I touch his arm. “I’m glad to hear that, and I hope she does.”
He moves a little closer, staring at me, and we share a moment. “She’s the only reason I’m not making a move on you right now.” Apology shines in his eyes.
“You don’t need to explain or apologize. I’m glad you’re taking the threat seriously because those assholes don’t mess around. I’d hate anything to happen to you or your sister because of me.” I bring the bottle to my lips, taking a long swig. “Besides, I’m not in the market for a boyfriend, and I’m not planning on sticking around long after graduation. Your energy would be wasted on me.”
“I disagree, but I’m not one to dwell on something for long. I hate those bastards, but I refuse to spend any time thinking about them. And they never said we couldn’t be friends, right?”
I nudge his shoulder, smiling. “They didn’t. And I don’t have many friends. I’d be honored to call you that. You’re a good guy, Emmett, but I should probably elaborate on a few things before you make a friendship commitment. I need to speak to Sean and Sariah too, so let’s grab dinner at the diner next week, and I’ll fill you in.”
“It’s a date.”
I shoulder check him, rolling my eyes. “Between friends.”
“Aw, look at you,” a voice from my past says, dragging my gaze from Emmett’s. “Always scouting new fuck buddies.”
I fold my arms and level a dark glare at Darrow. “What do you want, Dar?”
“I heard your mom is engaged to that fucktard Lennox. That true?”
I’ve nothing to gain by denying something that will be common knowledge once the official engagement party takes place tomorrow night. “Unfortunately, yes,” I admit, sipping my beer as I eye my ex, wondering where he’s going with this.
“And those assholes are living with you now?” His eyes burn with naked hatred, but I can’t tell if it’s directed at me or the Saints.
“Same response,” I drawl, eyeballing him.
“You still fucking them?”
I snort. “You seriously have to ask that after what they did to me? Whatyoudid to me?”
“You disrespected me, Lo. What else did you expect me to do?”
I point my beer bottle at him. “You disrespected me first.”
“Tempest’s a slut. A nothing.” He shrugs. “It doesn’t even compare.”
I shake my head. Man, he’s a piece of work. “Wow. So, she’s not your current girlfriend?”
“That doesn’t change facts.” He reaches out, toying with the ends of my hair. “You know I’d dump her for you in a heartbeat.” His features soften, and it’s the closest Darrow’s ever come to showing me true emotion. “I was an idiot, Lo. I wasn’t thinking straight, because I wouldn’t have cheated on you with that slut if I had been. Don’t confuse my mistake. I still love you.”
Darrow doesn’t know the fucking meaning of that word, and what we had most definitely wasn’t love, but I’m not about to split hairs. He’s approached me for a reason, and I’d like to know why.
Emmett is listening intently to our conversation, studying my face, and I can tell by the way he’s holding himself rigidly still that he’s waiting for my cue to lay one on him. He obviously doesn’t know who Darrow is. Dar may not be in The Sainthood’s league, but you still don’t want to mess with him.
I’ve watched him gut guys for less.
“Is there a point to this nostalgia, or you’re just hoping for a sly fuck? Because that’s never happening.”
He sighs, letting go of my hair. “I know. You’ve got more class than that.” He scrubs a hand over his prickly jawline, and I spot Bryant staring at me from the corner of the room. Tempest is there with a face red enough to match her hair. “I have a proposition for you,” he says, holding up a hand when I level him with another dark look. “Not a sexual one. I think you and I could help one another.”
I jump down off the dresser, cautioning Emmett to stay put with my eyes. “I think I know where you’re going with this,” I say, looping my arm through Dar’s and peering up at him with a dreamy look on my face.
He chuckles. “You still can’t resist pushing buttons, huh, Lo?”
I beam up at him. “She fucking deserves a little payback.” My gaze flits to where Bryant is now physically restraining Tempest from coming at me. I smirk before turning my back on her. I straighten up, all hint of playfulness gone from my tone and my expression. “Let’s talk outside. See if we can’t serve our mutual interests.”
CHAPTER 8
ISCOWL ATthe ceiling as the hot water beats down on my bare flesh, bracing myself for this nightmare of a party. Mom and Neo seem hellbent on a short engagement and a quick wedding, and I’m so torn over what to do.
