You mean like you already did in your office.
Do you have an answer to everything ? he asks.
I roll my eyes. Got to have fun somehow.
He scoffs. Don’t be sarcastic.
What’s wrong with sarcasm ?
He sits down on one of the armchairs and leans his elbows on his knees. It’s annoying.
Oh ?
It’s immature. Now that hurt a little. He thinks I’m immature. Answer me this. Did you have fun tonight in my club ?
Yes. Tonnes.
Again with the lies. I frown at him. You’re that type of girl then.
What type of girl ?
A liar.
I grit my teeth. I was having fun until some guy rudely dragged me into his office and kissed me.
He stands, and I stumble back even though he’s the other side of the room. You kissed me back, and I’m betting that’s the only time you had fun. You don’t have to lie. I see if on your face.
What’s it to you ? I ask, folding my arms over my chest.
He sighs and shakes his head. For the first time tonight, he looks stressed, and it confuses me. I’m just trying to work you out. I don’t know why this has happened.
What’s he talking about ?
This happened because you wouldn’t let me get the train. I think about what he said. I didn’t enjoy myself. Not really. I haven’t in a long time. The things Kyle said hurt me, and although I tried to forget, it changed me. I thought I was ready, and with summer arriving, it was time to have some fun. I thought going to a club was a way of fixing it, but it wasn’t.
Something was missing just like it always is. That was until Colton walked into my life and kissed me and I felt something other than lost. But I’m not in a romance movie. That doesn’t happen.
I don’t know why you even care what type of girl I am. I’m not your concern.
He doesn’t say anything. He just stares at me in silence. Fed up, I move over to his fancy couch and sit down. Kicking off my heels, I sigh with relief when the cool floor soothes my feet. I’m never wearing heels again, even though I always say that and buy more.
A pair of smart shoes suddenly appear in front of me. Colton stands in front of me in a way that makes me frown. Because he’s glaring at me.
That’s when I see it. A gleam of gold flashes straight across his eyes, so quick and bright, I know I didn’t imagine it.
Reaching out, he grabs my face with his hands. I can’t move away. It’s the first time he’s touched me since being outside, and despite my fear growing, my body responds to his touch. I breathe out heavily from the contact.
I’m losing it, he whispers, squeezing his eyes shut. I don’t want to regret what I’m about to do. All I can say is I’m sorry.
Sorry ? I try to pull away, but he doesn’t let go. What are you talking about ?
He grits his teeth, his body convulsing. I’m just sorry it’s me they chose.
Before I have a chance to think, I watch with shock when he bares his teeth. I scream when he pulls my head back and bites deep into my neck, puncturing my skin with sharp fangs.
What the hell ! I scream, pushing him away. I jump up from the couch and stumble back in disbelief, watching him wipe his mouth with the back of his hand.
There’s blood. My blood.
I put my hand against my neck and wince when it stings. You… You bit me ?
He says nothing, just continues staring at me. That’s when I see it. The relief in his eyes. Why the hell is he relieved ? What is wrong with him ?
Without thinking, I step forward and slam my fists into his chest, wanting to inflict as much damage on him as I can for what he did. First the kiss, then taking me to his house, and now this ?
That hurt, you bastard ! I shout at the top of my lungs. Whatever sick thing you have going on in your head, I’m not into it.
Gritting his teeth, he reaches out and grabs both my wrists, stopping me from hitting him anymore. Please stop doing that. It’s annoying.
I press my lips together, my neck throbbing. I pull my wrists from his hands and point at him. You’re not normal.
Of course, you just had to be human, he grumbles under his breath, massaging his head with his fingers. The most over-dramatic species on the planet.
What is he going on about ?
Why did you bite me ? I touch the grazed surface of my skin with my fingers. It’s oddly numb. I don’t feel horrendous pain like I should. Even when I look down at my fingers and see them coated in blood.
I claimed you, he finally answers me, but it only confuses me more.
What the heck does he mean by claiming me ? Claim what exactly ?
I remember his eyes flashing gold before this happened. His tortured expression, like he was losing control. This is too weird. Nothing about tonight feels real at all. I’m obviously dreaming. Having a nightmare. But I know it’s not a dream and I stare at him warily. You’re not normal, are you ?
There was no easier way of doing that, he sighs. I apologize.
Apology not accepted.
Bending over, I grab my shoes from the floor. I’m leaving. I’m freaked out and scared. He steps in front of me like he did in the club, blocking me from heading for the door. Where are you going ?
I’m leaving, which is what I should have done the moment I saw you.
His frown deepens. Don’t start this again.
I should be screaming, and that’s what’s confusing me right now. That I’m not. I don’t understand. Why aren’t I scared of you ?
Do you think you should be ? he asks, closing the distance between us. Reaching down, he takes my shoes and drops them back on the floor. I wouldn’t ever hurt you and you know it. Somehow.