Page 156 of Ruthless Court

“Cheap, even for you.”

I reach for the door.

His hand closes around my wrist, then releases the instant I look down.

“Hannah.”

I face him.

“I wanted to kiss you between the shelves.”

The bluntness catches me.

He continues before I recover.

“I wanted to kiss you in that parking lot before I knew you were Bookworm. I wanted it tonight when you stood behind me correcting my shoulder. The coaching didn’t create this.”

“That proves you’re impulsive.”

“It proves I wanted you before I knew you could help me.”

“Or you want me to believe that.”

Frustration cuts across his face.

“Why is it so difficult for you to accept that I’m attracted to you?”

I stare at him.

He sounds serious.

That does not make him safe.

“Because men like you don’t suddenly want women like me unless there’s something in it for them.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means I’ve met athletes before.”

“I’m not every athlete you’ve met.”

“You’re arrogant, suspicious, and accustomed to people handing you what you want.”

“And you’re determined to turn everything I do into evidence against me.”

“I won’t be used.”

The words come out sharper than intended.

Silence fills the car.

Kane studies my face.

Not my glasses.

Not my mouth.

Me.