Then I caught him in the ladies’ restroom, making out with Lisa. How original.
He just proved what they say: that all men are pigs. Not that I have much to compare to. The men around me are all assholes. Except for Colton.
“Hey, Arnold,” I greet quietly, forcing an awkward smile.
He pulls me in and plants a quick kiss on my cheek. Unwillingly, my gaze flicks toward Adam. His jaw clenches hard, the muscle ticking like he’s grinding his teeth.
“Enjoying yourself?” he asks, his tone light, but his eyes are intense and locked on me. “And you are?” Arnold asks Adam, crossing his arms. I hope he won’t provoke him, because it won’t end well for him.
“The question is, who are you, Golden Boy?” Adam asks back.
“Adam,” I whisper in an attempt to stop him from whatever he’s thinking of doing next.
“I asked you first,” Arnold quips. Gosh, such an idiot! He thinks this is a dog fight.
Adam clicks his tongue. “Didn’t it cross your mind that I ignored you on purpose?” He flashes a slow, crooked grin. The devil in him is pleased with his new toy.
“Bella, who the hell is he?”
“Still asking the wrong questions, sunshine,” Adam says, stepping closer, almost in front of me.
“My name is Arnold.”
“I’m sure it is.”
“Hey, you?—”
“It’s okay,” I interrupt them, stepping to the side. “Arnold is an old friend.”
“Old friend,” Adam repeats, rolling the phrase around his tongue. “Charming euphemism. You’re too kind with your words,” he says without looking at me. His gaze is fixed on Arnold.
“Though I imaginewaswould’ve been more accurate. Tenses matter, darling. Let’s not butcher grammar just to salvage his pride.” He looks at him and shrugs. “Whatever.”
Arnold’s eyes roll, and he snorts, trying to ignore Adam. “Bella, did you hear about that party next week?”
“What party?”
“The one Omega Theta’s throwing.”
Oh, how I wish I could go to a party like that and feel like a normal girl. Just once. But of course, Dad’s whole life mission is to make sure I never get to be one. Maybe now that Adam’s around, it’ll be different. Maybe if he’s with me, Dad will suddenly decide I’m safe from the dangers of fun and freedom.
I glance at Adam. He’s already staring at me, silent, but that silence is practically sizzling. I can feel the anger radiating off him. He takes his job way too seriously, guarding a slightly annoyed businessman’s precious girl who just wants to go to a damn party.
He shakes his head slowly in disapproval.
“Yes, I’ll go,” I chirp with excitement, just to oppose him.
“The hell you will,” Adam says quietly, flashing a wide and sarcastic smile.
“What are you?” Arnold barks. “Her dad?”
I take a deep breath, bracing myself for what I’m about to do.
“Adam, I am your boss,” I hiss through clenched teeth. “I decide where I go. You follow orders.”
His intense, commanding gaze lingers on mine for a few seconds before he raises his hands in mock surrender and takes two steps back. “Fine. Have it your way.”
“Good to see that the leash works,” Arnold snickers, crossing his arms.
