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“I like the sound of my weird new name on your pretty lips,” I tell her.
“My question? Answer it,” my little bird demands.
I sigh dramatically. “Who are you talking to?”
She sighs right back. “Nox, answer my question.”
"That’s better. I'm here for you," I shrug. "Isn't that obvious?"
"But I have a life of my own now," she goes on. "You can't just waltz in and not expect me to be scared... I know what you did. I know what you did to June and Kade."
"Don't fucking say their names," I hiss, losing control for a split second. I clear my throat and run my fingers through my hair. I abandoned my brother's undercut years ago. Now I wear my hair the way I like – a little messy, dark as ever, and permanently in need of a fucking haircut. "I don't want their names on your lips, Dove. We don't talk about them. Not now, not fucking ever."
"Fine," she hisses, obviously upset by how defensive I've gotten. "But you still can't be here. If Kade and – if they knew, they'd drag you away from here. Away from me."
I know she’s right, but I’m not going to acknowledge it. There was no way my prick brother was getting between us. He'd already ruined my life once, I wasn't going to let him get the best thing that ever happened to me – Dove Canterbury.
"Don't worry about them," I mutter. "They don't matter at fucking all. I'm here for you, Dove. Because we belong together."
"You're fucking delusional." She runs her hand through her hair, obviously frustrated with me. "God, you're really making me crazy."
I don't tell her how crazy I've been for her all these years. That I've spent months, years, tailing her, taking the same streets, following her around the city until I had all her movements down pat. I know everything about her and have for years. And yet Dove is just now coming to terms with the fact that I'm back in her life.
"I'm not leaving," I tell her. "You can't get rid of me now. You had your chance to call the cops, tell them I'm here, and you didn't take it. So now you'll just have to deal with me being around."
"I could still do it." Her eyes bore into mine with defiance. "The moment you leave, I'll call them to tell them about you."
"Sure you will," I smirk at her, stepping closer and grabbing her by the wrist. "We both know you're a terrible fucking liar, Dove. So why don't you just shut the fuck up and do as you're told. It'll make matters a lot easier for both of us."
She's putty in my hands and we both know it. For whatever reason, her body hasn't forgotten its obsession with me. Her bones, her marrow, her skin, still recalls my phantom touch, and she's now shivering in anticipation of more abuse, teetering on the edge and hoping I'll push her right the fuck over.
"You still want me to leave?" I grind out. "You want me out of your life? You never want to see me again? Say it. I fucking dare you."
"Fuck you, Parker," she spits out. My free hand moves to her throat, lighting fast. I hold her in place, roughly enough to tell her this is her place.
"It's Nox. You make that mistake again, I'll make you fucking pay for it. Got that?" I squeeze my fingers in warning. "Answer me."
"Y-Yes," she manages. "God, I got it! I'm sorry!"
"Damn right you are." I let go of her. She heaves a deep breath, glaring at me as I easily take a step back. "Aren't you gonna give me a tour of your place?"
"No," she says. "Because I want you out of here. Now."
"Oh, you're not getting rid of me. Why don't you tell me about your little boyfriend, then. What was it, Raphaello or something ridiculous? Like the candy?"
"Raphael," she hisses. "You've got no business asking about him, Nox."
"I'll make it my fucking business. You two serious?" She gives a non-committal shrug, making me approach her. Dove shrinks away as if she's scared I'll hurt her again. "I asked you if you're serious. Unless you want more pretty scars added to your face, I suggest you answer properly. A shrug isn't an answer, Dove."
"We just started seeing each other."
"Oh, how precious." I smirk at her. "Young love. How is he in bed? You fooling yourself into thinking anyone will be as good as me?"
"Fuck you."
"You keep saying that. I guess you really fucking want it."
She groans. "Look, it's getting late. Can you please just leave me alone? I'm tired and I want you to leave."
"I'm staying here tonight."
Her eyes widen. "Excuse me? You can't just –"
"What are you going to do?" My grin is wide as I face her. "Call your boyfriend?"
