Breaking Resistance

Chapter 12

I look at Kain, anger swirling in his eyes as I try and find my composure once again.

"So tell me then... why would it be a problem if the man was touching me?"
I knew I was playing around a dangerous line here.
But I couldn't help myself.

"Drea you always have to be so fucking-"
"Answer the question." I cut him off, surprising myself even.

"I won't stand for some grimy idiot putting his hands all over you." He huffs out

I raise a brow at him, leaning forward.
"You don't get to make that call for me Kain. I'm living in your house but don't forget, I'm not yours."

He leans back a moment, closing his eyes as he lets out a malicious laugh.
"Believe me Drea. You've made it abundantly fucking clear you want nothing to do with me."

I watch as he steps back, turning to leave me there sitting on the kitchen counter.
I wanted to scream at him. Do anything to make him turn back around and face me again.
But I kept quiet.

It took me a while before I could finally think straight and head to bed myself.
Been a long fucking night hasn't it?

Given that, it should have been easy for me to fall asleep, but it wasn't.
I couldn't turn my mind off.
Just kept replaying everything that happened.

I could nearly see the sun coming up when my body finally tapped out from exhaustion.

•••

I woke up around noon the next day, still feeling exhausted.
This felt so much worse than a hangover.

I force myself out of bed and into the shower, hoping the water would wash away whatever the hell last night was.
I still can't fucking believe him.
He had no right to be upset with me dancing with another man.

Kain needed to get over this protective guard dog thing and fast.

I made my way downstairs, in desperate need of some water and something to eat.
I didn't even drink that much last night but this pit in my stomach that wouldn't go away.

As I was walking I heard noises coming from a room downstairs, and my curiosity got the best of me.
I peaked inside and saw Kain repeatedly punching a bag hanging from the ceiling.
It swung around with each hit he was dealing out, sweat dripping down his bare chest.
Walk away.

I hesitate for a moment and his eyes flick up to mine.
Fuck.
But he just goes back to his workout.
No arrogant smirk.
No stupid comment.
Nothing.

I back away before he can change his mind, running off to the kitchen.
I hear him come in a few minutes later as I pour myself a bowl of cereal, the silence fueling a sort of tension between us.

He looks over at me for a moment, his eyes going over me with just a glance before moving to get some food for himself.
Why isn't he saying anything?
No teasing, no sarcasm, no calling me that stupid nickname...

"I didn't even know there was a gym in here. Shouldn't be surprised, you have to build that ego of yours somewhere." I tease, needing the silence to be over.
It didn't feel right.

"Hm, use it of you want" he shrugs, not even looking at me.
Are you kidding me?
"That's all? Really?" I move a few steps closer but still keep enough distance between us.
"Guess so." He replies, walking away.

God he's acting so petty.
I know he was annoyed last night but this is too much.
He doesn't need to act like I'm not even here.

If anything I should be the one that's pissed off.
He can't go around like he did last night acting like he can control what I do.
Who I get with.
You know what- fuck him.

The rest of the day was quiet.
And I kept telling myself it was a good thing.
I didn't have to deal with his arrogant ass anymore.
But it only made my anger grow.

My phone buzzed, finally snapping me out of my head:
Carter: Hey, a few of us are getting together to study for Tuesday's exam if you want to come

Fuck- I nearly forgot about it.
I should have started preparing days ago.

I quickly text back that I'll be there and Carter sends me the place they're meeting.
God knows I needed some time out of this house anyways.

I walked into the coffee shop, spotting Carter and two of my other classmates in a booth.
"Drea- here, come sit." Carter tells me with a smile, moving over so I can sit beside him.

We spend the next few hours going over lecture notes, the textbook, flashcards, everything you could think of.
The other two ended up having to leave but I decided to stay a while longer with Carter.

He was actually really sweet and smart too, he stayed late and helped explain anything I was still confused on.
I could tell he was flirting with me at some points too and it felt good.
But he was so polite, he'd never make a move.

We ended up staying and studying for a while longer, talking until the sun began to set and one of the employees came to tell us they were closing.

Like the sweet guy he is, he walked me out to my car,
"This was really fun. Sorry it got cut off early, but we can continue studying another time if you want." He smiles at me, running a hand through his blonde hair.

And then an idea comes to me.

"Hey Carter... you know, if you're not doing anything you could come back to my place and we could study a bit more."
I bat my eyelashes at him, flashing him a smile as I wait for him to answer.

This was going to be fun...