Page 19 of Craving Her
My heart stutters as he again uses the nickname that I haven’t heard in two years until tonight. I don’t know why it affects me the way it does, but when he calls me Peaches, my knees literally get weak. Torin has his hand wrapped around my wrist and his hold is tight and painful. I try to jerk it out of his grip, but it’s useless. I don’t have a doubt there will be bruises where his hand is.
“He was flirting, too. It felt good to be wanted by a man for a change. You can stop giving me crap about it. Where and who I flirt with are none of your concern, Torin. You’ve pushed meaway for three years. If anything, you should be glad I’ve started looking at other men.”
“That asshole is not a man. He’s a kid playing at being a man.”
“I doubt that. He wouldn’t have gotten past my brother or dad if that was the case.”
“I’m not convinced he did. I think the fucker was lying.”
“I doubt that. Still, feel free to ask them yourself.”
“I’m going to,” he snaps.
It takes all I have not to laugh at him. “Well, goody for you. Listen, I hate to cut this short, but unless you’re going to make good on your vow to take my V-card, I need to leave. I’ve got shit to do.”
“Oh, no. If you think I’m going to leave you alone so you can open your legs for any Tom, Dick, orCarlosyou come across, you need to think again.”
“Careful, Torin, it almost sounds like you’re jealous,” I taunt.
“Is there a problem here?” I look up to see a security guard approaching us.Perfect.
“Everything is fine,” Torin bites off, not taking his eyes from my face.
“Actually, it’s not. I was just leaving, but this gentleman here isn’t letting me go,” I answer, pulling my hand up to show that Torin was still holding onto my wrist.
“Don’t toy with me, Skylar,” he warns. I turn to grin at him.
“I’m not toying with you, Torin. I’m just tired of waiting for you to wake up. It’s time I move on.”
“Sir, let go of the girl,” the guard orders.
Torin grunts but releases my wrist. I rub it, mostly because it still hurts, then I decide to just tick the man off more. “Thank you so much, officer. I needed to get back inside to my friends.”
“You really shouldn’t come out here alone. It can be dangerous.”
“Thanks. I just needed some fresh air. I promise to be more careful in the future.”
“Do you need a ride home?” he asks.
“No, I have friends inside. I’ll make sure they stick close. I can ride home with one of them.”
“Okay. I’ll stay here with this gentleman and make sure he gets on his way while you go back inside,” he says.
“Thanks officer.” I turn to walk back inside and stop to frown at Torin. “I wish I could say it has been fun, but I’d be lying. The last three years have been anything but fun. Thanks for the reminder. I truly needed it,” I tell him, and then I walk away.
I know it won’t get rid of him, but I doubt the officer will go anywhere until he’s gone. It’s a small reprieve, but it’s one I desperately need now. Earlier I thought he came to find me and finally claim me. Maybe I really am insane to have even thought that Torin would come to his senses. Or perhaps I’m insane because I’ve carried a torch for three years that I never should have lit to begin with.
Chapter 10
Joker
I watch Skylar walk away and do my best to hide my anger. When I turn to look at the man beside me, I’m assuming I fail. The wannabe cop is watching me closely. His gaze rakes over my club cut and I’m pretty sure the bastard is trying really hard not to piss himself.
“We don’t want trouble in our town from your kind,” he mutters. I want to roll my eyes.
“Then you shouldn’t have tried to come between me and my woman,” I growl. I curse myself silently.Skylar isn’t mine.I haven’t claimed her and I’ve repeatedly pushed her away. I try to hold on to that, except a second later, I’m remembering how she responded to me inside the club. She still wants me, despite everything.
“We don’t take domestic violence in this town lightly. It’s clear the woman didn’t want to be with you. I think it’d be best if you move along.”