That was a backhanded compliment. Not only that, but she was also trying to mess with me because it was clear that Griffin wasn’t that into her, and she was trying to force it. “I didn’t think much of it, but since you brought it up again, maybe I should give him a chance.”
She laughed without humor. “Look, you’re dating Killian, which is tragic, but whatever. Don’t get
any funny ideas.”
“If he hits on every girl that walks, why do you want him?” One thing silver wolves were good at was reading intent, and hers was all negative. The inkiness of her soul floated off her in waves. She wasn’t a good person, and she enjoyed power.
“That’s none of your business.” She looked forward, her ass swinging with each step, no doubt in case Griffin was watching.
Fair enough. “Look, he’s an egotistical asshole. Have at him.” Whatever the tug was between us, I’d learn to ignore it.
“Oh, you think I was asking for your permission?” She giggled. “I wasn’t. I was trying to help you out since Killian seems smitten with you. If we’re going to be civil to one another, it’s always nice to
know the ground rules. I’d hate for you to make a mistake and something tragic to happen.”
The air sawed into my lungs at the veiled threat. Maybe this place wasn’t safer after all.
CHAPTER SEVEN
K
illian climbed into the truck and shut the door. He turned and watched me buckle my seatbelt.
I could feel his scrutiny, and I didn’t like it. Dad always did this when he was about to ask
a question and wanted to read my body language before, during, and after.
“So…” He tapped his fingers on the center console. “You and Griffin don’t seem to like each other. What happened?”
At least, he didn’t sugarcoat it. “He told me he likes his cream in only one place. Be glad I had self-control, or his ass would’ve been on the floor.”
“He did hit on you.” Killian laughed so loud it hurt my ears, his dimples on full display. “That’s his favorite coffee shop pickup line, by the way.”
Ew. “You’d think after it didn’t work the first time, he would’ve stopped and not continued to embarrass himself.”
“You’re the first girl it hasn’t worked on.” Killian turned the ignition and shook his head. “For the first time ever, not only did Griffin get shot down, but I got a girl that he didn’t pass over.” “Pass over?” I’d regret asking.
“Everyone wants him over me. Partly due to his role in Shadow City.” Killian shrugged like it was no big deal, but his shoulders sagged a little. “So, I usually wind up with the girls he doesn’t look at.”
“Why in God’s name would someone pass you over for him?” Killian was loyal and kind. So much better than the sexy asshole that I refused to think about.
He laughed. “You don’t have to sweet-talk me when it’s the two of us.”
“That’s not it at all.” He obviously didn’t see himself in the right light. “He’s arrogant and annoying.” I managed to leave dead sexy out of the description, but unfortunately, he was that. And I hated that I found him that way.
“You do realize that’s how people view me too?” He glanced over his shoulder and reversed out of the parking spot.
The way that girl had stared at me earlier kind of confirmed his point. I’d half expected her to come up and grab my hair for a cat fight. “Maybe, but you haven’t acted that way toward me.” And I couldn’t judge him on anything other than that.
He put the car in drive and headed toward the campus exit. “Don’t be too hard on him. Griffin is a good guy. He was there for me and got me through that first year after losing my family. He forced my ass to get out of bed and go for runs. Not only that, but he takes care of his mother, Ulva-she lives alone in this huge condominium since his dad passed-despite him hating being there. He doesn’t show that side to anyone, especially not Luna. Thank God.”
My feet were killing me, so I slipped off the shoes and rubbed my heels where blisters had formed. They’d heal within a few hours, especially since we’d be sitting down at the restaurant.
“What’s wrong?” He glanced at where I was rubbing. “Her shoes don’t fit you. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I can make do until I get my first check.” I smoothed out the skirt of the dress. “Your sister and I have extremely different tastes.” I cringed.
Killian’s jaw clenched, but his expression smoothed a moment later. “Let me guess, you’re a ‘jeans and T-shirt’ type of girl.”
“Yes.” I nodded. “Dresses and skirts are so restricting. What happens when you need to fight? Trying to make sure I didn’t flash my panties at my opponent would hinder my abilities.”
“First off, do you get into fights often?” He leaned against his door. “And second, even if you did, would you be focused on flashing as opposed to kicking ass?”
“Part of our training regimen was fighting every day, usually several times. And, yes, I would care if anyone saw my panties.” Dad had taught me to be conservative and dress appropriately for battle. It could happen at any time.
He’d been right about that.
“Are you a-” He paused and faced me. He scanned my face and his mouth gaped. “You’re a virgin, aren’t you?”
Most supernaturals were pretty open about enjoying sex as much as they pleased, so the fact that I hadn’t slept with someone probably was shocking. It was that, with my position intimidating everyone, I’d never found someone I clicked with, and I didn’t want to have sex for the sake of having sex. “You make it sound like a bad thing.”
“Hell, no.” He perused my body. “It makes you hotter. How is that possible?”
“Well, you see, I keep my legs closed nice and tight.” What kind of question was that? Plus, his attention was making me uncomfortable.
“You are a breath of fresh air.” He focused back on the road. “Within the first few seconds of me meeting you, you elbowed my stomach and broke my nose. And you say whatever you think with no hidden agenda. It’s nice.”
I’d forgotten about his nose. He hadn’t said much of anything about it when we’d gotten back to his place, but now that he’d pointed it out, I could see that it was a little crooked. His bones had healed that way. “I’m so sorry. We should’ve tried to straighten it.”
“Are you kidding me?” He flexed the arm nearest me, making his bicep muscle bulge. “You’ve officially made me sexier. No girl will be able to let me walk by.”
“Remember, we’re exclusive.” I teased him. “I will cut your pecker off if you cheat and make me look like a fool.”
“I don’t think I’m scared.” He chuckled. “You probably wouldn’t know what to do with it once it was unleashed.”
“Oh, ha. Ha.” He was right, but I’d never admit that to him.
We drove into the bustling downtown again, and he pulled into a small parking lot next to a brick building that stood separate from the others. A huge sign on the front read Dick’s Bar.