Page 249 of Filthy Elites

I breathe a sigh of relief. I didn’t want to believe he would lie about something like that. It would’ve undercut all the nice feelings I’ve been having toward him. Anyone who lied to someone in my position about something like that would have to be too malicious to even try to understand.

A little voice whispers at the back of my mind that he could still be lying. Giving me truths he’s comfortable parting with to support his claim and effectively lower my guard. Just because he said it doesn’t mean that he means it.

I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, though.

I have heard a lot bad about him, but I can see something good in him, too.

It’s the good I like most, but if I’m being honest with myself, there are aspects of the badness I don’t hate. It’s infuriating and somehow amusing at the same time how he manipulates the world around him. I haven’t seen him be actually malicious; he’s just a spoiled ass who likes getting his way. Who doesn’t like getting their way? Most people just don’t do the shit he does to get it.

“Can I ask one more?”

He nods.

“It’s personal.”

His expression doesn’t change.

“It’s about Anae.”

He cracks a smile. “Just ask.”

“Do you—?” I hesitate. It’s too personal, too invasive. I don’t even know why it really matters, but I can’t stop myself from asking, even if I might not like the answer. “Do you love her?”

“No.”

His answer comes easy. That feels like a relief until I remember how easily he lies, but I have a strong sense that he’s not lying about this.

“Does she know that?” I ask.

He lifts his broad shoulder and shrugs. “How should I know what Anae knows?”

“Have you ever told her you did?”

“No.”

My eyebrows rise in surprise. “Never?”

He shakes his head. “Why should I lie about that?”

“I don’t know. Guys do.”

He rolls his eyes. “Some guys, maybe. Personally, I don’t need to tell a girl I love her to get what I want from her.”

“Because you’re just so irresistible?” I tease, grabbing my drink and taking a sip.

Dare’s gaze lingers on my lips as I lick them. I put the glass down softly. His gaze darkens, then shoots purposefully to meet mine.

Thankfully, before either of us has to say anything, the waitress interrupts the moment to drop our spinach and artichoke dip off at the table.

“Thank you,” I say a little more vehemently than is reasonable for just serving an appetizer.

“Of course,” she says brightly. “Can I get you anything else?”

“Nope. We’re good,” Dare says, his tone wryly amused.

ELEVEN

Aubrey

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