Page 12 of Make You Mine

I bite my lip. There is no way in hell I’m telling him.

“Can’t help you find it unless you tell me.”

I sigh. “You’re one of those guys who doesn’t take no for an answer, aren’t you?”

“You would know, little sister.”

“What does that even mean?”

“You know what it means. If I want something, I get it.”

His gaze is fixed on mine. He’s trying to get under my skin, reminding me of our shared history. He tried to get me the day he showed up in my life after years of absence, and now he’s doing it again.

I dart my gaze away. I’m not having it.

“I’m a go-getter,” he says.

“I’m all for you being a go-getter. As long as you respect boundaries and keep out of my sight.”

I try to push past him. I need to get out of the room.

It’s become useless now that he’s occupying it, and I know I won’t find what I’m looking for here.

He frowns. He doesn’t like that I’m outsmarting him at his own game, but I’ve had enough time to practice while he was absent. He wasn’t here to cloud my mind.

“I don’t have time for you, Kayden. Move.”

He blocks me with one arm stretched toward the door frame. My heart races even though it shouldn’t.

I can almost breathe his air.

No. I’m not doing this.

“Stop bullying me,” I burst out.

His arm’s still firm in place.

Kayden’s way too used to this. Having me at his mercy. Doing whatever he wants with me.

The difference between past Maddy and present Maddy is that the me from now doesn’t take bullshit anymore. She doesn’t react on instinct. She knows what’s best for her.

I clench my teeth. I can barely reach him with my five foot two against his six two, but I stand on my tiptoes and spit it out.

“It may have been amusing to you when I was sixteen, and even eighteen, Kayden. But I’m twenty-five now. I’m a fucking adult. And I won’t tolerate your bullshit. My break time is almost over. Now, move.” I puff out my chest. “I’m busy.”

“Fineee. Geez. Chill out, Maddy.” He steps back, opening the way with a forced smile. “Have a good day.”

I hiss under my breath as I escape him, rushing through the halls.

Back in the teachers’ lounge, I pretend to be okay as I wave to Hannah who’s sitting at our usual table.

I’m so on edge from our previous confrontation and the fact that I lost my journal and I haven’t found it yet, that I forgot to bring my lunch box with me.

Crap. I’m going to starve for the rest of the day.

There’s no way on earth I’m going back to my classroom and risk crossing Kayden again.

Coffee will do.