Page 71 of Mariposa
“Nope, no one. Karen and I were never a thing. She deserves someone who’s more available.” I look out my window, and the sight before me has my jaw tensing and my muscles pulling in my uniform.
Turn around, Kade.
Tempted to pull out my knife, I turn around and watch my best friend finish his lunch. I need to distract myself before I leave the building and do something I regret.
“No one, huh?” He claps his hands before he grabs a tissue from the box I threw at him. He pats his lips and throws everything in his lunchbox. Standing up from the chair at my desk, he grins with hazel eyes, seeing through me.
“No one,” I repeat.
“Then why did it feel like you were going to snap my neck and beat me to a pulp for saying her name?”
“Whose name?” I shoot back. The question sharpened to a pointed edge.
“You know exactly who I’m talking about. You can fool everyone here, Kade, but not me.”
His once playful expression shifts into a serious one.
Grabbing a stack of papers, I flip through the paperwork, doing anything to distract myself from talking about my personal life.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Kade, you’re my brother. I’ve seen you through a lot of shit, and you deserve to be happy. Remember that. Even if it’s Violet.”
Before I can get a word out to deny and spew some bullshit, he closes the door.
27
VIOLET
Love Me Harder by Ariana Grande
My first mission could be any day, and it’s pure agonizing silence. It’s been over a week since Kade walked into that room, and he’s been overly distant. It’s like he can’t stand the sight of me. Even though months have passed, he’s still in me, gripping my ability to breathe because his memory floods my veins and blood, but then my heart aches because our situation is cruel.
I’m not sure why Booker had me refuel the Humvee, but Kade wanted to ensure I did it right, so he tagged along.
The way he called me a regret on my birthday fuels my anger towards him. Why did he break for me? Why did he kiss me and make me feel like the only woman in his world? Why did we play pretend on the beach if he was just going to treat me like trash when he’s around me?
But most importantly, why do I have any expectations? Why do I crave his attention like a moth to a flame?
I hate being beside him, and he won’t talk to me. I want to get under his skin, how he’s burrowed in mine, and frustrate him.
“The weather is great today. Not too cold, not too hot. Perfect day to run, go to the range, or I don’t know, talk to the person you’re going to be on a mission with soon,” I mutter sarcastically.
Silence.
Asshole. Still a jerk. Why would I think he changed?
“When we stopped in Germany, I decided to travel a bit. It brings me joy to experience the culture, try new foods, and see what life is like in other places. The views you get from different oceans and mountains. The history and art leave me breathless. Traveling can turn you into a storyteller, you know? That’s part of the reason I joined. I’ve gone out a few times with Castle. We’ve gone to the local markets, and she tries to flirt with the locals.”
Silence. He keeps looking out at the window as we near the barracks.
I’m trying to get under his reptilian facade, but it’s not working. I have to hit harder.
“Why did you assign me to North Carolina if you’re going to treat me like shit? Why?”
“I can assure you, I’m treating you just like every soldier here that I’m in charge of,” he murmurs, not making eye contact.
I scoff, fixing the sunglasses on the bridge of my nose.
