Page 15 of College-Virgin & Dark Bully Next-Door

She looks up at me, no starry-eyed gaze, no swooning. But her eyes dilate, and her lips part for a moment. She blinks, looks around and shakes her head. “I … it’s happened a couple times.”

“Who.” It comes out as a half word since I try to bite it.

“It doesn’t matter. You’re not my older brother,” she says sharply.

“No. I’m not.”Thank God. But I continue watching her, holding her dilated gaze while trying not to lose myself in those bluer-than-the-ocean eyes. God, they’re so beautiful. How are they this bright, even in the dark?

Why can’t she just thank me so we can move on? Why does she have to turn every simple thing into something I don’t fucking understand? She doesn’t cave like she used to, she just keeps that defiant gaze on me.

“What?” She shoves me. “What do you want me to say?”

“I’d like an answer or at least a fucking thank you.”

“Guys slap my ass on dares. Okay? I’ve heard the bets. I know I’m just ‘a bug-obsessed creep’ to quote someone.”

I close my eyes, hating that those words ever slid from my mouth. “I was a dick. I’m sorry.”

Sky releases a long, deep sigh that I feel right down to my toes.

I lower my head, trying anything for control. It backfires immediately. Because I can smell whatever perfume she’s wearing, and it makes me dizzy. My stomach tightens as I brush my nose across her throat. Her breath catches, and I feel her hand soften against my chest.

It would be so easy to lick her, from her shoulder up to her ear. Does her skin taste the same way she smells? Like melons and … flowers? Electricity dances on my nerves, and I think I groan, but I’m not sure if it’s me. It can’t be me, can it?

I draw back just enough to see her face and god, that look, all flushed, eyes wide and wild, the way her head is tipped back. Is that how she looks when she comes? No! I don’t want to know. I don’tneedto know. I can’t do this.

But I bury my face in her hair and clutch her dress on her hip.

Chapter 4

Sky

What the fuck is he doing? Ashton Warrencan’tactually be touching me. He can’t want me. Which means this is a game. Just another bet. Or he senses an easy lay where he can leave right after without remorse. And I know it, so why am I just letting him hold me like this?

“I’m … I’m used to it.” I say, not sure why.

“Used to what?”

“Being the butt of a joke,” I admit. “It’s fine, but … you need to let me go.”

He nods but still doesn’t move. His breath rushes across my skin, fast and intense. The warmth blooms on my skin, spreading and rippling out until I have to close my eyes. Because this is wrong. He’s a good pretender. He’s good at acting and lying and everything in between.

I take a deep breath, then push his hand from my dress. “Nothing has changed from two years ago. You’re still an ass, and I’m still me. Now let go.”

Ashton backs away from me, folding his thick arms on his chest. “Are you still upset that I left without saying goodbye? Sky, I thought we put that behind us the other night.”

“Not enough forthisto be okay,” I insist, moving my finger between us. “And only a cocky asshole would think I’m upset because we haven’t spoken in years. Get over yourself.”

“Enlighten me. What did I do?” he asks.

“That must be a trick question,” I scoff, remembering the text message he sent me that night. “I’m not going to play mind games with you. Just… stop touching me like we’re lovers. We’re not even friends.”

He watches me with those damn dark eyes, and I just … Fuck, how is he more attractive than he was when I last saw him? Like every day just makes him more impossible to resist. But he’s not himself. Maybe it’s the wine he’s had. Maybe it’s because I spoiled his date the other night. He’d never do this or be gentle with me unless he wanted something. And I won’t give him a damn thing.

“You’re right,” he says, taking a step back.

“Stop cornering me. Don’t play with me like I’m a toy.” My voice shakes, though.

He nods, and before he can say anything else, I hear Chase and Peter coming. They’re bickering. Whatever temporary insanity took Ash over, it’s gone now. He goes to break up the fight, which is apparently about Peter teasing me. I already told Chase not to worry about it, but I guess he’s trying to make up for not being around these last three months. Chase is wasting his time. I’m already immune to Peter’s childish jabs. He’d already done his worst two years ago.

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