Hung (Under Revision)

10: Misword

Liam

I reach out to steady Skye before she tumbles into her paints. My hands grab her elbows, and I held her firmly.

This wasn't the way I wanted to tell her I'm one of those horrible rich people she seems to hate so much.

When I arrived here this morning, she was the absolute last person I expected to find in Kelso's half-finished house. The asshole can't even finish his own house on time. I'll be sure to point that out to him.

Right now, I need to figure out a way to convince Skye to leave. I know Kelso, he won't leave his hands off her for long, whether he has her consent or not. Not that any of his antics would ever make it into the newspapers; he must've spent more money in buying women's silence than he has on this house.

There's no way I'll let him lay a finger on Skye.

"Thanks," she says, looking at the floor.

I grab her chin and tilt it up to my face. Her cheeks are red and she keeps her eyes shifted down.

"Look at me."

Skye remains frozen but I don't let go of her chin. I rub my thumb over her bottom lip, in an attempt to soothe her. At last her eyes slide up my face, until they meet mine.

"I have to clean up my stuff," she says.

"Let me help."

Supplies are scattered over the floor, and I crouch to pick whatever up I can. Skye crawls on her hands and knees, gathering things. It's distracting to watch her, and it makes me want to move behind her and pull her ass against my crotch.

We set back up the table she's fastened out of a board and two folding chairs. Different paint colors now stain my right pant leg and the cuffs of both my arms. It doesn't matter, I'd rather make her feel at ease. The faster I can do that, the sooner I can convince her to get out of here.

Once we're satisfied the board is steady, we start loading it up. Skye seems to have some organization system. I pass the fallen pieces to her and she puts the item where she wants it.

"What's he paying you? I'll triple it." I say.

Her lips snarl. "No way, I'm not having you pay me off. I'm going to earn my way in life."

"Oh?"

"Yes. I'm not part of your entitled crowd. I prefer to earn my place."

"What? You think I haven't worked for everything I have?"

"No, but—"

"But what? I've worked hundred hour weeks for the past decade. Does that meet with your approval?"

"Yes, but—"

"But what? It doesn't fit with your little narrative?

"I don't know what happens to you when you put on a suit, but it sure turns you into a prick."

"It's not me who changes, it's you. I'm exactly the exact same. You, on the other hand, see what you want to see."

Skye stops what she's doing and stands, turning to face me with a small frown. "I do no such thing."

I set down her brushes and cup her cheeks. Her eyelids become heavy, half shielding her brown eyes.

"You do, I'll show you," I say. I bring my lips to hers, and she readily submits to me. Our kiss deepens and I slide one hand behind her head, working my fingers through her hair to hold her in place.

She tastes so good I could stay like this all day, but I can't risk Kelso coming in and seeing us kiss. That would only spur on any plans he has for Skye.