Page 81 of Merciless Obsession

“You can do that. I prefer not to deal with people if I don’t have to.”

We stuck around talking a little longer before everyone prepared to leave. Cashlynn, Nazai, and Lucas were still down in the basement. “You know, Emmet, I know you’re a busy guy with all your hacking and investigating people, but what do you do for fun?” Inaya asked as we walked up the steps.

“I like to fish,” he commented.

“Fishing? Really? I would have never guessed. You know I’ve never been fishing before, maybe you can take me sometime. Do you have a boat?”

Emmet glanced at her but said nothing.

“He does. C’mon, baby bro, it’s rude to leave a lady hanging,” Ezra said.

“Fishing is for me to clear my head and think in peace. I don’t like having people with me because it messes with my concentration.”

“Mhm.” Inaya poked her bottom lip out. “You’re no fun, you know that?”

We got to the top of the steps and Emmet turned to face my friend. “I’m sure what you consider to be fun and what I consider to be fun are two different funs, Shortcake.”

“Shortcake?” A sly smile slid onto Inaya’s face. “We have pet names now.” She wagged her brows.

Emmet blinked at her blankly. My lips tucked into my mouth to fight back a smile.

“Your friend has my brother completely out of his element,” Ezra whispered, leaning into me. “Most girls are intimidated by him because he’s not much of a talker but not Inaya.”

“That’s my friend for you. Never the one to back down.”

“Mhm, that’s something the two of us have in common. Never the one to back down. Going after what we want until we wear them down.” His lips brushed against my flesh as he spoke. My skin prickled. “I admire her dedication, sometimes you have to apply pressure until you weigh a person down and they let you in.”

“Or you can just take the hint and move on.” He chuckled lowly in a husky timbre. My stomach fluttered.

“Not my style, Bumblebee. You should know that by now. I hunt until I conquer and succeed. From the looks of it, your friend has the same intent.” His teeth nipped my earlobe as his arm wrapped around my waist and his hand gently stroked my stomach. “Come to my house tonight. Let’s have some fun.”

“Can’t tonight.”

“Why?”

“Busy.” I had work to finish. Work I had been putting off this week. I needed to work on updating my app and looking intosome things submitted toShadows of Silver Stoneso I could update my site.

“You work too much. I’ve never seen you take time for yourself.” My eyes cut into slits and I turned to face him.

I bounced my eyes around and pushed a puff of air out. Not bothering to respond, I turned and faced my friend and Emmet.

“C’mon, Naya. Let’s go.” I stalked off.

Everyone kept telling me I needed to start enjoying myself. I didn’t have enough fun, but people didn’t realize my whole life was spent taking care of my sister and I failed her while she was alive. I couldn’t fail her in death too.

“Hey, Ziora!” Inaya called out.

Ignoring her, I continued out the door. I was starting to feel overwhelmed. I was missing things I never would have before. Things kept coming up that gave me more questions than answers. My temples throbbed.

Once outside, I headed for my car.

“Hey, hold on.” Inaya grabbed my arm. “What’s wrong? What’s going on?”

“Nothing, I just need to get home. I have things to take care of.” I looked around the wooded area.

The brothers came out after us. I watched them separate and was surprised when Emmet went to the motorcycle. He didn’t seem like the type.

Ezra’s eyes searched until landing on me. He was about to head my way until the doors opened and Lucas called for him. “Ezra!”