Page 9 of The Love You Hate
Another scowl, but she keeps her eyes on the dirt road. “Remember I’m doing you a favor, too.” She glances at me briefly. “Does it hurt?”
“It’s a scratch. I’m fine.”
“Sullivan, huh? Nate Sullivan.” She tastes my name, trying to judge me by a name. I know her kind. Names mean everything to them. It’s an unfortunate thing, because her name is the reason why her life is over and she’s here.
“Are you trying to determine the kind of man I am by my name?”
Presley presses her lips together. “No, I guess it doesn’t strike me as your real name.” She eyes me again. Longer this time.
“Hmm. You should take it up with my parents.”
She rubs the back of her neck, pinching it between her fingers. “You never finished. Tell me what kind of woman you think I am based on today’s events.” That’s actually easier when she says it that way. Today. I can base her off today.
“I think your jokes are bad, and you know they’re bad. I think you like Junkyard Jake. More than just enough to get a good deal on a car. I think you hate Gold Hawke. I don’t think that will ever change.” I sigh. “I also think you’re going to miss the turn onto my road.”
She skids on the dusty gravel and makes the turn at the last second. Presley eyes me, shaking her head after she barely makes it. “You thought wrong.”
“You have better reflexes than I gave you credit for. I didn’t think anything wrong. In fact, I’m one-hundred-percent sure I’m right.”
“You didn’t say anything profound. Everyone hates Gold Hawke. Look around, these people are barely alive. And maybe my bad jokes are how I’m dealing with how dead this place makes me feel. Also, Junkyard Jake is my best shot, again, have you looked around?”
I focus on the one statement she speaks about her life. The only thing I care about.How dead this place makes me feel.Her words cut to my core. I cannot make the same mistake twice. I vow it. No matter the cost. It is my duty. Presley tugs on the wheel when my house, the only residence on this road comes into view. There’s more gravel in the drive up to the side of the cabin where she parks.
“Well, you could come in and watch the sunset out back or we could go drink watered-down vodka sodas at the casino. If you want. Since we are friends now, gotta keep up appearances.” What I want is to fuck off and relax while I halfheartedly listen to her watch shit television, but God knows I never, not even once, get what I want. The bite wounds sting, and I wince, then meet her gaze. After everything that has happened today, I need to know she is safe right now. The pain in my arm be damned, I love this job and I want to keep it.
