Page 34 of Too Sweet
Nico moves his searing gaze to me, and I shake my head, my vocal cords tangled together. All color drains from my face. Body-wide shudders don’t help me focus enough to get words out. I’ve never been more afraid of a person in my life. Not even Asher scared me as much as Nico does right now, glaring at me like some prophet about to invoke the wrath of God.
“I told you I’m not interested, Justin,” I stutter, swallowing back the bile coating my throat.
I drop my bag on the ground and sink, digging in there until my fingers come across my mouthwash. The peppermint smell doesn’t stop my hands trembling or my heart racing, but five deep breaths settle my stomach enough that I won’t puke my guts in the middle of the bar.
Just when I think I have a hold on myself, Nico crouches before me, all fire, brimstone, and death. I jerk back, startled by the sinister edge in his almost black eyes.
“Don’t make a fucking scene,” he clips, every razor-sharp word punctuated with pure disdain. “You let him touch you. Don’t pretend you’re distraught now.” He reaches for me again, but I’m so taken aback by his tone that I fall flat on my butt. “Get up. I’m taking you home.”
“No, no, I-I—” I pause, closing my eyes briefly.
You let him touch you.
I didn’t, I... I just... ugh, my head is spinning, and the thunder of my pulse gets in the way of my concentration.
Ididn’tlet Justin touch me. It’s just that flashbacks of the night I was almost raped seize my mind whenever someone grabs me unexpectedly.
I kicked and screamed as much as my mellow, drugged body allowed when Asher spiked my drink. I fought him, using the little strength I had, but the effect was different than I hoped. Instead of letting go, he slapped his hand over my mouth to keep me quiet.
My mind blanked.
I couldn’t form one coherent thought. I couldn’t break free or make a sound. That night, I learned I have a better chance of getting out of trouble if I remain calm and plan my moves.
That’s why I gave Brandon to the count of three before I sent my elbow flying. That’s why Justin got the same. It’s not time for them to grope me. It’s time formetofind courage, assess my position, and believe that Icanbreak free.
“I saidget up, Mia. Now,” Nico says, his words sharp enough to cut glass. “Up.”
I do as told, gathering myself off the ground as I tuck the mouthwash back into my purse. “I know my way home.”
“I bet,” he snaps, towering above me. “I won’tlet you take a cab alone, so get moving. I don’t have all night, kid.”
The anger radiating off him finds its way into me, latching onto my nerve endings and igniting my mind with an unexpected burst of courage. Words I’d never normally even think roll off my tongue without hesitation.
“I’m not a kid, and you’re not going with me. Join your friends. I can take care of myself.” I walk around him, heading for the door, but he doesn’t let me get away.
He grips my arm, making me shudder for two unrelated reasons. One: I’m no longer comfortable around him, and two: an unhealthy thrill sweeps me from head to toe, contradicting the first thought. He’s riled up, ticking like a bomb, but in all his brute glowering annoyance, he’sgentle.
“I’m not asking for permission, Mia. I’m taking you home.” He ushers me outside, taking no care to make sure I keep up with his long legs. He basically drags me, but his touch is still nowhere near bruising point.
“That’s very thoughtful.” I snatch my hand free and open the door to the closest cab. “I’ll be okay on my own. I’ve done this before. Whatever your problem is, go stew somewhere else. I don’t need your attitude.”
Before I can theatrically slam the door shut, he’s there, holding it open, getting in, and forcing me to scoot over. “The address?”
“I said—”
“I know what you fucking said! Believe me, the last thing I want to do tonight is babysit a juvenile drama queen, but Cody wouldn’t be happy to know I left you alone, so be a doll and don’t fucking argue.” He pulls his phone out, his thumbs tapping against the screen. Half a minute later, he pats the driver’s shoulder. “Number nine Peony Drive.”
I want to ask how he knows my address, but there’s a clog in my throat the size of an apple. If I open my mouth, I’ll cry.
Most girls love bad boys: their charm, the aura of danger, their controlled arrogance... Aisha’s books are full of guys like that and they sell out like warm cakes.
But bad boys are only great in books.
Nico holds his jacket over his knee as we pull away from the curb. The expensive silver watch adorning his wrist contrasts the black tattoos marking both of his hands and arms.
He’s worth a fortune, but money isn’t what I’m attracted to. Orwasattracted to before he made assumptions, not letting me explain.
It’s his confidence I adored. The way he knew exactly how to handle me and watched me like I was something important that should be cared for.
