Page 72 of Hate Game

“When was the last time you ate?”

“You bake?”

I smile. He scowls. We spoke at the same time.

“I had a bagel and cream cheese on the way to school.” From Leigh when she and Seven picked me up. I sat closest to the window so they could sit side by side in his pickup truck and hold hands. They are so cute.

“Let’s get you something to eat.”

“The cookies?—”

“Are cooling off. Dessert.” He rubs his palms together with a cheesy grin.

I smile. “Can we have food delivered?”

“Dine-in. Pho. Town center. I’m bored out of my mind, Rue.” He grabs his hair and crosses his eyes.

I see him in a new light.

Malice is funny.

But he’ll revert to being a grumpy puss once I give him the bad news. My bad rep continues to wreak havoc in my life and will affect his too. It’s why we’re not good together and why a relationship won’t work. What he touches turns to gold. What I hang on to for dear life dies and turns to ash. There’s a better girl out there for him.

I’ll win over his heart but won’t give him mine. I repeat it two more times in my head before I tell him I’m banned from stepping into the town center.

“Is it because that little lap shit was almost killed in the roundabout?”

“Something like that.” I kick at the area rug. “The dog’s owner and her family own the buildings that the businesses pay rent for. The businesses banded together to stay in her good graces and submitted something to the court saying I must stay ten feet away from them.”

“They put a restraining order on you?”

“I prefer no contact. Restrain is so negative, don’t you think?”

“Rue.” He puffs out a frustrated breath.

I sit on the couch and hold my head in my hands. “I’m sorry for being a burden. I’ll make ramen. If you want to get out of the house, why don’t you take Cassie out? I won’t put it in my report. Just stay out of trouble. If you do get caught, I’ll get fired and be out of your hair and your place. A win-win for you.”

“Regret.”

“Go.” I give him a dismissive wave.

Malice gets on his haunches in front of me and, with his finger under my chin, he tips up my head until we’re looking at one another.

“One, to be clear, I am not interested in Cassie. Two, you are not a burden, and if someone made you think that, then they’re a worthless P.O.S. And if I ever made you feel that way, I’m sorry a thousand times over, Rue. Third, I want to spend time with you. How about we order in and eat on the rooftop? It’s magical up there.”

How can I refuse when he uses the word magical? I throw my arms around him. “Thank you, Malice.”

I see him for who he is under his moodiness and couldn’t-care-less attitude.

Malice is thoughtful and kind, and he can compromise. If I’m not careful, I’ll go against my promise to myself and give Malice all my heart.

29

MALICE

While we wait for our food to be delivered, Rue hangs out in the living room, and I prep the rooftop for a night out. She insisted on helping, but making this moment special for her is for me to do.

I knew I would eventually bring Rue up there. I just didn’t know when that time would be. We have catching up to do, and what better way to get to know one another again than while staring up at the stars?

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