Page 49 of Paper Thin Love

“Oh really, am I dating you too?” I snap, raising an eyebrow.

“Enough,” Dash barks, cutting through the tension.“You’re withme. Dante and Cillian are on my side. You’re part of our team now. End of story. Anyone bothers you, you tell me.” He reaches out and grabs my chin, forcing my gaze up to his.“You tell me as soon as it happens, not when you’re boiling over,” he urges, then crushes his lips against mine.

It’s a force. A declaration.

When his lips touch mine, it feels like a superhero’s cape engulfing me completely.

The cafeteria erupts in a symphony of gasps and whispering hoots, like bees swarming a new hive.

Did they forget bee sting?

They also protect the queen.My subconscious whispers to me.If I trust these three psychos, they are going to try to protect me.

As he pulls back, Dash sucks on my bottom lip before letting it go, muttering,“Mmmm.” His eyes are a cold challenge, but his mouth leaks lies of whispered honey as it curls into an egotistical smile.“I love a sweet breakfast.”

When he kisses me I feel alive, but I wish the boy who showed me a sliver of his shattered, corrupted heart was the one to kiss me. Not this version of him. This is all a lie, a show to trick others were dating.

I narrow my eyes, feeling a surge of defiance.“You deserve an Oscar,” I scoff, trying to mask my pain and my desire.

“Who says I’m acting?” he rebuts, his eyes dark and challenging.

His mind games never stop, always pushing, always testing.

“Well, I prefer a savory breakfast.” I face forward, my back to the crowd. Clearly Dante and Cillian know this is a rouse. You know who doesn’t realize this is all a fucked up game? My body. That bitch is purring with need.

“If you wanted meat you should have told me when we were in the dorms.” Dash chuckles under his breath.

“You’re a child.”

“Do you prefer my devil instead?”

I gape at him.“I prefer the broken prince who showed me his colors the first day.” I confide.

His smile plummets like a solid mass into the sea, and as he sinks deeper, his eyes fixate on me with increasing force. He looks down at his plate, then swallows, his face turning red.“Be careful, little fox, you poke a beast and it will attack.”

“Not always.” I whisper. I stare into his frosty eyes, wishing the ice would melt. He’s showed me a glimpse of a boy I could love. A boy I can relate to, laugh with, confess my darkest desire to. Now that boy is gone and the mask of a King looks down at me. I have to watch my every move.

I wish circumstances were different and you could let your walls crumble.

“Eat.” He barks.

I glance at my watch again, a nervous tic. Dash leans closer, his breath hot against my skin, his lips brushing over my pale cheeks, setting them aflame. He presses a kiss to my cheek, lingering.“You’re not leaving till you eat,” Dash threatens, his voice a dangerous whisper.“Or did you want me to feed you?”

“I’m more than capable,” I hiss back, my pride stinging.

“Show me. Open those lips and swallow.”

“You’re a pig!” I spit, my eyes blazing with anger.

I glance at Dante and Cillian, seeking allies, but Dash’s presence is overwhelming. His taunts meant only for my ears.

“You’re not even trying. It looks like I’m forcing you to sit here,” he growls, his frustration palpable.

“Why does it matter?” I challenge, my voice trembling with suppressed rage.

“That’s a good question. Maybe I should shove you aside and let them all have you, Mila.” He looks down at me, his gaze piercing.“Choose a side, little fox, before a hunter comes along to collect your skin.”

“I did choose a side. The problem is the person I made a deal with keeps changing.” I reach out and touch his broken leg. Even through the thick cast, I can sense his muscles tighten.“One minute you’re kissing me, the next scolding me and then the rarest of times you’re trying to fix me.” I lower my eyes to where my hand is. One might think his broken leg is his most vulnerable part, but it’s not. It’s that slow beating heart that is grappling to feel.“I don’t know who you are, Dash King.”

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