Page 205 of The Curse Trilogy

Damn it. He looks so fucking good right now.

His dark hair is tousled with a sexy, messy edge, and his perfect lips are turned up in a smile as he holds onto his check-in screen. His deep blue shirt showcases his hybrid eyes, and his loose tie begs to tie me up.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

I glance in the mirror hanging in the hallway to check my eyes for dilated pupils. I’m almost disappointed when I see they’re normal. I can’t blame the fucking savage in me for having these ridiculous feelings for the man who loves inflicting pain on my heart.

“I’m sure I can talk to the commander about getting the schools installed with the new equipment if you so desire,” Hale chirps to the taller man.

“That would be excellent. My captain at our compound said as long as I handled the legwork, he would sign off on it. I think what you’ve done for the hybrids is amazing. They say you’re asking all participants to hang a dedication plaque,” the tall man says.

“I am actually. I think the hybrid children should have inspiration, so I think every improved school should name someone who they feel is a good example for the children. Preferably another hybrid who has a story worth hearing, and a tale that lifts the kids high enough to feel like it’s okay to hope,” Hale utters, and tears start to fill up in my eyes.

His passion for this project has been my weakest point. How can a man say he’s incapable of love if he’s so determined to make a better world for the children of our kind? It just doesn’t make sense.

“I think that’s a very good idea, and I have someone in mind. Who did you engrave your dedication to?” the man pries.

“Araya Crush,” Hale murmurs softly, and now the tears roll freely down my face.

How did I not know that? Why would he do that? He’s so fucking incredible and maddening all at once.

“I should have known that. The stories you’ve shared of her bravery should be told to every hybrid. I’m surprised to see you standing alone. I had heard the two of you reconciled.”

“We did, but-”

Hale stops when he sees me, and I quickly wipe away the escaped tears the moment he does. The men hovering around him stifle a grin, and then they scurry off to leave Hale alone with me as I slowly approach. He doesn’t move, but he smiles lightly the closer I get.

“Captain Banner,” I murmur softly.

“Ms. Crush,” he sizzles out, and his fucking eyes are daring me to come closer.

If I could scream at the top of my lungs without drawing attention, I would do it right now. I would pray it was cathartic enough to give me some reprieve, and then I would collapse and sleep for days.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just need to check in.”

He smirks mildly, and then he taps something on his portable screen before lowering it back down.

“You’re officially checked in, Ms. Crush,” he smolders, and then another guy rushes over to put his name in.

“Thank you, Captain,” I mumble as I start to walk away, and I can feel his eyes burning against my back.

His mind-fucking games are growing old. I can’t tell from one day to the next how he’s going to act, and I pray they’re going to split everyone up for this new hybrid task. Please keep Hale the hell away from me.

I start to turn the next corner to head down to the lab, but the sight of a familiarly cold, unwelcoming, cruel face sends me sprinting backwards on my heel before turning to dash back to Hale.

“Ms. Crush?” he muses as I cower behind him.

I grip the back of his shirt when I see Miles walking with intent toward us, and I quickly jiggle Hale’s door to see it’s locked. In my frenzied state, my gift would rip this door apart if I tried using it. I start panicking, and then a man stops him to talk to him which gives me the break I need.

“Open your door, please,” I plead in a whisper.

He chuckles lightly, and then shakes his head.

“I don’t feel that would be very appropriate, Ms. Crush,” he retorts.

“Cut the crap, Hale. Open the damn door,” I scold while keeping my whispered tone.

He snickers under his breath while handing me his key behind his back, and I dart inside his room. The door shuts gently, and I hear Hale prop back up against it just before I hear Miles speaking.