Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

I'm sure Mal means well, but he's not going to convince me his loyalties lie anywhere other than with Ethan. "It's really none of your business."

"I know."

"Then how about we stay on task?"

"I have an idea about where the money is. If Ethan asks, tell him that."

"That you won't tell me?"

"Yeah."

"Okay." I try to hold a confident posture, but Mal's stare is intense. Within moments, I'm back to pacing.

"Maybe it's none of my business, but do me a favor, Violet. Don't break his heart again."

Anger flares in my chest. Who the fuck does Mal think he is, looking at me with that concerned big brother expression, like I maliciously tore out Ethan's heart and threw it to the wolves?

Doesn't anybody care that he broke my heart?

Doesn't anybody care that Ethan destroyed me?

Obviously not. Mal thinks I destroyed Ethan. Kit thinks I destroyed Ethan. Joel thinks I destroyed Ethan. Piper is on my side, but she's not here to defend me.

Ethan used to be the person who understood me, but this…

Fuck this.

I tap my toe against the carpet. Mal is waiting for a response.

I open my mouth to tell him to go fuck himself. But those words don't fall.

I pace faster.

He stares.

Fine. I need to say something. I offer Mal my best smile. "We're just having fun."

He shakes his head no, you're not.

I shake my head back yes, we are.

He stares.

I clear my throat. "Is there anything else?"

"Whatever Ethan said about you two being casual is bullshit. He cares about you."

Maybe. I press my lips together. "I've seen him in a hundred pictures with a hundred different women. Ethan doesn't have trouble separating love and sex."

"Hmmm."

I can't take it anymore. "I loved Ethan more than I've ever loved anyone."

"Then don't hurt him again." Mal's deep eyes get intense and protective.

He really believes I'm careless with Ethan's feelings.

Fuck him.