He stares down at me, and I know—know—this is a trick question. Is he asking if I want to join whatever the hell Axel’s doing? If I want to get wrapped up in this?
“Whatever you’re into, I’m not,” I say, lifting my chin.
“And how do you know what I’m into?”
I open my mouth to answer, then stop. My brain catches up to what he’s implying.
His gaze drops to my lips. Just for a second. But it’s enough to make my throat go dry. I swallow hard. His gaze is freezing me, over and over, layer by layer.
“A girl like you could never—”
“What do I have to do?”
The words are out before I can think them through. Before I can stop myself.
He stares at me. Really stares. Like he’s cataloging every detail, every micro-expression, every tell.
When he speaks, his voice is gentle. Almost kind. Which somehow makes it worse.
“The question is, how far are you willing to go to save your brother?”
The world tilts.
I harden myself. Brace. “Seriously how deep is he?”
His expression doesn’t change. “Too deep for you to claw your way to him.” He takes a step back. “Now, you’re making me late. Are we done here?”
“No.” I shake my head, stepping in front of him. “We won’t be done until you stop including my brother in your business.”
He stops. Looks over my head. Sighs like I’m the most exhausting thing he’s encountered all day.
“You’re like a parasite.”
“I can be your worst nightmare actually.”
He leans down. Close. So close I can smell cigarette smoke and something sharp, like peppermint. His breath ghosts across my forehead.
“I’d like to see you try, Lexi.”
My name.
He knows my name.
A fire ignites in my chest, white-hot and furious. He’s an asshole who thinks he runs the world. Who thinks he can just say my name like that and make me feel small.
He straightens and walks away.
I think that’s the end of it. Think I’ve lost this round.
Then he stops. Turns around. Looks at me over his shoulder.
“Meet me behind the rink tonight.”
I stare at him. “I’m not meeting you there.”
“Then say bye to your brother.”
“Is that a threat?”
