Page 46 of Paper Thin Love

“Don’t be stupid, Mila. Lock the door and text me if you suspect anything.”

“Y-you think someone will come at me because I’m helping you?”

He runs a hair through his blonde hair.“I might want to break you, little fox, see what you’re hiding inside. That doesn’t mean I’m going to allow someone else to try. Leave and text me after you’ve locked your door.”

I glance down at the phone to his contact, but instead of seeing his name, I read something else.“BF? What does that stand for, brooding fucker?” I ask in confusion, my brow furrowing.

He snorts a laugh, his eyes glinting with amusement.“Try again, little fox.”

BF? What?“Boyfriend?” I ask, feeling vulnerable, my voice softer.

“Consider it our new title and an amendment to our deal,” he replies, his smirk widening.

I shake my head, my heart pounding.“No.”

“You forgot the second word.Problem.‘No problem, Dash. I’d love to make the school think we are dating,’” he says, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

“You want me to fake date you?” I cross my arms, trying to steady my breathing.

He pushes back and sits on his bed, his eyes never leaving mine.“There will be benefits.”

“And consequences,” I retort, narrowing my eyes.

“Only if you grow actual feelings for me. Consider this a warning. I am not responsible for breaking your heart further,” he says, his expression darkening.

“What if I say no?” I challenge, my fists clenching.

He leans back, fluffing his pillow before laying his pompous head on it.“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Why?” I press, my pulse quickening.

I watch as he tries to adjust his cast, his movements slow and deliberate.“Because it’s safer this way. Don’t ask questions that are attached to answers that will keep you up at night. We’re a team, we share burdens. I’ll carry this one. Now run along, I’m tired.”

When I remain frozen, he peers over at me and smirks.“Unless you want to stay and cuddle?”

“I’d rather cuddle an alligator than you,” I snap, my lips curling in disdain.

“They do have fewer teeth,” he purrs, his voice low.“Be a dear and turn the lights off when you leave.”

“I hope you have nightmares,” I hiss as I turn and walk to the door, my steps heavy with frustration.

“I always do,” he chuckles, his voice trailing off as I exit.

I close his door and stand stunned in the hallway. I feel dizzy, confused, excited, embarrassed. Basically, the Webster dictionary of emotions is happening inside of me.

“What have I done? I made a deal with the devil himself.”

Chapter 19

Mila

“Are you hungry?” I ask as I keep my eyes fixed on the stitching of Dash’s pants and not his sex. Is that a good question to ask while I help Dash get dressed? What question will not make me look at his perfect naked body?

“Starving,” he responds in a husky tone.

I glance up from my kneeling position into the eyes that make my heart flutter. Why is it always the bad boys that tempt us?

A smartass smirk tugs at his lips.

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