Page 22 of Heavy

I’ll admit, hearing her say my name has a nice ring to it. Her West Coast accent is nothing out of the ordinary, but there’s a soft quality to it. If I had to describe it, I’d say it’s like a summer breeze: light, soothing, and refreshing. It carries a warmth that lingers, even when she’s angry.

“I think you owe me an apology,” I croon, drawing my arm across the back of the sofa. My head tilts, and instinctively, hers follows suit.

It dawns on her that just moments ago she called me an asshole while I was sitting here.

“Uh, s-sorry,” she stumbles. “I had a few too many last night.”

Her hand goes to rub the back of her neck but pulls away quickly, as if reminded of something. She then scratches her head, loosening her hair from the tie, and letting it cascade down her shoulders and back. She has a lot of hair, and if someone were to ask me what the sexiest part of a woman’s body is, I’d say it’s that. It doesn’t matter the color; it’s all about the texture, thickness, and firmness.

The thought of her hair braided and wrapped around my fist jolts me, and I find myself asking more harshly than intended, “You drove drunk last night?”

She swallows hard and begins to shift away from the worktable. “It was stupid… but I fell asleep in my car for a bit… you know, to let the alcohol wear off.”

Narrowing my eyes, I wet my bottom lip. “Why are you lying?”

Her breath hitches. “I’m not! Why are you drilling me? You aren’t my father.”

“You’ve called me daddy before.” My smile widens while my dick grows just thinking about it. “Close enough.”

“Ew, no. I do not want to think about you as my dad.”

“Why not? Whatdoyou want to think of me as?” I’m getting sidetracked but teasing her is so fucking fun. She has no idea just howcruelI can be.

“My roommate. Unwilling roommate.”

I hate that word: unwilling. She had plenty of chances to leave. There’s no doubt in my mind that if she told her mother I was here, she’d help her find a studio apartment somewhere for the time being.

My tone shifts, losing its playful edge. “I know you’re fucking lying, baby girl.” I start to stand, and that’s when I hear the soft, cautious tip-toeing of her feet heading back toward the house. “And if you’re not, you need a lesson on how to get a designated driver—hey, get your ass back here!”

She’srunningfrom me. What the hell?!

9

Calista

Shit,shit,shit!

My bare feet hit the wooden porch beyond the front door as I burst into a sprint. I’m too terrified to look back. I have no idea where I’m even going but it can’t be with him.

Why does he care? Oh my god, was he awake last night when I came in? I was so out of it, the pain in my head nearly overwhelming. If I were smart, I would’ve stayed with my parents, but I didn’t want to explain anything to them. Besides, I don’t feel safe there.

Out here the only predator is Ronan, and even if it isn’t smart, he’s the bear I’d prefer over anyone else. Yet maybe I’m not that stupid, because I’m fleeing from him as if I’m prey, and he’s going to eat me alive.

I just can’t lie. He seems to see right through me, a constant reminder that I’m in way over my head.

Rushing past my car, I pump my arms as I break through the tree line.

“Calista!” I hear him call my name, but I just keep running. I don’t want to think about it; he can’t save me from this fate.

I clap a hand over my mouth, breathing heavily against it, desperate to muffle any sound. The snapping of branches and the crunch of leaves beneath me are the only noises breaking the silence, but in my ears, I hear the rush of hot liquid. It feels like I’m bleeding from them, though I know I’m not.

I glance back not seeing anything, but I haven’t gone far enough. I need to get away, figure out what to tell him, and be better at lying.

It feels like I’ve been running for ages, even though it’s only been a few minutes. I don’t hear any footsteps behind me, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t out there.

Once more I look over my shoulder, not seeing anyone pursuing me. Just as I’m about to release a sigh of relief and slow my pace, I crash into solid flesh.

“Oof,”I grunt as the impact completely knocks the breath out of me and I crash to the ground. My head jerks up and it’s not Ronan.