Page 94 of The Devil We Crave
She’s also alone.
“Where thefuckis he?” I snarl viciously, my hand reaching into my leather jacket for the knife I’ve got stashed inside.
Bella’s brow furrows. “What?”
“Where’s the fucking guy?”
She gives me a curious look, tucking a lock of dyed jet-black hair behind her ear. “What fucking guy?”
“The asshole you were trying to get away from.”
Her heavily shadowed eyes pull to furious slits.
“Were you fuckingspyingon me?”
“Bella, there was a man with his hand?—”
She starts to laugh.
My jaw grinds. “I feel like I’m missing something.”
A pink stain creeps over her cheeks. “Ever heard of aprivate life, Achilles?”
“What the fuck are you—” I shake my head. “That motherfucker had his hand around your?—”
“Well,cousin,” she sighs. “Sometimes, when a boy and girl like each other, they realize that the ways they might enjoyexpressingthat like for each other might involve something besides pink roses and butterfly kisses.”
She smiles at me, arching her brows significantly.
Fuck.
“Got it,” I growl quietly, grimacing.
Bella snickers, folding her arms over her chest. “Any other questions?”
She’s rocking her usual Wednesday Addams vibe, of course: black V-neck sweater over a high-collar white shirt, black skirt over black leggings, black boots.
Just as I’m about to apologize again for almost butting in on her and her mystery guy, a mark at the edge of her collar catches my eye.
“Bella.” My brow furrows. “You have blood on your neck.”
Her hand flies up to where I’m pointing. She runs a finger over her throat and pulls her hand back, examining the smear of red for a moment.
Then she starts to laugh.
“Fuck, Achilles,” she exhales. “You actually freaked me out for a second.” She grins as she raises her hand to my eyes. “It’s paint, you psycho. I do one of those paint your own pottery things here in town once a week.”
I’m fucking losing it.
Bella giggles as I hang my head and pinch the bridge of my nose.
“Sorry, I…” I give her a sheepish look. “Just on edge, I guess.”
“Well, it must be exhausting be the King of Knightsblood,” she grins.
I roll my eyes. “You want a ride to campus? I’m about to head back.” I smirk. “You can even invite your mystery man, but I gotta see his face before he gets in the car.”
Bella giggles and shakes her head. “Thanks, but I’ll pass. I’ve got something to do here in town still.”
