I bristle. “Acting up?”
Unbelievable.
I want to stamp on his foot with my heels.
“I’m not a child. I’m angry because you think you get to tell me what to do. Newsflash, you don't.”
I take a breath, feeling sick. “You can sit here and wait for your precious family to get home,” I add coldly. “But I’m going out with Quinn.”
I turn away before he can respond, snatching my phone and purse from the side table. He calls my name, but I block it out, my pulse roaring in my ears.
I don't look back.
I’m too hurt.
Too angry.
And far too determined not to let him see just how much this has killed me.
Chapter 16
Elijah
That was not how I thought my night was going to go.
With the house quiet, I'd been hoping for time alone with Willow—a chance to talk. To clarify what happened last night, before it became awkward between us, she walked in wearing that dress. It was red, lethal, clinging to her every curve and showcasing her perfect tits. Those heels… Jesus. They made her legs look impossibly long, a painful assault on my restraint.
I can just imagine them wrapped around my head.
My body reacted before my brain could catch up—the low, aching pull in my gut that made me want to step closer, to grab her, to have her here, now.
I should have turned away. I should have said nothing. But the thought of her out there—other men looking, touching what I want made me possessive and a complete dick.
I’m not controlling. That's not me. But this… this is different. She isn't mine. And that fact alone is enough to make me insanely jealous.
I want her badly. More than I've wanted anything in a long time. I wanted to pull her into my arms and never let go. To feel the heat of her skin against mine as I claim her, the soft brush of her hair against me as she rides me into oblivion.
“Shit.” I scrub my hands over my face, rubbing at my temples. I’m so wound up, I don't even finish my drink. It's been over an hour, and she could be anywhere.
I’m such an idiot.
I should've gone after her straight away, swallowing my pride and dragging her back here to tell her the truth: that I've wanted her all this time.
I’m searching for my keys, already bracing myself to drive around all night if I have to, when my phone starts ringing. Ezra's name flashes across the screen.
I answer, immediately hit with the thump of bass and loud voices. “Mate, this summer party is absolute madness.”
I'd completely forgotten about his event at the bar tonight.
“Sounds like it,” I mutter distractedly, scanning the room for my keys.
“I thought you were here.” he laughs, sloppy and loud. “Guess not.”
“Why would you think I was there?” I ask absently.
There's a brief pause. “Because Willow is, and damn, she's looking fine as hell.”
I stop dead.
