I rounded on him and jabbed my finger at his chest.‘What the hell was that?’
His eyes flared as he looked down to where I touched him, then back to me.
‘I know.He was a prick.’
‘No.You. What are you doing here?’
He folded his arms across his chest.‘You’ve been dodging my texts.And calls.’
My cheeks flushed with heat.He was right.I was avoiding him.After I saw the message from a LEXI MEXICO, it was like something cracked open.All these deep-seated insecurities I’d carefully packed away came tumbling out.Things I thought I’d buried.Things I didn’t want to admit.
I was jealous.
And I hated it.Hated the way it made me feel.I hated that my first instinct was to snap‘Who the fuck is Lexi?’at him.It was immature.Childish.And a sign that I wasn’t feeling secure.Not in this, us or even myself.
‘Can we talk?’ Ren said, his voice low, his hands reaching out to touch me, but I dodged him.I knew I would crack if I let his hands on me again.
‘This isn’t the time or place to have this discussion, Ren.’
‘Lydia.’ Ren’s voice was low, and strained.He took a step forward.I took a step back.I hit the cool wall behind me.Ren’s eyes tracked me, my eyes, my lips.The scent of him surrounded me.
‘I’m not leaving until you tell me what’s wrong.You won’t even look at me.And after everything that happened that night, in the tent—’
It was far too public to have this conversation.
I turned on my heel, heading for the exit, knowing that he was right behind me.Outside, the balmy air hit my face.The high street was quiet, the deli, butcher’s and hardware shop were all closed for the night.
‘There is nothing wrong,’ I lied.I crossed my arms, facing him, doing my best at looking defiant.
Ren’s eyes narrowed and he called my bluff.He stepped closer, chest brushing my shoulder.The heat of him sank into me and I flushed even at that tiny contact.
Ren’s voice was low, sultry.‘Fine.Then you won’t mind me talking about that night.When I made you come apart with my fingers and—’
My hand shot over his mouth, even as my body flared with heat.His chuckle rumbled against my skin.He caught my wrist, turned it, pressing a soft kiss to my pulse.
Jesus, he shouldn’t be allowed to be this lethal.
‘Talk to me, Lyd,’ Ren said softly.‘Did I hurt you?’
I pulled my hand back.‘No, of course not.’
‘Then what is it?’ He reached for me again, but I stepped away.
‘You don’t get to do this,’ I said, hands fisted at my side.‘You don’t get to come in here, all guns blazing.All jealous—’
‘Of course I’m jealous!’ His hands went to his hair.‘I’m jealous of anyone who gets to speak to you when you’re icing me out.I’m jealous of the way you laugh so freely with your friends, because I can see the way you hold back around me.I’m jealous of the fact that you are more than comfortable enough to come to a singles night, while I’m at home losing my mind wondering why you won’t answer my calls.’
Losing his mind?He’s losing his mind about the fact I won’t text him back, whenhehas some random woman trying to call him in the early hours of the morning.
I couldn’t keep a lid on my temper any more.
The words came out, harsh and forceful, like a full stop.
‘Who is Lexi?’
Ren’s eyebrows furrowed, his eyes shifted.
‘Lexi?Why—’
