Page 16 of Worth the Trouble

He hums and it draws my attention once more to the third eye tattooed on the center of his throat.

“You’re one ofthoseguys, aren’t you?”

“What guys?”

“Waiting around just so you can jump at the opportunity to save the damsel.”

“Not something I’ve ever been accused of.” His stare lands on me again, and I’m caught off guard by the gold shimmer in his eyes. “Would you like my help or not?”

I look over my shoulder at the empty road that disappears into to the deep forest. As much as I’d like to prove my independence, I’m out of options.

“Please.” I turn back to face him.

His eyes shine as his grin widens. “So polite. I like it.”

“I get the impression there isn’t much you don’t like.” I roll my eyes because Rome seems to have the uncanny ability to edge me to the limit of my irritation.

“Was that a joke? Cute.” He tilts his head to the side. “But you’re wrong, there’s plenty I don’t like.”

I’m tempted to ask him what, but I stop myself. The last thing I need is to show any interest in a guy like Rome Moreno. Knowing him, he’ll take it as an opening to get up my skirt.

He pulls out his phone and types something before tucking it back into his pocket.

“Leave the car. My guy will get it back to El’s house.” He walks up to me and plucks the keys from my hand, hitting the button to lock it and tucking them in his pocket.

“Your guy?”

Rome ignores my question and tips his chin at the road ahead. “Where were you headed?”

“The Rose Theater for a gala.”

“Fancy.” He shakes his head and chuckles.

My ribs constrict as I clench my fingers.

Everything about Rome is unpolished, so there’s no way he can understand the world I’m forced to live in to make my dreams a reality. But I don’t appreciate the fact that he seems intent on making fun of me about it.

“If it’s too much trouble—”

“It’s not.” He takes a step toward me, and I have to lift my chin to meet his gaze. “Hop on.”

He pushes something against my stomach, and I look down to see him handing me his motorcycle helmet.

“Wait, what? I’m not getting on that,” I point to his bike, “in this.”

I sweep my arms down, drawing his attention to my short black dress.

Of all the dresses Mom could have had delivered for tonight’s event, she had to pick this one. Something short and tight, no doubt an attempt for her to show off what good shape she keeps me in at all times. I’m uncomfortable enough standing here in it, but Rome’s eyes running the length of my body makes me shiver.

His stare pauses on the hem that hits me mid-thigh, and his head tilts as his stare darts back up to me.

“Why not? Skip the panties today, sweetheart?” Rome smirks. “Promise, I won’t mind.”

Did he really just say that?

I swear he finds amusement in drawing out a reaction. Or he just has absolutely no filter.

Probably both.

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