Page 14 of Forbidden Bond

“I understand complicated family relationships. I love my dad to bits, but on some days, I find myself wishing he didn’t exist.”

Topher’s brown eyes roam my face. “Woah, princess. That’s dark.”

And it’s something I’ve never admitted out loud to anyone before. I haven’t had anything to drink tonight, so I know it’s not alcohol making me loose-lipped. It’s just Topher and his presence.

“All I’m trying to say is that I get it. Whatever feelings you have about your father and his death are justified.”

Topher smiles. “You don’t know everything, Katherine. I get the feeling you think you do, but you don’t.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask, frowning.

“I’ll explain better if you get out of here with me,” he suggests. “I’m not really feeling the party.”

“What about your threesome? If you ask nicely, I’m sure they’d take you back.” I grin.

“I’m sure Darla and Dana will find someone else to keep them occupied.”

I hesitate. “But—”

“Come on, princess. Leap first, look later,” he says. “We both want to get to know each other better. This is our chance. I know a nice restaurant not too far from here we can go to.”

Either I’m delusional or he’s asking me out on a date.

“You can’t drive, you’ve been drinking.”

“You’re going to think up every excuse not to go out with me, aren’t you?” he questions.

“Maybe,” I mutter.

“The beer I chugged was heavily diluted with water, princess. Plus, I have an incredibly high tolerance. Trust me, I’m sober as a judge.”

“Sober enough to pass a breathalyzer test?” I argue.

He’s amused. “Somebody’s a stickler for the rules.”

“I’m just worried about us getting pulled over by the cops.”

“Okay, fine. I should be able to pass the test if—and that’s a pretty big if—we get pulled over. But on the off chance that I don’t pass the test, I promise I won’t go to jail.”

He sounds pretty confident about that, which makes me wonder who he really is. I’ve been trying to ignore the stares people have been giving him since we walked out of the kitchen. There’s more to him than meets the eye.

But he’s right. I do want to get to know him.

“Fine, I’ll go out with you but I will drive,” I say.

“Ok. You have a deal. Your enthusiasm is much appreciated,” he says dryly.

I smile. “I just have to find my friend and tell him I’m leaving.”

“The same friend who was supposed to come pick you up last week?”

“Good guess,” I say under my breath. “I’ll meet you outside.”

He nods and the crowd of people practically parts for him as he walks out of the room. I search for Jameson, but he finds me first.

“Katie, do my eyes deceive me or did I just see you talking to Christopher D’Angelo?”

And just like that, my blood runs cold.

---