Page 61 of Lovers Fate

“I didn’t say anything,” I tell him, trying to convince myself that I didn’t.

It was a dream. A vision. Maybe it’s the pills the doctor sent me causing some type of psychosis, or I’m fucking crazy, and I’m imagining shit that isn’t real.

“Yes, you did,” he counters. “You said…” he pauses again, his expression changing from confused to yearning for what I have no idea.

It’s not sexual, more of a friendly connection. Brotherly. He found out my real name and what I’ve done, and instead of driving off, he brought me here to eat and talk, and I’m trying to figure out why.

Kaden is so much different from Draco. It’s like he’s seeking answers. But I’m the last one he should be expecting it from.

“What did I say, Kaden?”

I didn’t say anything, so there is no way he could have heard me. Did I?

“Well, well. Look who decided to show up.” I look behind Kaden, and it’s Mia’s boyfriend Kevin with Mia standing behind him, next to three other assholes that must be on the football team, judging by their size and build.

My eyes cut to Mia’s boyfriend, all six feet of pure stupid with blond hair and green eyes. A smirk plastered on his pretty boy face.

Kaden stares at me for a few seconds before turning around completely unfazed. “What’s wrong, Kevin? Missed me?”

He snorts, glancing at Mia, who is trying not to stare at Kaden. I can tell she is interested. Mia wants Kaden but manages to hide it. Another thing I’ve learned from working at a club withhorny men is that they have insecurities. That’s why Kevin made the effort to walk over here and give Kaden shit. He’s worried.

“What’d I tell you about staring at my girl?”

“I wasn’t staring. As you can see, I’m with someone. Why don’t you go throw a football around and fuck off? You lost the last game by seventeen points.”

His friend coughs.

Kevin looks around, embarrassed that everyone’s attention is focused on us.

“Yeah, well. At least I’m not a freak dressing up and wearing makeup, you fucking circus clown,” he sneers, spilling the cup of soda across the table, causing me to jerk into Kaden.

“Kevin, let’s go. Leave him alone. I told you he wasn’t staring at me.”

“Not now, Mia,” he chides, causing Kaden’s fist to clench.

Kaden’s jaw tightens. His chest is rising and falling in deep, measured breaths. The air around us crackles with tension, like a rubber band on the verge of breaking. He’s about to kick Kevin’s ass. Kaden has two inches in height on Kevin and is more agile with a better physique. The anger emanating from him at the moment is undeniable; Kevin ought to heed his girlfriend’s advice and move on.

The familiar zap of energy I felt moments ago makes an appearance, but this time, it causes me to laugh maniacally. Kaden’s eyes flick to mine. He furrows his brows in confusion, but I can’t help it. I’m pissed. It feels like someone smacked my kid in his face and kicked my puppy. Broke my favorite doll.

I turn around. “What do you have against clowns?” I ask Kevin, getting up from the bench. Kaden tries to grab my wrist, but I shrug him off.

Kevin gives me a once-over. “Who the fuck are you?”

“A girl who likes clowns.” I smile manically and then say slowly, “I ask again, what do you have against clowns?”

Kevin curls his lip and replies, “I think they’re stupid. They cry. They are nothing but freaks hiding behind a mask.” He glances at Kaden standing behind me. His eyes swing back to me. “A bunch of pussies.”

My stomach churns with anger. Kaden’s right about Kevin. My eyes shift to Mia, trying to understand why she chooses this asshole over Kaden when he is clearly the better option. He could easily have lost it but is maintaining his composure, but for whatever reason, I can tell that composure is about to snap if this asshole fucks with me, and I have no idea why. I’m nothing to him or anyone.

“Fuck him,”a female voice repeats in my head.”Fuck him, fuck him. Let’s play.”

“Do you know why a clown cries, Kevin?” I ask in a small voice.

“Let’s go,” Kaden whispers. “They’re not worth it.” I watch Mia’s expression recoil, but I don’t care if she chose wrong.

A wave of protectiveness wraps around my heart, screaming at me not to let this slide, hating the look of triumph in Kevin’s eyes. “Do you, Kevin?”

“I don’t know who the fuck you are…”

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