It’s a command.
And as much as I need him to answer my earlier question, I hiss, “Derek Dyers. He’s a legacy Veronian. Mediocre hockey player according to Shay. Also a massive dick.”
“He wants you.”
While he grinds his teeth, he doesn’t look back.
“Some people do,” I proclaim, annoyed despite myself. Not at him, more at being disturbed.
“I’m well aware of that. Should I serve you his head on a platter,pchelka?”
The croon has me snapping, “Fuck you, Maxim.”
I step aside from him when he chuckles, apparentlydelightedby my answer, but as I cross the road, he’s there. A hand on my arm. Those callused fingers tucking mine into the crook of his elbow.
Talk about whiplash!
“Dyers's father is a co-partner of Veritas Infinitum.”
“And?”
Like I give a fuck about some slimy hedge fund.
WHEN?! WHEN?! WHEN?!
That’s what my brain wants the answer to.
“They’ve made some interesting investments lately.”
Despite the fact I want to throttle him, my brain kicks in as I recall some articles I read in the financials recently about one of my favorite designer labels going under. “Bianchi?”
The brand was behind these pants and half my current wardrobe.
“Yes. They bought the company and then decided to humiliate the original owner.”
“The linebacker, Bryan Walters.”
The tips of his fingers circle my elbow. “They’re sharks, little one. Remember how they hunt.”
“Do you think I’m afraid?” I huff out a laugh—it’s either that or melt into a puddle at his touch. “I’ve been playing with sharks since I was a child, Maxim.” To Dyers, I call out, “Hi, Derek.”
His displeased gaze fixates on Maxim before switching to the hold he has on me. It’s not polite anymore.
He clamps my arm, locking me to his side with his hand.
It’s not distant.
It’s a claim.
Fucking finally.
He didn’t like the tone I used on Dyers? Well, boo hoo.
“I don’t recognize you from homecoming,” Derek greets Maxim.
“There is more to the world than your little school.” Maxim ignores the hand the younger man holds out. “Perhaps you’ll learn that in a few years.”
Derek scowls. “I graduate next year.”
