20 Days In His Bedroom

Chapter Twenty eight

"Not today," I hear him say as I open my eyes.

Kyle's standing at the door, speaking to a girl I instantly recognize—the same one I saw in his bed that night. My heart sinks. He really is a jerk. A big one.

"But I want you today," she insists, her hands on her hips, her voice tight.

"And I said no," he replies coolly.

"Why? Because of her?"

Wait—what?

"Who?"

"You know damn well who. The girl in your bed." Her voice cracks, growing louder. "I always knew you were lying. You said she was your sister. God, I should've known better."

"What are you talking about? I didn't sleep with her."

Wow. Is that how he talks about me?

"You're lying. She's in your bed. You've changed since she showed up, Kyle."

"So what if I have?"

"Yes, I'm a stripper. I know who I am. But this—this is the first time someone's broken me by simply not wanting me anymore. I loved you." Her voice breaks. Then she runs.

Kyle slams the door and lets out a long breath. "What a day."

"Morning," I say quietly.

His eyes widen in surprise. "You're awake?"

"Yeah. She woke me up."

"You heard that?"

"Enough." I sit up.

"I... it's not what it seemed."

"It's none of my business," I say. "But you should've gone after her."

"You think I owe her something?"

"You hurt her."

"I didn't make her fall for me."

"You don't get to choose who loves you."

"So I'm not lovable?"

"Exactly," I lie.

He raises an eyebrow. "Maybe."

"She probably hates you now."

"You can stop talking about her," he snaps.

"No. Especially in front of you."

"You're pushing it."

"Call it what you want."

"Who taught you to talk like that?"

"You did."

"Me?"

"Yeah. The way I act depends on you. Push me far enough and I become someone else."

"So you're threatening me now?"

"Maybe."

I stand up to head to the bathroom, but he blocks my way.

"You don't know me."

"I want to."

He looks at me, his expression unreadable.

"I want to see the real you," I say. "Not the guy who saves drowning girls. The one with the black heart."

He smirks. "Don't make me regret that rescue."

"Move."

"Nah."

"And?"

"I just want to stare into your eyes."

I blink. "I'm not here to be stared at."

"You're just for me," he says softly.

I hate that my heart skips a beat.

"Kyle, stop. I need time. I'm overwhelmed. I need to think."

"In the bathroom?"

"If that's what it takes."

"You can think with me."

"I'll tell you what I'm thinking on one condition."

"What is it?"

"What were you going to ask me yesterday?"

He smirks. "Clever little thing."

"Say it."

"No."

"You forgot?"

"No. I didn't."

"Then why not?"

"Because it doesn't matter anymore."

"Fine. Then I won't tell you anything either."

He scoffs. "Silly."

He turns away. I tap his back.

"Let me go."

"Go where?"

"To the bathroom."

"It's occupied."

"What?!"

"She came back and locked herself in. Why else would I be standing here?"

"Are you kidding me?"

"Never more serious."

"What the hell—"

He suddenly covers my mouth. I flinch.

"It's fine," I say, pulling his hand away. His breath is so close.

"Twyla."

"Yes... honey." The word slips out before I can stop it. He looks surprised. So do I.

"Let me go."

"Beg me."

"Never."

"Okay. Then let's see who wins."

"You will."

"For a..."

I pause.

"A kiss," he finishes.

"A what?"

"You heard me. A kiss."

"You're dreaming."

"This is my final offer. Take it or leave it."