Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 85453 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85453 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
She pegs the ball she dumped at my head, her aim almost perfect.
Almost.
“You missed the net. Better luck next time.”
Her squeal of frustration is silent until I nudge my head to the door to give her her marching orders. “Just go. I need some air.”
Although I am well-aware of the benefits of a couple of hours of solitude, it won’t alter the facts. She isn’t safe here by herself. “You’re not staying here alone.”
Hair slips off her shoulder when she angles her head to the side and bows a brow. “Just go, Cash. I can take care of myself.”
She can, but that won’t change my mind. “You’re not fucking staying here by yourself.”
“Cash—”
“McKayla.” I give her a second to hear the absolute threat in my tone so she knows how close I am to carrying her out of here over my shoulder before repeating, “You are not staying here by yourself.”
“Fine.” She throws her hands into the air before marching for the exit.
I follow her, my long strides only halving when she veers left instead of right. “Where are you going?”
She doesn’t face me while replying, “Back to the party. I most likely missed my call, and I spent all my savings on a stupid dress when I recalled how well it worked for Cinderella, so I am going to get my damn prince if it’s the last thing I do.”
Chapter 21
Cash
“What did you say to piss her off?”
I scoff off Kamil’s claim that I’m the reason McKayla is downing shots as if they’re nips of water before replying, “I didn’t say anything.” It is what I didn’t do that pissed her off. “What’s her count?”
I know his answer. I’ve been watching McKayla as closely as Kamil since she reminds him so much of his sister, but I’m trying to act disinterested in her antics that have had my jaw ticking all night.
I had no clue how badly I handled jealousy until tonight.
“Eight. One more and she’ll be over.”
“That’s what I thought.” I slap his back to thank him in advance before saying, “Keep the dirty fuckers out of my room until I get back. The only cum I want on my sheets is mine.”
When he jerks up his chin, I head outside to fetch McKayla from the hive of activity occurring near the pool. It’s too cold for anyone to be swimming, but the pool lights mingling with the fog offer a set of effects any DJ would cream his pants for.
I’m six feet away from McKayla when the thud her neck gets every time I’m in her presence breaks out a funky tune. The thing is, I’m approaching her from behind, aware she’d most likely bolt if I confronted her head-on.
She’s done it numerous times the past three hours.
My jaw works through a stern strain when I follow the direction of her gaze. MacDouche has returned to the party, carrying favors. He has Red Twizzlers in his hand—McKayla’s favorite snack when she’s studying. “I noticed you were out during our latest study session.”
“Our?” I murmur to myself, shocked as hell. I thought I was McKayla’s only student?
McKayla swoons when Gabriel hands her the Twizzlers.
She fucking swoons.
“You shouldn’t have. I’m trying to cut back.” Although she’s telling him no, she bands her arms around his neck and pulls him in for a thank-you hug.
He’s too short for her to pull him down.
After inching back, she asks, “How did you know I was here? You walked me home.”
I physically gag when Gabriel replies, “A little birdie told me.”
When he locks eyes with me over McKayla’s shoulder, I don’t know what game he’s playing, but it has McKayla fooled. Not only does shock register in her hooded gaze when she believes his silent claim I encouraged his return to festivities, so does hurt.
“Oh. That’s so sweet.” She returns her eyes to Gabriel but keeps her words loud enough for me to hear. “I didn’t realize you two were close like that.”
“We were once.” Gabriel barely hides his smugness while replying, “But then our lives went in opposite directions.”
Like you’re fucking teeth are about to be.
“Play it cool, man,” Kamil suggests, once again sneaking up on me. “Don’t let that fucker get you booted again.” The erratic beat of his heart is exposed when he curls his arm around my shoulders. “He’s not worth it, and McKayla knows that. She’s just confused.”
“She isn’t the only one.”
After giving me time to cool my turbines, Kamil defuses a volatile situation. “Hey, Einstein, didn’t you promise me a recap of that book I was meant to read for our next assessment?”
Incapable of ignoring someone in academic need, McKayla says, “Oh... um… yeah. Did you want to do that now?”
“If you’ve got time?” Kamil drops his bottom lip before bringing out the big guns. His begging eyes. “I’m really behind.”