My cheeks burn. “That’s not the point.”
“Then what is?”
“Your relationship with your father.”
“There’s no relationship to speak of. He never liked the idea of me or the fact that I exist.”
“Surely you read it wrong.”
“There’s nothing wrong with telling my mother that they should’ve stopped at my dear big bro—also spelled boring—because I’m defective.”
A body shiver goes through me. Though Killian’s tone remains the same, I can feel the change in his demeanor. The subject rubs him the wrong way, and I want to know more.
I want to sink my nails into the uncomfortable part of him and wrench it out because I know it’s probably the only real him I’d ever see.
Now, I’m beginning to think that Killian has Gareth on his shit list because of his father.
The more Gareth is favored by their dad, the more he targets him.
Not that it’s right, but it’s a defense mechanism.
Like the way Lan becomes more insufferable the more Mum babies Bran.
“You must’ve gotten the wrong idea. Most parents don’t hate their children.”
“Keyword being most. Now, drop it.”
“But—”
“I said. Drop. It.”
The dark undertone leaves no room for negotiation, but before I can think of a way to circle back to the subject, he asks in his nonchalant voice, “Back to the topic at hand. Do I have your admiration?”
“For what?”
“For being a first-class genius.”
My chest squeezes and I hate that I’m delighted that he wants my admiration.
I hate that it’s the first thing that comes to mind.
“More like, you tried to cunningly get admiration. Sorry to break it to you, but you need to try harder.”
A smirk lifts his lips. “Always up for a challenge.”
“Is that what I am to you? A challenge?”
“Maybe. Maybe not.”
I groan. “You know that’s not an answer. Are you doing it on purpose?”
He grins. “Maybe. Maybe not.”
“Ugh. You’re a bloody wanker.”
“Ah. Don’t. You know I get turned on by your foul mouth. Especially with that sexy little accent of yours.”
I purse my lips, then glare at him, which only widens his grin.