“For such a talkative guy, you’re awfully quiet,” I press. “If you don’t want to tell me, say so, but if it’s about me, or what I told you about my time at Anton’s, then talk to me. I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.”
I have a feeling I know what’s been eating at him, but if he expects me to open up, he should at least have the guts to ask.
The silence stretches between us, so loud it rings in my ears. Koby stares at me, or maybe looks right through me, the intensity of his gaze heating my cheeks.
“I don’t know how to ask without hurting you,” he finally says. “I don’t want to trigger bad memories.”
“You’re afraid I’ll hit you again?” I chuckle, trying to loosen him up.
It doesn’t work. His lips don’t even twitch.
“You know I don’t mind that part. It’s you I’m worried about. Your head.”
Straightening in my seat, I brush my hair back. “Fine. If you won’t ask, I’ll do it for you.”
“You don’t even know—”
“Leilani, did Octavius ever come back to rape you?” I deadpan, pitching my voice deeper to mimic his. I even snarlrapethrough my teeth for better effect, but instead of cracking a smile, Koby stops breathing.
“That’s what you’ve been wondering, right?”
His throat works, free hand tightening into a fist. “Yes.”
“The answer isno. He came back, but he never touched me. Not while I was with Anton, not when he moved me into his house, and not after he made me Blaze’s problem. No one haseverforced themselves on me.”
His tension fizzles out in a flash, shoulders visibly slumping, quickly followed by the back of his head hitting the armchair’s backrest. He stares at the ceiling, unblinking, air leaving him in a long gush.
And he chuckles... then all-out laughs. “Idon’tsound like that. Not at all.”
“Yeah, you do. Not always, but when you’re worked up—”
“No. Not when I’m worked up.” He lifts his head, meeting my gaze, the amusement gone from his features, replaced by something hotter, stickier. “Only when I’m fucking reeling because I think someone hurt you.”
“No one hurt me. Not like that. Not sexually. Every bruise I ever had was my own doing. Every orgasm too.” I swallow hard, watching closely for a reaction.
I didn’t have to add that last part, but I’m an addict chasing the smallest hit, testing how much I can get before he cuts meoff. He pushed me away once. It still stings like a fresh slap, but apparently, I haven’t learned.
As soon as the confession is out, I’m watching him, searching his face, waiting. His gaze doesn’t move at first. It holds mine, flipping my stomach inside out. Then it flicks to my lips, quick but unmistakable, and heat explodes under my ribs. Anticipation coils around my insides, winding tighter with every second.
I won’t make the first move again. One rejection is quite enough. This time, it’s on him. If he wants me, he’ll have to close the distance, andshowme.
So I wait.
I wait, I hope, and in my head, I fucking beg him to cross the room, pick me up, and kiss me. I want to know what he tastes like... and I want more. Much more than a kiss. Something real, raw, and messy. I want to be claimed in a way that makes me feel alive instead of a doll in a glass case.
His knuckles flex around his drink, jaw ticks, and eyes burn hungrier than I’ve ever seen them.
“Like last night?” he says, andwinks, shattering the moment with cruel ease. “You’re loud, hellcat.”
My face ignites with humiliation. “You... you heard me?” I slap both hands over my face. “Oh,God. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know the walls were that thin!”
“I don’t think it’s the walls.” He downs his drink, his next words steady, almost amused. “You don’t hear me, do you?”
“Stop.” I slash the air in front of my face with my hands. “This didn’t happen. You didn’t hear me.” I jump to my feet, taking the wine glass as I flee. My bedroom door closes behind me a few seconds later. Resting my back against the wood, I slide to the floor and bury my head in my knees, breathing deeply to ward off incoming tears.
It’s ridiculous that I feel so defeated, so fucking wrecked, but I can’t help it. Koby gave me the confirmation I never wanted.
He’s not interested.
