Page 21 of Cold and Broken (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 1)

“Maybe,” he reaches up to cup my face and runs his thumb over my lips, “I just like playing with my food.” Then he brushes a soft kiss across my lips. “Dinner is at six.” Then he is stalking down his wing of the house, out of sight.

For the second day in a row I find myself watching him walk away after flipping the script on me. Hell, we aren’t even reading from the same script. He is right, I don’t have much experience with guys. I’ve kissed a few guys but not much more than that. I feel out of my depth with Connor.

I check the time on my phone, I have about two hours until Z can talk so I can go for a run. Victor said there were trails on the property so I’ll check those out. I throw on some leggings, a sports bra, and my favorite running tank that says “Does Running Out of Fucks Count as Cardio?” I have a love hate relationship with running. I hate the actual act but I feel so good at the end.

I get outside and stretch my legs out for a minute. I flip to my running playlist and MEGATRON by Nicki Minaj starts blasting. It’s early September so the days are still warm, a light sweat breaks out over my skin. Following the trail into the woods I occasionally spot cameras situated high in the trees. Some of the trees are starting to dull from the verdant green of summer to muted green of early fall, with edges of leaves beginning their transition into death.

Thirty seven minutes later I’m back near the pool after running the length of one trail. Lizzo is rocking through my ear buds as I do post run stretches when I feel a hand on my back. I turn around and see Mateo.

“Hi,” I say still a little a breathless from the run.

“Hey,” he smiles, “how are you?”

“Sweaty and tired,” I answer honestly.

“I see that.” His eyes roam my body appreciatively. “I was wondering if you had plans Friday.”

“No, I don’t think so.” I frown, trying to figure out if I should stay home to spend time with dad. “Why?”

“Do you want to hang out?”

“Sure.” I can always cut the night early if Dad wants to do something.

“Great.” He flashes a smile. “I’m off at 5:30 on Friday so I can make it back to pick you up around 7?”

“Yeah or I can meet you wherever. Whatever works.” I don’t know if I want him to pick me up and risk Connor seeing. I tell myself it’s because I don’t want Mateo going out his way but that’s a lie. I just don’t want Connor making a scene. “I have some school work to do so I better get inside.”

“Right, and I need to get back to work.” He wraps the end of my ponytail around his finger. “I’ll call you later and let you know the plan.”

“Sounds good. Have a good night.”

“You too,” he says walking backward then he waves and walks off around the side of the house.

8

Connor

Peasant comes bounding into the kitchen like a graceful gazelle. Her blonde hair is still damp from a shower, she smells delicious, and she looks effortlessly beautiful. She isn’t wearing a drop of makeup and is clad in yoga pants and an oversize sweatshirt that exposes one sexy shoulder. I have never looked at a shoulder and thought that but here I am, imagining pressing teasing kisses and tasting hers.

Fuck, I hate her.

Hate how much I don’t hate her.

Hate how much I want her.

She steps in front of me with a furrowed brow and cocks her head to the side like some kind of adorable puppy. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” I snap at her, telling myself to take a step back but loving the way she smells way too much to step away. She smells like roses and strawberries, which should be a weird combination but on her it’s perfect.

“Are you sure?” Her smile is slow. “Because you were staring. At me.”

“Just trying to figure out where you found a hobo to steal clothes from.”

“Connor Volkov. Do not be rude.” Delores chastises from the pantry before coming out with a stand mixer in her arms. I rush over to take it from her before she throws her back out again.

“Delores, you shouldn’t be lifting this. We can’t live without you around here.” It’s the truth. A few years ago she had her hip replaced and we were lost and starving without her meals.

“Who’s this?” She looks at Peasant with a gleam in her brown eyes. Her silver hair is pulled back in it’s usual tight bun.

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