Page 421 of Hate Mates

I enjoy the battle just as much because I know the victory will be oh so sweet. “After we finish eating, you’ll come home with me. I’m sure there are some decorating choices you’d like to make before you move in.”

Chapter Two

COLBY

This smug bastard has no idea how dangerous it is to talk to me this way with the steak knife sitting inches from my hand. In a place like this, I’m sure the blade’s as dull as Lyle but that will make stabbing him hurt even worse.

My fingers involuntarily twitch with the idea. As soon as my hand starts to glide across the tablecloth, Lucian looks up from his fish and smirks.

“Don’t even think about it.”

How the hell does he do that? He always seems to be able to read my mind.

Maybe because all my emotions play out on my face. I’ve never been able to school my expression regardless of how much my mother tried to teach me that showing disappointment, or in this case, disgust, never serves you well. You always pay the price for being honest.

Fuck that. I’m not some meek woman who wants to be a dutiful wife. I have my own goals I plan to achieve. “I’m not at all concerned with what your house looks like.”

He swallows down his bite and nods at me. “Ourhouse, doll baby.”

That’s the worst pet name yet. I open my mouth to remind him that I’m not his to label when he scoffs at the wadded-up napkin Lyle left behind.

“What did you see in that guy anyway?”

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

Except that he was the only man to ask me out who actually followed through. For the past six years, since I was sixteen, any guy who showed interest in me seemed to disappear. They’d quit school or drop the class or get an urgent message on their phone and never return despite saying they would be right back.

Lyle is the only one who came to my apartment when he said he would and brought me here. I kept waiting for him to go to the men’s room and vanish.

The conversation on the ride to the restaurant was awkward and stilted.

But at least I was finally on a real date.

Until Lucian ruined it.

Like he always does.

Jerk.

“He’s a nice guy.”

Lucian quirks an eyebrow. “That’s all you’ve got. He’s nice?” The mobster shakes his head, frowning at me. “He can’t handle an incredible woman like you.”

The compliment shocks me to the core, and I can’t formulate a response. Lucian rarely flatters me. He’s too narcissistic for that. He just wants to control me because that’s what assholes do.

Finally, anger helps me find my voice. “And you think you can?”

He nods. “I’ve already established that I can, haven’t I Hurricane?”

My body automatically lights just like always when he calls me that.

I hate him for it.

I hate myself for it even more.

He leans closer, his eyes dark with desire as his tongue barely licks his bottom lip in a devilishly sensual move. “If I remember right, you were begging me to handle you any way I wanted.”

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