Who was this guy?
Why did everyone treat him like he was on a damn pedestal?
Were they afraid of him?
Some, I admitted, but I’d seen just as much respect in their eyes as I had genuine fear.
I whirled to face him. “What the hell gives? Why are Micah, Fynn, and Grayson following me around like lost puppies?” His lips twitched at the idea of his friends being compared to something as innocent and harmless as puppies, but I carried on, despite the quickening of my pulse at the sight of that crooked grin. “And why the fuck did you take those photos and pass them around? I don’t understand you.”
His brows furrowed together. “I didn’t take the photos.”
“But you were there,” I pointed out. “You let it happen. And you didn’t answer my other question. Why are your friends following me?”
A gleam of anger glittered in his eyes. “It’s for your protection.”
“Protection? From who? Ava? Carter? The entire school?”
“Yes,” was his only reply.
God, he made me want to scream. “Are they going to protect me from you?”
His jaw worked. “If necessary, yes.”
What did that even mean? I wasn’t safe with him? I didn't know why I was so angry. This was exactly what I wanted, what Ainsley, Mads, and I discussed. The Elite were shielding me. Then why was I so upset? Why didn’t it feel like they were keeping a close eye on me for more than just my safety?
I put a finger into his hard chest. “Look, I don’t need or want your protection. Just back off, okay?” Screw the plan.
Those dreamy eyes that still kept me up at night drifted over my face, lingering a tad too long on my lips. His hand wrapped around my wrist, and with one quick tug, I was plastered against him. “I give the orders around here.”
My chest heaved against his as I met his stare. “So I’ve heard. But I don’t take orders from you or from anyone.”
The hand around my wrist loosened but neither of us moved. “Why does that not surprise me, Firefly?”
“Don’t call me that. I’m not a bug. We don’t have cute nicknames for each other. That would imply that something is going on between us, which clearly there isn’t.”
“Is that so?” He arched a dark brow, calling me out on my lies. “Do I need to prove just how wrong you are,Firefly?” he rebutted, purposefully using the nickname to piss me off.
Which, of course, it did.
He leaned forward so his breath tickled the side of my cheek, and I struggled to keep my eyes open.You have more willpower than this, I scolded myself. “A demonstration would only embarrass you,” I said plainly. “I wantnothingfrom you.”
He chuckled, a warm brush of air over my face. “You’re going to get yourself hurt.”
If he wanted to play games, so could I. Tilting my face toward his, I aligned our lips so we were so close I could almost taste his on mine. Our gazes connected, and I was pleased to see the storminess working its way into his eyes. “Are you threatening me?”
“Would it do any good if I did?” His hand found its way under my shirt, and his fingers trailed over my lower back, sending an electric current singing through my blood.Holy. Shit.
I sucked in a sharp breath of shock and something else. I wanted him to touch me in places that weren’t appropriate for the school courtyard. My insides clenched as my heart beat faster. “No,” I answered honestly.
Is he going to kiss me?
If he did, would I kiss him back? Or just combust from all the waves of heat pouring off us?
I never got to find out. Brock pulled away, releasing his hold on me, and said with a shake of his head, “Try and stay out of trouble,Firefly.” He left me in the middle of the courtyard, striding back inside to join the other guys.
I sunk into a nearby bench. “Fuck.” I exhaled, dropping my face into my hands.
Chapter Twelve