But, from what I was beginning to tie together about Brooke, she didn’t trust anyone. Until hard facts were laid out before her, no one’s opinion mattered.
“You’re wrong,” I said. “But I’m sure he’d let you pick his head apart to confirm.”
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
BROOKE
When Declan disappeared through the stainless-steel door to get Emory, Ria smacked me in the arm. My narrowed eyes turned to her. “Ow.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Why didn’t I tell you what?”
“About you two,” she said.
“Me and Declan? What about us?”
“The chemistry.” She lowered her voice, leaning in closer. “Are you dating?”
I couldn’t help the way my nose wrinkled. It was a fair question, I guessed.
But it filled me with discomfort because I saw what she meant. We did have chemistry. That’s why I’d rushed out yesterday morning. Because when I was lying in his arms, I didn’t want to leave.
Phrased that way made it out like I was a masochist. Like I enjoyed suffering. I was exposed to something I liked, and I immediately ran away from it. Which, yes, I did, but not because I enjoyed pain. It was the opposite, really.
I didn’t like hurting. If I didn’t open up to someone, they couldn’t hurt me. It was the same reason I’d gone close to no-contact with my dad. Sticking to myself kept me safe.
I didn’twantto have chemistry with him. I didn’t want to want him.
“No. We’re not dating,” I said.
She glanced me over, frowning. “And why not?”
“Because we don’t want to.”
“‘Wedon’t want to,’” she quoted, “oryoudon’t want to?” I gave her a look, the kind that said to drop it, and she sighed. “Well, if you’re not going to, someone should.” She lifted her head to crane through the window to the kitchen. “He has a cute ass. And those tattoos are beautiful. His biceps—”
I elbowed her in the ribs, eyes like daggers. “Knock it off, Ria.”
She smirked. “So youdowant to.”
“I want you to stop antagonizing,” I snapped. “We came here to find your friend. Are you gonna help, or are you gonna be a bitch?”
She still smirked, growing quiet for a moment. “Alright. I’ll back off.”
“Thank you.”
“He’s gorgeous though. And he’s tall, so you don’t look like a giant beside him.”
I shot her another look. “I hate you.”
She just grinned, sipping her Pepsi.
An indistinguishable shout sounded from the kitchen, and the door swung open half a second later. Emory’s enraged gaze met mine. “What the hell would I get from abducting that girl? Please,pleaseenlighten me.”
“I didn’t say you had. I was just—”
“Looking for an easy answer? A quick fix?”