Page 90 of Paper Thin Love

Tears cover my eyes.

It’s never going to happen. I’m a fool in love with a man who doesn’t know how to translate my definition of it.

“I want you to love me,” I whisper.

“And I want you to hate me.” Our eyes lock. Agony clashes with malice.“It seems we are at a crossroads. I wonder who will win.” Dash’s smirk slices my hope in half.

“Stop trying to fix me.” He mutters as he drops his hand and pushes me off of him.“I’m tired.” He lays back and rolls over.

Hurt and embarrassment flash through me.“I shouldn’t have to beg you to sleep with me. Any other man would give into me.”

Muscles twitch.“But you don’t want any other man, do you, Mila? You want me. Take what I give and stop expecting more.”

“You’re scared. I can help you.”

He jackknifes up, rage boiling over his skin.“How would you do that? Can you fight, Mila? Can you take a life? No,” he viciously laughs,“You’re useless.”

Ignore him.

He’s scared because he senses the end. He doesn’t mean it.

“Stop,” he leans closer,“trying to fix me.” Our breaths mingle freely in a silent taunt to my lust.

“No.” I swallow.

His eyes lock onto mine in a chilling challenge.

“You started it. You were the one who pulled me into your web. You needed me. You’re stuck with me, Dash. I know you want me, and you’re too scared to admit it.” I roll off his bed and grab my bag. The sound of the zipper fills the silence.“One day, you’re going to regret this night. When your life flashes in your cold blue eyes, you’re going to wish you slept with me. It’s going to haunt you.” I toss the note onto his sheets. It feels like I casually pulled the trigger of a gun. His eyes follow it as his face turns a faint shade of pale.

I hug my bag to my chest.“Whether you live or lose, remember this, Dash. You owe me a favor, and I intend to collect.”

It takes all my newly found strength to turn and walk out that door. I’ve been playing the game all wrong. I’ve been begging.

Kings are used to beggars.

I need to be something different, something Dash can’t ignore.

I need to be his equal.

Chapter 35

Dash

“When did she receive it?” Dante asks with a hint of worry.

“I don’t know.”

“What do you mean?” Cillian shouts over the incessant gossip of the cafeteria.

“Exactly what I said.” I retort as I glance away looking at the small table where Mila is sitting with her fellow dancers. Directly next to Jared.

Rumor has it that Mila and I broke up. That’s what is being whispered all over the school this morning.

It’s funny that Mila thinks she can start a wildfire and not get burned.

She thinks she can ignore me.

Try again, little fox.

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