Forbidden Attraction

18. Deal

Amelia's POV:

"Who are you, and why did you do this?" he asked, his voice firm, like a hammer striking an anvil.

I took a deep breath, fully aware that this was my moment to explain. "Well, my parents decided homeschooling was best because of their enemies. I've literally never been out until now; this is my first real adventure," I admitted, and explained him the whole thing.

"A spy," he said, a smirk playing on his lips as he took my answer in. "How charming."

"Yeah, a spy who's never left her house. Real impressive, right?" I shot back, crossing my arms defensively.

"Which school did you attend?" he pressed, leaning closer, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that felt almost predatory.

"Home-schooled," I said, my cheeks flushing. "Never had the chance to experience normal life—this is literally my first outing."

His eyebrow arched. "That explains a lot about why you're so... unique."

"Unique good or unique bad?" I asked, unable to resist the urge to challenge him.

"Let's say you're an acquired taste," he replied, the amusement gone from his voice. "So, what's your plan now that you're out in the big, bad world?"

I hesitated, weighing my words. "Honestly? I'm just trying to figure it all out. No grand schemes here."

"Are you using Heath for this task?" he asked, his tone turning icy.

"NO! I genuinely like him," I replied, irritation bubbling up.

His face darkened instantly, and his eyes narrowed. "Why Heath? He's just a pretty face with zero substance. You could do better."

"Why not?" I shot back, defiance in my voice. "He's charming and... and he treats me like a princess."

"Princess? Hardly," he scoffed, his gaze hardening. "You really think he's mature enough to handle anything serious? The boy's a child in a man's body."

"Excuse me?" I retorted, my anger flaring. "At least he's not condescending like someone I know."

"Let's be honest, Amelia. You'd be better off with someone who can teach you about the real world, not a naive little boy playing dress-up," he countered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Are you seriously that desperate?"

"I know enough!" I exclaimed, trying to sound confident, even as his gaze lingered on my lips, then my chest.

"Do you?" he murmured, his voice low and laced with sarcasm. "Because from where I stand, it seems like you're in over your head."

"What? You think you know better than me?" I shot back, my heart racing.

"I know Heath needs a lot of lessons," he muttered under his breath, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"What did you say?" I snapped, making sure I heard him right.

His gaze was unyielding as he stared me down, those piercing eyes catching every movement I made. "I said you should rethink your choice in friends. They can't protect you from what's out there, and neither can you."

"Right, because you're the shining knight who's going to save me?" I challenged, sarcasm dripping from my words. "Please."

"Someone has to look out for you, especially if you're too blinded by the glitter of a boy who doesn't even know how to handle his own emotions," he replied, leaning closer, making my heart race even more. "But I guess that's what makes you special—your ability to ignore the obvious."