Page 57 of Ever Dark

When we arrive at Harker Mansion, he hops out to open the newly fixed iron gates before driving me all the way up to the door. I don’t want to think this is a nice gesture. Maybe it’s good breeding. He can’t help himself from being a gentleman. Even with the woman he despises.

“So what now?” I bite on my lower lip. I had my legs spread wide open for him just twenty minutes ago, and now I’m shy? What the fuck?

He lights up a cigarette. “That’s up to you. This isn’t a game. I will keep making your life hell until you give me what I want.”

I snicker. “You’re an asshole.” Regardless of these stupid poison wars, we had something between us in the bathroom at Duff’s that night. Back before he knew who I was. And it’s still there. But he says nothing. He won’t even look at me.

I jerk the door open and scramble out. For a split second, I hope he comes after me. I fumble with my keys a little longer than I should. But as soon as I turn the lock, I hear the sound of tires on gravel.

I don’t know what’s worse, him leaving or me wanting him to stay…

Fuck.

I really should’ve left the bar with Lettie.

BONES

There’s a tiny shadow waiting for me in the dark back at the garage. “Very dramatic, Lettie. I saw your car out front.”

She huffs and turns on the light. “What the fuck, Bones?”

My head is pounding and my resolve is fading. “Be more specific.”

“Why are you covered in blood and dirt? Please, tell me you didn’t do something to Mia again.” She folds her arms over her chest, her lips pursed. The fury in her eyes is lethal.

I can’t exactly tell her that I fisted her friend after murdering the man who tried to drug her. “You worry too much, Lettie. I was just out doing what I always do.”

She crosses the room, rushing toward me with a fire I haven’t seen in a long time. “That’s the problem, brother. Doing what you always do is why you’re a hot fucking mess. Mia told me what you did to her truck. What is wrong with you? You’re acting like the fucking devils of Raven’s Gate.”

I grit my teeth. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t do shit to Mia or her truck.”

She grips my arm hard. “Liar. You can’t even look at me. Why can’t you leave that poor girl alone?”

I snicker at the thought. “All right, Lettie. You want to know what I did tonight? I had some fun with your innocent little friend in the graveyard. I bet she doesn’t tell you how hard I make her cum.”

Her mouth drops open.

“Yeah, that’s right,” I continue. “Mia Harker acts like she’s some helpless little virgin while really she’s a dirty little slut who can’t get enough of me, Aries, or Draven.”

I see the hit coming but I don’t dare duck.Slap.

“Mia might like it when you call her that but I will not stand here and listen to such fucking filth. And it’s no excuse for what the three of you have been doing. Why can’t you just take a girl out on a date like a normal person?”

Fuck. I crossed a line.

I sigh. “I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry. Fuck.”

Her cheeks are flushed. “At some point you’re gonna have to stop punishing yourself and everyone else for Sonny’s death. I’m scared for your soul, Bones.”

Her words are like a punch to the gut. “That’s not what this is. With Mia… it’s different. I can’t explain it.”

“Well, that girl has been through a lot. Maybe she likes you treating her like shit because it’s all she knows.” She rubs my cheek. “Sorry I slapped you.”

I chuckle. “I deserved it… I promise you, I’m not going to hurt her. It’s just the way we are with each other.”

“The women in Melancholia are something else,” she mutters.

I pull her in for a hug. “Maybe if you got yourself someoneto play with, you wouldn’t be so obsessed with my love life. Aren’t there any guys at school you’re interested in?”

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