AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The man hates me unfairly, and at this point, I’m so tired of people reacting to me for the mistakes of my sister, that I just want to punish him back for it.
The best punishment I can think of is showing him that I’m happy, even though he’s giving it his all to make me miserable.
Besides, when I ran away yesterday, I made a promise to myself that I was finally going to start living life. I mean really living it.
Screw this grump and his hate for me. I am happy, and he’s not going to wreck it for me.
“I have a little bit of money in an account my parents don’t have access to. It’s not much, but from my research, it’ll get me a reliable car.” He says nothing so I soldier on. “You won’t have to deal with me a whole lot. I’ll keep myself busy,” I promise, giving him another smile that, finally doesn’t feel like one of the plastic ones. This one feels hopeful, because I am hopeful.
Finally, he speaks. It’s a low rumble that sounds on the edge. “You think we can fool people into believing you’re my woman, and not be seen together?”
“Well,” I stammer. “I mean…”
“That’s not how this is going to work, Pipsqueak.”
Ohhh, I really hate that name.
He grins cruelly in knowing response to the twitch of my sweet smile.
I take another sip of my coffee. “Why don’t you tell me how this is going to work, then, Cole?” I lick the rim of my cup when a dribble of coffee begins to slide from the edge. His eyes follow, burning into me. I feel rattled, but soldier on once again. I’m a trooper. “Since you’re so much more experienced than I am in all this?”
“In deceiving people?” He snorts. “Think you take the gold in that, Pipsqueak.”
My heart clenches uncomfortably. “You don’t know me.”
It comes out softer than I intend, and I curse myself for it. For the weakness I know he scents.
“I know all I need to know.”
I bob my head, holding back all the things I want to say. My eyes slide to the wall of windows and the patio door that overlooks heaven outside. I toss my thumb in that direction. “It’s a really beautiful morning, so I’m gonna go out there and enjoy my coffee. If you feel like talking to me like an adult, feel free to join me.”
I can feel his eyes on my back as I move, but it’s as I’m slipping through the glass panes that I hear a low curse, and heavy footsteps following. I drop into a luxurious teardrop swing with my coffee as Cole moves to lower his massive body on the wicker loveseat, spreading his thighs wide and planting his elbows on his knees as he leans forward, dark eyes locked on me.
“We’re roommates, so here, we’ll act like roommates. When we’re in public, you’re mine.” I bob my head, not wanting to say anything that’s going to make him stop talking to me, even if I don’t love what I’m hearing. Except the mine part, my traitorous heart kind of loves that, even though I know it’s not real. “I’ve got shows, and my guys all have girls who come to most of the shows. I’ll expect you to be there and play the part with them.” His eyes slide over me in a way that has my skin tightening, goosebumps prickling despite the heat. “Act appropriately, yeah?”
My head jerks back. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Don’t—” he curses again, shaking his head harshly. “Just don’t make a fool of me, okay? I don’t date, so you’re going to be watched. A lot.”
“You mean be faithful?”
His eyes pin me in place. They’re so dark, filled with so much disgust and—distrust? “Think you can manage that?”
A little of the heat falls from my cheeks, and I say quietly, “I’m not Ophelia, Cole. As much as you think I am, I’m nothing like her.”
He says nothing, but those dark eyes feel as though they’re drilling into me. I press on. “If I were in a relationship, I’d be in it. All the way. I believe in being true to my word and being loyal to those I promise loyalty to. So, I won’t do anything to make you look like a fool. I won’t do something to make you feel like I’m not in this, even though I’m not in it. I understand the terms of this, and you can trust me to fill them, because I’m trusting you to do the same.”
“Good. Then we’re agreed on how this is going to work?”
I nod. “Absolutely.”
“The band has a party to attend tonight. You’re my plus one. Be ready. And dress nice.”
With that, he stands and leaves me alone with my coffee and my reeling thoughts.
Oh. My. Goodness!
I’m really doing this.
