Page 194 of Lessons in Cruelty

I mean, my life still sucks, but at least I have my health.

And someone who cares about me enough to give me nice things.

Movement catches my eye. Bastian must spot Milo headed our way at the same time I do. He lets go of my hand, and I slip it into my lap, bowing my head as I fight a furious blush.

“Need anything else over here?” Milo asks.

“No thank you.” Bastian gives him a small nod. “Your food is exceptional.”

“I know,” Milo says, then smiles faintly as he turns to me. “Good seeing you again, Haven. Don’t be a stranger.”

I peek at him through my lashes, nodding, and he frowns at me before shaking his head and walking away.

“He likes you.” He says it as if he’s deciding whether Milo’s a problem that needs solving or not.

I throw Bastian a glare. “So?”

Bastian chuckles, but his eyes are dark as he tips his head back to drain the last of his beer. “Christ, don’t sound so defensive. It was merely an observation.”

“I wasn’t being—“ I cut off when I hear how defensive I sound.

“I’ll walk you back,” Bastian says, standing.

I’m hoping he’ll take hold of my arm, or caress the small of my back again, but he keeps a careful distance between us. Guess our talk did exactly what I needed it too.

Setting boundaries.

So why am I so pissed off that he doesn’t touch me again?

He waits for me to unlock the Land Rover’s door and then holds it open for me as I get in. “Straight back to Greek row with you,” he says, lifting his eyebrows as he starts to close the door. “You have a lot of catching up to do before next week.”

I bristle at the command in his voice, but somehow still sound defensive. “I’m all caught up.”

“Really?” He arches an eyebrow. “Ah, let me guess. You and your girlfriends are going shopping this weekend.” He shrugs. “I suppose I can allow it.”

I scoff. “Shopping?”

With what friends, Bastian?

With what fucking money, Bastian?

“You mean you’re not joining the swarm of college girls chewing through our fine state’s outlet malls and boutiques this weekend to hunt out something wholly inappropriate for the Rain Dance next week?” He chuckles. “I thought it was tradition by now.”

“I’m not going.”

“I’m impressed.” He curls his fingers over the top of the door, leaning against the edge. We’re too close again. His scent enveloping me, his eyes too beautiful to look away from. “Choosing your studies over some frivolous spending. Looks like I’m turning you into a better human, after all.”

“I’m not going to the dance,” I splutter.

There’s a bemused smile on his mouth. “Thought you girls couldn’t wait to put on your pretty dresses and parade around like—“ He cuts off, mouth tightening.

I swing my legs out of the car, leaning in even closer. “Were you going to say grown-ups?”

His hands tighten on the top of the car door as he looks away to chuckle. “Christ, I just keep fucking this up.”

…this…

That word releases a cloud of frantic butterflies into my gut.