Page 40 of Heart Sick Hate

“Wyatt.” Brian reaches across the bar and slaps his hand down. “Shut up. She doesn’t give a fuck.”

At least someone notices. But Wyatt shakes his head and rolls his eyes, looking at me like his friend’s suggestion is ridiculous.

“What about you, what are you into?” Wyatt lays an arm across the back of my chair, caging me in. And I can’t help but squirm.

There are very few people I trust, and I don’t like being cornered, even if he probably thinks nothing of it.

“You like ink?” He traces his free hand over the star peeking out of the wide neck of my T-shirt.

I shake him off and force a smile. “I’m a tattoo artist.”

“Badass.” Wyatt smiles. “I’ve got this piece I’ve been thinking about.”

Finally, something I don’t mind discussing.

“It’s a lion, with a half-demon face.” He holds his hand over his shoulder where I’m guessing he wants it. “I’d like it black and gray with some splashes of blood.”

“I could recommend someone for you.”

It sounds right up Crew’s alley.

“Or you could do it?”

“I tend to tat a bit more colorful.”

“Cool.” Wyatt leans in, brushing my hair off my shoulder and making my skin prickle as he sets me more on edge when he grazes the star tattooed there again. “I like this one. You got any others you’d be willing to show me?”

“Good question.” Crew’s voice coming up from behind me hits my nerves at the same time as the scent of his woodsy cologne strikes my nose.

He’s so close I feel the vibrationof his tone.

My back stiffens, and Maren’s eyes widen at the sight of him.

“Can I help you?” Wyatt asks Crew, looking annoyed.

“Yeah, actually.” Crew leans in and brushes my hair back, revealing my neck as he presses in close. “You can take your fucking arm off her chair.”

Wyatt makes no move to back up, even if it puts the three of us really close, with me in the middle and the tension palpable.

“Who the fuck are you?” Wyatt asks.

I don’t have to look at Crew to feel him smirking. His energy can be felt in every pore. It’s seeping through my bones, and I’m soaking in his amusement.

“I’m the guy who is going to cave your fucking face in if you don’t do what I said.”

I’m not sure where this possessiveness is coming from, but it bleeds out into the room.

He’s seen guys hit on me before and hasn’t said anything. But right now, I believe his threat. If Wyatt doesn’t back up, Crew’s going to let loose his unhinged side, even if I don’t understand it.

“Crew, a moment?” I slide off my stool and glare at him before he gets into a fight for no reason. I turn to Maren as I step past. “I’ll be right back, you good?”

“Are you?” She’s holding in a laugh, and I have no doubt she’s seeing through this entire thing. But there’s nothing I can do about it.

“Perfect.” It comes out gritted as I brush past Crew.

He’s on my heels, but I don’t stop, leading us across the nearly empty dance floor and down the hall that leadsto the bathroom. Pushing into the women’s restroom, I know he’ll follow me, but I don’t care. That’s the point.

I’m not sure why he’s here or what he wants, but I’m going to find out.

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