“I need to use your car.”
“Where’s your truck?” I ask.
“Don’t you ever listen to anything I say? I had to drop it off to get the lift kit put on today. Jason brought me all the way over here so I could get your keys.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Right. The lift kit.”
I’m trying to save every penny I can, while he’s blowing his on unnecessary car parts.
“I bought something for you, too,” he says, leaning into me, his breath hot on my neck.
“Derek, I don’t wantthings,” I say, knowing he means he bought some new sex toy he wants to use on me. I push on his chest to prevent him from getting any closer.I want love, affection, respect, and freedom, I admit to myself.
“Fine, you ungrateful fucking?—”
“There’s really no need to finish that sentence,” a deep voice says, coming around the corner of the building.
Talon.
Could this day get any worse?
Derek leans into me, sliding his arm around my waist, clearly staking his claim, a snake-like grin spreading across his face as he turns his charm on full-blast.
“My apologies, I wasn’t aware anyone was paying attention to my boyfriend and me. I’d hate to make you uncomfortable.”
I wish Talon would just let it go, but for all his easy smiles and his giving heart, Talon doesn’t back down.
“The only thing that makes me uncomfortable is when wolves hide in sheep’s clothing,” Talon says calmly. “And Zeke is needed at the host stand.” He never breaks eye contact, and all traces of his earlier smile are gone.
Derek’s unsure how to respond. People don’t usually call him out like that. I know he’s pissed, which means I’m going to pay for this later.
“Keys,” he finally says, with an open palm stretched toward me, his gaze never leaving Talon.
“How am I supposed to get home?” I ask quietly.
“I bet he’d love to give you a ride,” Derek says, dipping his chin at Talon.
“Don’t be a fucking asshole, Derek.”Eh, what the hell, if I’m going to get smacked around for this, I might as well do something to deserve it.
“Watch it,” he growls menacingly, already making my ribs ache.
Wanting to get rid of him as quickly as possible, I fish my keys out of my coat pocket and shove them against Derek’s chest.
“Just go. I’ll see you at home tonight.”
With a laugh, he whispers, “Speaking of fucking an asshole…”
I close my eyes as Derek walks away. I’m far too ashamed to make eye contact with Talon right now.
“I’d be happy to—” Talon starts quietly.
“Don’t.” I can’t handle him being nice to me anymore. He makes me wish for things I can’t have.
“Zeke,” he starts again.
“Please,Talon. Just drop it.”
Let me lick my wounds in peace,I silently plead.
