“What the hell kinda phone is this? It has fucking buttons.”
“You mean a keyboard, yes.”
“Yeah, I can see that.” He punched in some buttons and she heard his phone ring. “All right, add that number in your phone.”
She took her phone back and started saving his contact. “Okay, A-S-S-H-O-L-E. Got it.” She smiled really big, proud of her quip.
“Very funny. Text me your schedule later so I can decide when we can go out.”
“We’re not going on a date.”
“And why is that?”
“Because you’ve dated every girl in school since this semester started.” Sure, she might have been exaggerating, but only a little. He had practically dated every girl in school, and three within the last week. The three that made her life a living hell every day.
“I don’t date them, Elle.”
“Like that makes it better!” Elle crossed her arms. He is literally an asshole.
His voice became dark. “Elle, did I ask to fuck you?”
Elle became uncomfortable, refusing to answer him.
“No, I asked to take you out on a date. Something that I haven’t asked any girl before.”
Elle turned her head toward him. She knew he wasn’t lying. Nero wasn’t the type to take a girl out on a date; he was the type to take them to his bed. She still wasn’t going to respond to him, however.
“I’m done with those girls. I know you don’t believe me, and that’s fine, but I’m telling you anyways.”
“It’s still a no.”
“You know, that’s really hard for me to believe when you’ve been holding my hand for practically the whole car ride.”
Elle didn’t care, she wasn’t holding it now.
He pulled up to her curb and jumped out before she could even put her hand on the door handle. He opened her door and she stood up from the car while he blocked her with his body, his hand holding the door so she couldn’t move.
“What are you doing now?”
“I need another thank you.”
She put her hands on his chest to protest, but before she could say anything, his lips planted on hers.
This kiss was different than the one before. This time, he was greedy and tried to take more, but Elle wouldn’t open her mouth. He grabbed the back of her head to position her face higher, hoping she would slightly open. She didn’t. His tongue outlined her bottom lip right before he pulled away.
She noticed her hands had continued resting on his chest when she was brought back to reality. She wasn’t quite sure if she’d even kissed him back. She was actually pretty sure he had done all the work. The butterflies from earlier had returned the moment his lips had been on hers, and they were still there.
“I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning for school.”
“What?” Her mind was still jumbled after the kiss.
“Chloe can’t pick you up tomorrow with her car in the shop. I doubt whoever drives her to school tomorrow will want to come out of their way to pick you up.”
Yeah, they weren’t. “So, I can catch the bus.”
“Really, Elle? The bus?”
“Yes, I ride it practically every day to the diner downtown.”
Nero’s face looked shocked almost. “You ride the fucking bus that goes downtown, at night?”
“Yeah. So?”
“Do you realize how unsafe that is for a seventeen-year-old girl?”
“Do you realize I don’t have a choice?”
“Well, now you do. What time do you work tonight?”
“No, you are not taking me to work. I’ve survived this long riding the bus.”
“Jesus, Elle, I am taking you to work.” Nero’s eyes started to get that scary look again.
“No, you are not!” When she pushed at his chest to get him to move, he didn’t even budge. Instead, Nero thrust his body closer to her, pinning her body to his. He took her chin in his hand to make sure she saw his face. His look became hungry again, as though the wolf had returned.
“That shit has the opposite effect on me, Elle, so be careful the next time your temper comes out.” Nero took a deep breath in and out. “Go to work on your bus. Enjoy it, though, because it won’t last much longer.”
Elle tried to open her mouth to speak, but he wouldn’t let a word come out.
“I will be here tomorrow morning to drive you to school. If your ass gets on the bus, there will be repercussions. I dare you to ride the bus tomorrow because, either way, I’ll win.” His grin was almost deadly.
“Just because you think you’re the big bad wolf, I should do as you say? Well, it doesn’t work that way with me.”
Nero blinked a few times. He clearly looked confused. “The big bad wolf?”
“Yes, that’s what you remind me of—a wolf,” Elle said it matter-of-factly.
Nero shook his head. “Elle, lay off the movies a little.”
“No. Can I go now?”
Nero smiled. “Sure, if you give me a kiss goodbye.”
“So, if I kiss you, I can go?”
Nero smiled wider. “Yep.”
“Promise?”
When Nero nodded, Elle rose up on her toes. She put her mouth close to his. Right when she went in, she moved her face slightly and gave him a peck on the cheek. Elle returned to her heels, laughing.
“That doesn’t count.”
Elle, still laughing, said, “Yes it does. You said I could leave if I kiss you. It’s your fault you didn’t say where. You promised.” She knew she had him. He had promised.
“You’re right. I keep my promises, Elle. Just remember that.” Nero removed his hand from the car door to let her pass. “Don’t forget to text me your schedule. Actually, let’s make it a picture of your schedule,” he said, smiling.
Elle had really had enough. She walked past him, holding up her hand and pointing at it with the other. “Actually, go rub some dirt on it.”
Nero laughed, shutting the door to lean on his car. “Seven-thirty, Elle. I’ll be right here.” Nero leaned there, watching Elle run up to her house.
There was an upside to her running from him. The view was great.
Chapter Eleven
The Big Bad Wolf Wanted a Taste
When Elle was finally able to shut the door, closing Nero out, she let out her breath.