her popcorn. I take my seat and press the button so my chair reclines.

It takes her a few minutes to settle all her snacks just the way she wants them, then reaches into her pocket and pulls out the flask. She shakes her head when she sees me eyeing it. “I’m not sharing.”

“Pretty, please.”

“I already told you that doesn’t work.”

Is she serious with the no? Does she really want me to use my mouth more creatively? I tuck her hair behind her ear, then lean over, tracing my tongue over the shell of her ear. “Be very careful what kind of challenges you put out there, Pet. I like games and I like to win.”

She shifts her head to look at me, likely trying to decide if I’m willing to back up my threat. I pull my own bottles out of my bookbag. “I’ve got apple vodka and cranberry juice. Wanna trade?”

I do nothing to hide the smug look on my face. I saw her devouring jolly ranchers at the party. So okay, maybe I packed this, maybe hoping I’d see her here, but also because I like the flavor combination.

“Fine, we can trade. I’ll have a little of yours and you can have a little of mine.”

We pass the bottles back and forth, and finally get everything situated in time for the first movie trailer. By the halfway point of the movie, we’re both reclining back and curled against the shared armrest. It’s almost like curling up on the couch at home. Maybe next time I’ll pack a blanket.

When the movie ends, Thea walks towards the exit like she’s trying to escape me. “Are you trying to race me home, Pet?”

“I-” She looks at me over her shoulder, then darts off towards the parking lot across the street.

I let out a whoop and take off too. Jumping over cars as I go. She’s parked a little further away than I am, but that’s on her. I’m not about to wait for her to reach her car before taking off.

I gun the engine and peel out of the parking lot. Her headlights flash, showing she’s right behind me. I stab the button on my radio, turning on my highway mix, letting my own personal action soundtrack pump through the speakers as I navigate the streets of Canyon Falls Annex. They’re deserted this time of night. We both ignore the posted speed limits.

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