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“You and I both know about the little stunt you pulled today.”
“You didn’t appreciate my prank?” I ask. “I’m hurt.”
“I’d prefer to see you inflict real pain.”
I snort. “If you knew how much that Birkin bag cost, you’d know I inflicted some real pain today.”
He leans closer, his breath fanning my face. “Fear is a powerful tool. You need to make Johanna fear you.”
I try to lean away, but I can’t bend my back any further. “Why are you telling me this? Isn’t she your friend?”
“If you don’t make people afraid of you, they’ll continue their best efforts to dismantle you. Johanna will get her revenge, and it won’t be child’s play next time. Better watch your back.”
I gulp. “Is that a threat?”
His lips curl into a wicked grin. This guy is unhinged, and unhinged guys are treacherous. My heart starts to race. I’m just not sure if it’s from fear or arousal.
Maybe it’s both.
My breath hitches when he burrows his nose into my hair. He inhales my scent before whispering to me, his words sending a cold shiver down my spine. “If I took you right here on this counter, would you let me? Would you make it easy for me, or would you fight this time?”
Fucking asshole.
I don’t know if it’s from courage or stupidity, but I bring my hands to his chest and shove. But it’s like pushing a brick wall that won’t budge. “I was just looking for an easy hookup that night. But now I know what an arrogant prick you are, and you’re the last person I’d ever sleep with.”
He chuckles, low and dangerous, but he finally backs off. Air rushes back to my lungs when I straighten up, sucking all the oxygen from the space he decided to give back to me.
Alek turns to walk away, but he pauses before unlocking the door. “Consider this my one and only warning: Do not let that boy touch you.”
“Who? Dmitry?”
He doesn’t respond.
“What if I want him to touch me?” I’m playing with fire.
“Do it and find out.”
All trace of humor is gone from our banter, and it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
“I’m not afraid of you,” I whisper.
“You should be.”
He unlocks the door, and he’s gone.
Chapter 10
Willow
Prisha and I usually talk during lunch, but today we decided to sneak off to the library for some peace and quiet. I love coming here for the dark academia vibe. Rows upon rows of wooden bookshelves stretch across the atrium along each wall, and the enticing scent of old books permeates the space. Dozens of oak tables sit in the middle with reading lamps.
And the best part is the Aristocrats never come here. This place is sacred.
Prisha and I sit in silence as we study for our exams. Most people could count on one hand the number of people they can enjoy a comfortable silence with, and Prisha is one of mine.
Actually, she might be the only person. It’s the opposite of the tense quiet that grips my father’s house, where anything or anyone could blow up in a split second.
I slam my textbook shut and lean back in my chair. “Ugh, I’m never going to pass calculus. This is way too hard.”
