When impossibly green eyes shoot up to meet mine, big and innocent looking, all of the smartass comments I have at the ready fall away. Smooth, lightly freckled skin flushes pink and full lips part, making my cock sit up and take notice. It’s then I realize I’ve never really looked at Kate before.
How did I not see how gorgeous this girl is? She’s not obvious or flashy—no, she’s very… girl next door. Sporty and fit with tawny brown hair always pulled up on her head, showing off two very high cheekbones. I’m surprised how affected I am by her. My heart has begun thumping hard and my palms are sweaty. How angry would Adam be if I shagged Ellie’s best friend?
Probably very. Not that I care much what he thinks.
While I’m thinking of how she looks naked, she gathers herself together and answers my question. “Yes. I’m Kate.” Shit, even her voice affects me—soft and slightly scratchy in a sexy kind of way. Now my dick is throbbing, pressing uncomfortably against my zipper. I need to hear that voice again.
“I’m Dax. You’re in my maths class.”
Those emerald eyes get even wider and her jaw hangs open. “How do you know who I am?”
Huh?
“Why wouldn’t I know who you are? Haven’t we been in the same year for ages?” I furrow my brow, trying to decide if I’m thinking of a different girl. But no, it’s her, I’m sure of it.
“Y-y-yes. Since third year.”
I hold back a smile, keeping my cool exterior. At least I got that right. “Well then, apparently I’m not as stupid as some might say.”
Kate’s fingers untwist from her hair, settling on her hips. Lush, ruby lips turn down in the corners and her eyes narrow. She looks downright offended. “Who says you’re stupid? You’re in my advanced maths class, so I know that can’t be true.”
For once in my life I’m speechless. No one ever gives me the benefit of the doubt or defends my intelligence. Do I bother explaining to her that most people associate a big, muscled guy with an empty skull? Add in the underground fighting and they assume I’ve taken enough hits to the head to be rendered daft and dumb.
No one talks about it, but the teachers here know what I do—what my dad’s business is. I am the fourth Davies son at this school after all and they treat me accordingly. They don’t even bat an eye at the bruises anymore.
I tilt my chin to look down at her. Kate’s not at my eye level, but for a girl, she’s fairly tall—maybe five foot seven or eight? In those eyes, eyes as green as the stripes on the Davies family tartan, I see something I haven’t seen on a girl’s face in… well, ever. Admiration? Respect, maybe? Is it possible Kate respects me? That she sees past my intimidating exterior to the man beneath the brawn? That she sees more than just a conquest to brag to her friends about?
One of dad’s rules pops into my head.
Rule 2—Never let your emotions show.
I lock down the surprise on my face, keeping it to its usual icy façade.
What if she doesn’t like what she finds? I don’t know why I care, but suddenly, I don’t want Kate to know about the fighting, the girls, my family… those goddamn rules. For the first time in my life I’m not proud of my wins, of all the girls I’ve shagged or had suck me off at the club or behind the school. For once, I’m truly ashamed of what I am.
Kate
“They never stop, yeah?” Dax’s elbow gently pokes my ribs.
I tear my eyes away from Adam and Ellie, who are cuddling up close on the bench across the table from my seat. Heat rushes into my cheeks at the fact that Dax caught me ogling my friend making out with her boyfriend.
“No,” I admit.
Dax frowns at my one word response. He’s probably sick to death of being forced to hang out with me. I’m so intimidated by him that I can’t ever manage to say more than a few words when he’s around. My hands never feel comfortable, so I’m extra fidgety. Especially when those dark eyes are fixed on me. Like they are right now.
“Did you want another cuppa?” He motions to his empty mug.
“Sure. Decaf—”
“With milk. I know.”
I have no response. Dax Davies knows how I take my tea! I’m such a social idiot. Dax will never want to be near me again if I keep acting like such a prat.
“Where’d Dax go?” Adam asks.
“Oh, so you’ve stopped snogging long enough to notice your best mate is missing?” I snap. Catching the hurt on Ellie’s face, I quickly apologize. “Sorry, Adam. I’m out of sorts today.”
Ellie’s eyes flick over to where Dax is waiting in line at our favorite café, then back to mine. I caution her with a look, praying she doesn’t say anything about Dax to let on that I like him.