He takes a step closer, ignoring my protest. His hands come up to either side of my head, trapping me between him and the trailer
“You should start being nicer to me.”
His eyes flick to my lips and his tongue darts out, like he’s going to kiss me.
“Let me go.” I struggle against him, but he’s got me trapped against the caravan.
“Stop fighting me, Ula. You know we’re gonna end up together. What other options do you have?”
“I don’t need any other options.” I push forward, trying to get away from him, but his arms are too strong.
“Who you think has been paying your rent since your Gram passed?”
The words make me stop cold. I thought Gram was all paid up for the year.
“That’s right. You owe me, Ula.”
Jeremy smiles thinly as my realization sets in. He’s been paying my rent, paying for me to keep living here.
“Don’t worry. I’m not gonna take you by force. I’m not an animal.” His eyes flick over my body in a hungry look that makes my blood run cold. “But the sooner you realize we’re meant to be together, the better.”
“She said no.”
The gravelly voice comes from the open door of the caravan. Jeremy takes a step back, the shock apparent on his face.
Even in Gram’s too tight sweatpants, Ronan makes an impressive figure. He’s not wearing a top, and his muscles ripple under the ink of his tattoos. With such a hard expression on his face, he looks like a messenger from the gods.
“Who the fuck are you?” Jeremy splutters.
“I’m Ula’s other option. And if you’re not gone in five seconds, I’ll break your fucking nose.”
Ronan takes a slow step down from the trailer.
“One…”
Jeremy’s eyes narrow as he takes him in. His eyes scan over Ronan’s tattoos, and his hands go up as he backs away.
“All right, man…”
“Two.”
“I dig it…”
“Three.” Ronan takes another step forward. This time, Jeremy turns and flees.
I’ve been watching with my jaw open. Ronan has been hiding in my caravan all week, and now he’s just exposed himself to Jeremy and whatever other nosy neighbors are watching.
“What are you doing?”
Ronan closes the distance between us. His hand slides around my waist to pull me toward him.
“I’m showing the world who you belong to.”