Hating You, Loving You (Inked Hearts 4)

She shakes her head. But it’s there in her dark eyes. She’s into it. She’s into him.

“You like a big, strong man looking out for you.”

“What? Cause I have daddy issues? Get some original material.”

“He’s hot.”

“So are you.”

“Thanks for noticing.”

She shoots me a get real look.

She takes none of my shit.

It’s one of the things I like about her.

Only…

Fuck does it make me think of Chloe.

Of her bad ass smile and the hurt in her dark eyes.

It’s easier teasing my friend than thinking about how I’m losing the woman I love. “You gonna fuck him or what?”

“You gonna fix this shit with Chloe?"

"You want to fuck him."

"There's a difference between finding a man attractive—"

"No. You want to tear his clothes off and ride him all night."

She tries and fails to play aloof.

Her teeth sink into her lip.

Her blush spreads down her neck.

Her chest heaves with her inhale.

It should thrill me, backing Em into a corner, getting her to spill.

But it doesn't.

It's empty. Same as my ten o'clock and my noon. And, fuck, the odds are bad that my one thirty will be any better.

"Just keep it to yourself." She presses her palms together. "Okay?"

No. Agreeing means this conversation is over. Which means I have no place to deflect. No armor. Nothing to stop her questions from piercing my gut. "I dunno. Seems like Brendon would want to know."

"You wouldn't narc and we both know it."

I wouldn't, but I can still bluff. "Try me."

"Sure." She stares me down. "Why is Chloe taking a few days off?"

"She has some shit to deal with."