Page 12 of Come Here and Kiss Me

Christoff meets his neutral stare, retorting, “And he sent you to fetch me?”

“I wouldn’t keep him waiting, boy,” Professor Wolf emphasizes the last word, and I arch an eyebrow.

After Christoff leaves, Professor Wolf adds, “You should stay away from him. That kid is nothing but bad news.”

This is the first time Ronan has said anything to me, and I try to act as if it doesn’t faze me when it most definitely does. Luckily, I’ve been playing different roles my entire life, and this moment is no exception.

I shrug. “He’s one of my closest friends.”

“You know what they say. You are the company you keep.”

Unable to hold back, I curiously ask, “What’s it to you? You’re suddenly my keeper?”

“I suggest you find new friends, Brooklyn.”

Surprised, I blurt, “You know my name?”

“Doesn’t everyone? You’re the dean’s little girl.”

Feeling brazen, I seductively lean against the railing. “Does it look like I’m a little girl?”

He eyes me up and down for a moment, and I swear my heart drums faster against my chest.

Ignoring my question, he backs away, coaxing, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

With that, he turns and leaves. I’m about to step off the balcony when I see my father glaring daggers at the new professor out of the corner of my eye. It’s only then I realize Daddy doesn’t like him, and I can’t help but love that.

CHAPTER5

Brooklyn

Atext from my father brings me back to the present, and I’m reminded that I’m supposed to leave soon to have lunch with him.Fucking hell.

Dad:You get to be what you always wanted—a trophy wife, just like your mother.

His text hurtsin the same way he knows it will. My father is never one to beat around the bush, especially regarding how he treats and speaks to me. I answer Aspen.

Brooklyn:I’ll call you later and fill you in.

Aspen: You promise?

Brooklyn: Cross my heart.

Almost immediately,I receive another text message from Ronan. I’ve been ignoring him too.

Ronan:Where are you?

His text pissesme off as much as my father’s. I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t make me want to call the whole thing off. A part of me wants to get back at him for making me attend his university. I know this is the best revenge, but another part of me doesn’t want to hurt him.

How fucked up is that?

If that doesn’t define our toxic relationship, I don’t know what does. People say I’m just a spoiled little rich girl, and it’s hard to defend when my dad still pulls the strings in my life. I’m dependent on him, and he never stops using it to his advantage.

In order to avoid my dad, I’m hiding out at a lavish hotel downtown. I use cash to pay for my suite so he can’t find me.

So nobody can find me.

Including Professor Wolf.

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