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“Don’t shake your head or roll your eyes. It’s time to go before you turn into a pumpkin. This guy isn’t the one, Selena. I don’t want you seeing him again.”

My mouth dropped open in disbelief at his outrageous edict.

“Why not?” I demanded.

A muscle ticked in Brody’s strong jaw.

“I just don’t like him, and he’s not worthy of dating a Sinclair.”

“Dating?” I scoffed, and the part of me that thrived on provoking this man sprang to life.

He was being controlling again, pressing my buttons, getting in my face.

“Who said anything about dating?” I continued. “Maybe I just have an itch I need a man to scratch… and since you cleared everything fun out of my room, I have no other choice.”

Oh. My. God. Had I really just said that?

My face was on fire, but I held his gaze. I wouldn’t be the first to back down.

“If you’re talking about your little toy, cheer captain, all you have to do is come to me and ask for it.”

I scoffed. “Yeah, right. I wouldn’t give you the satisfaction.”

“I’m not the one desperate for satisfaction. You are,” he reminded me.

God, he was so annoying. Goading me, refusing to let me take control over my life, refusing to let me hide from the fucking mirror he held up to me.

I let out a deep breath, trying to wrestle my emotions into shape. Yes, Brody was pissing me off, what else was new? But I’d learned enough about this man to know how to annoy him.

Defy his control.

I brought my hand up to touch his wrist. His eyes narrowed as I glided my fingers gently along his pulse point. His hold on my face relaxed, and I gently pulled his fingers away, wrapping my hand in his. God, he had good hands. Huge, and warm, his fingers slid through mine. It felt nice. Really nice.

“You’re right,” I said softly.

He moved closer, clearly believing that I was deciding to roll over and let him dictate my choices to me.

“I am the one desperate for satisfaction, and nothing to help me with it,” I continued.

I held Brody’s dark, warm gaze. Did he know he was looking at me like this? If anyone saw us, they’d think we were lovers. The thought made my skin feel too tight all over my body. It felt like there was a bubble forming around us. One of heat and tension, confusing and addictive.

“So, I guess… I’ll make sure to go and ask Nick. He’s right, we’re having such a great time. I’m sure it’s going to be a long night. Don’t wait up,” I finished.

The bubble popped. Brody frowned and stepped back, and I ducked under his arm and power walked up the corridor and out into the open space of the bar.

“Selena!” he snapped behind me, all teasing gone.

A childish sense of delight filled me at getting the last word, for once.

I reached the booth first, and Nick stood to let me in, instead of just sliding over.

I slipped into the booth and scooted along the seat just as Brody reached us.

“Everything all right, Sinclair?” Asher asked, watching Brody’s face with interest.

Brody shoved a hand through his dark waves.

He looked… different than usual. He was pissed off, yes, for sure. But there was something more there. Something I hadn’t seen from him before.