Page 42 of Cruel Devotion

“I’m surprised you’re here,” she commented with enough snark not to sound like a bitch but more teasing.

“I told you I planned to come here and research.” I sighed, leaning my shoulder against the bookcase. “Not that you invited me along.”

“No,” she replied, not looking at me but at the books. “I did not.”

“Because you want to get a head start on the project before everyone else?”

She smiled, shooting me a sarcastic look. “As if you are here to research or study.”

I shoved my hands in my pockets. “I could be.”

“Sure. With what, though? You didn’t bring anything.”

“I don’t need anything.”

She laughed once. “Not even to take notes or… Never mind.”

“I can get general ideas,” I said.

“Then help yourself.” She gestured for me to go past her down this aisle where the sociology texts were.

I intend to.I wanted to help myself toher. Having Haley to myself, in this private seclusion between the bookcases, felt like an opportunity I’d regret passing up on.

“Haley?”

She glanced at me, frowning. “What?”

“Why are you so pissed at me?”

“Huh?” She scowled and looked away. “I’m not pissed.” Then she made the mistake of walking further down the aisle.

Oh, I loved a game of chase. “Ever since I had that idiot apologize to you for breaking your glasses?—”

“That’s not it.”

I advanced after her, despite knowing it would be so much better to take things slow with her. My body reacted to the rush of adrenaline. I was keyed up and ready to hunt her down. “Ah. So there is a reason you’ve been trying to keep your distance from me the last few days.”

“No.” She retreated a couple more feet, no longer able to pretend that she was looking for a book. “I’m not…” She growled. “Don’t play games with me.”

“No games,” I lied. Taking a dare to get her to that dance and fuck her was noting but a horrible game. Looking into her green eyes right now, though, I was honestly committed to having her.

Just for myself.

“If you thought punching that guy and getting him to apologize was some grand gesture that would make me swoon and fall at your feet, then that proves this little friendship act you’re doing with me is just for show.”

“I’m not putting on an act. Not with you.”

For every step she took away from me, I took one toward her.

And that was the truth. I wasn’t acting. This wasn’t forced. I did care.

I wanted her.

Not because of a dare, but because it was her.

“Then what the hell are you doing? What do you want from me?”

“That’s a dangerous question to ask me right now.”

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