“And I’ll finish it,” I say matter-of-factly. “You aren’t going to jail.”
She flings her hands down. “If you’re worried that I’m going to take you down with me—”
“You couldn’t take me down if you wanted to.”
“Thenwhy? Why are you here?” Her voice cracks as she frees herself from me and spins around. “Why are you giving me rides home and holding my hair back? Why did you—” she shoves at my chest, “why did youkissme?!”
“Why did I kiss you?” I tower over her, gripping the sink on either side of her waist.
Because I’m a fool. Because I can’t stay away. Because the way she looks at me—like I’m both her worst mistake and the only safe place left—is addictive.
“Why didyoukiss me back?” I lean down and cock my head.
“I—” She tries to rear away, but there’s nowhere to go.
I’ve got her cornered, and she knows it. Not just physically, but emotionally. She can lie to herself all she wants, but I saw the way she melted into me. I felt it.
“I—I didn’t.”
“You didn’t stop me, Kira.” I raise a knowing brow.
Her mouth opens and closes as she blinks rapidly.
“Maybe,” I say, not giving her time to formulate another lie, “I’m here for that,” I brush a strand of hair from her face, “same,” I tuck it behind her ear, “reason.” I let my knuckles run down her cheek.
She jerks away and gives a dry huff. “No, you aren’t.”
My lip twitches in amusement. “You sure?”
“Positive.” She sears me with a derisive look—one that I’m going to relish watching vanish when she realizes the trap she’s walked herself into.
“So, just to be clear…” I lean in closer. “There’s no way that I’m here for the same reason you kissed me back?”
“None.” She raises her chin.
“Hm.” I nod. “But um, what exactly is that reason?”
Her bottom lip falls, and I smirk as the silence stretches between us.
“I’m waiting, Kira.” My voice is quiet now. “You said you’re positive, so go ahead, enlighten me. What was the reason you kissed me back?”
Her jaw twitches, eyes flaring with that stubborn pride she hides behind. But it’s slipping.
“I didn’t—”
“Don’t,” I cut in, pressing against her, forcing her back another inch until she’s flush against the counter. “Don’t bullshit me. You kissed me back because you wanted to. Because for one second, you forgot to pretend you hate me.”
“I do hate you,” she snaps, but her voice betrays her, too soft and uncertain.
I tilt my head. “Yeah?” My hands slide up the edge of the counter to lock onto her waist. “Then why haven’t you moved?”
She stiffens.
“You’ve got two good legs, Kira. One loud mouth. And absolutely nothing stopping you from walking away.” I lower my head until our lips nearly touch. “Except maybe the part of you that’s still thinking about that kiss.”
“I’m not—”
“Thinking about it?” I whisper into her mouth. “Liar.”
