Page 34 of Ink & Stardust

“I think they look amazing,” I disagree.

“How many pairs of those things do you own anyway?” he asks, firing the engine to life before dropping his cell phone into the center console.

“Not enough,” I grumble. “Nice phone.”

“Yeah, had to get a new one after my old one got broken.”

“I was there,” I remind him, turning my head to look out the window, effectively ending the conversation.

Ten minutes ago, I was basically begging this man to have his way with me. Now I can barely look at him. Then again, that’s probablywhyI can’t look at him. Because I feel stupid.

We drive in silence for several minutes. The only sound for miles has been Maisie softly snoring in the back seat. Pretty sure she fell asleep before we even pulled out of the parking lot.

“I’m sorry about earlier.” He finally breaks the silence once we’re back on campus.

“What about earlier?” I chance a glance in his direction and instantly regret it when his blue eyes meet mine for the briefest of moments.

I feel my defenses wain.

“I had no right to tell you what to do.”

“Well, that’s something we can both agree on.” I’m careful to keep my voice low so as not to disturb Maisie.

“You should really stay away from me.” This time when I look his way, he doesn’t look at me.

“Easier said than done whenyouwon’t stay away fromme,” I hiss.

“You’re right.” He nods slowly. “I don’t know what it is about you, Converse, but I find it damn near impossible to stay away from you.”

His admission steals the breath straight from my lungs.

“I—”

“I shouldn’t have told you that.” He’s quick to cut me off. “Forget I said anything.”

“No.” I shake my head.

“No?” The side of his mouth quirks in a smile.

“No,” I confirm. “You do not get to say something like that to me and then take it back.”

“Why not? It doesn’t change anything. I’m still me and you’re still you.”

“And that’s a problem?”

“That’s a very big fucking problem.”

“Why?”

“Because when I say I’d break you”—he slows next to the curb, putting the car in park as he turns and looks me straight in the eye—“I mean it. Do not ever look at me the way you looked at me tonight. Do not tempt me or dare me. Do not ask me for anything. Because if you do, I may not have the strength to tellyou no.” And with that, he kills the engine and climbs from the car, leaving me in the passenger seat, stunned.

He’s already got Maisie out of the back seat and onto the sidewalk before I’ve gotten fully out of the car. I try to digest his words, but none of them make sense. It’s almost like he’s saying he wants me but doesn’t want me. Or he does want me, but he doesn’t want to hurt me... Am I getting this right or have I completely misinterpreted this whole situation?

I can’t be certain of anything. Not with the buzz of alcohol still flowing through my veins and my heart jackhammering inside my chest like the traitorous witch she is.

Maisie wakes but only enough to move her feet. Her head lulls from side to side as Kai leads her to the front door. Realizing he can’t get in, I quickly catch up, slipping between them and the door to scan the badge that’s tucked in the clear case of my cell phone. The lock clicks and I push my way inside, holding the door for Kai.

“Don’t tell Jackson about this,” Maisie slurs so heavily it’s hard to make out her words as her head continues to lull.

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