“No, you are not!” When she pushed at his chest to get him to move, he didn’t even budge. Instead, Nero thrust his body closer to her, pinning her body to his. He took her chin in his hand to make sure she saw his face. His look became hungry again, as though the wolf had returned.
“That shit has the opposite effect on me, Elle, so be careful the next time your temper comes out.” Nero took a deep breath in and out. “Go to work on your bus. Enjoy it, though, because it won’t last much longer.”
Elle tried to open her mouth to speak, but he wouldn’t let a word come out.
“I will be here tomorrow morning to drive you to school. If your ass gets on the bus, there will be repercussions. I dare you to ride the bus tomorrow because, either way, I’ll win.” His grin was almost deadly.
“Just because you think you’re the big bad wolf, I should do as you say? Well, it doesn’t work that way with me.”
Nero blinked a few times. He clearly looked confused. “The big bad wolf?”
“Yes, that’s what you remind me of—a wolf,” Elle said it matter-of-factly.
Nero shook his head. “Elle, lay off the movies a little.”
“No. Can I go now?”
Nero smiled. “Sure, if you give me a kiss goodbye.”
“So, if I kiss you, I can go?”
Nero smiled wider. “Yep.”
“Promise?”
When Nero nodded, Elle rose up on her toes. She put her mouth close to his. Right when she went in, she moved her face slightly and gave him a peck on the cheek. Elle returned to her heels, laughing.
“That doesn’t count.”
Elle, still laughing, said, “Yes it does. You said I could leave if I kiss you. It’s your fault you didn’t say where. You promised.” She knew she had him. He had promised.
“You’re right. I keep my promises, Elle. Just remember that.” Nero removed his hand from the car door to let her pass. “Don’t forget to text me your schedule. Actually, let’s make it a picture of your schedule,” he said, smiling.
Elle had really had enough. She walked past him, holding up her hand and pointing at it with the other. “Actually, go rub some dirt on it.”
Nero laughed, shutting the door to lean on his car. “Seven-thirty, Elle. I’ll be right here.” Nero leaned there, watching Elle run up to her house.
There was an upside to her running from him. The view was great.
Chapter Eleven
The Big Bad Wolf Wanted a Taste
When Elle was finally able to shut the door, closing Nero out, she let out her breath.
“Elle, who is the cute boy? You didn’t tell me you had a boyfriend.”
Elle turned around, becoming embarrassed at seeing her mother looking out the window.
“He’s not my boyfriend.”
“Oh, sweetie, you can tell me. He is handsome. You should bring him over for dinner.”
Elle rubbed her temples. “Mom, he is not my boyfriend. He just gave me a ride home.”
“Why didn’t Chloe give you a ride home?” Elle’s father asked. She hadn’t seen him when she’d first come in.
Elle thought quickly. “Her car wouldn’t start.” She was good at the lies now.
“Your mother’s right; bring him over for dinner. I’d like to meet him.” Her father rolled off into the kitchen.
This day is getting better and better. From behind her mother, Elle saw Josh appear, who was also looking out the window.
“What’s his name?” Josh asked quizzically.
“Uh, Nero.” She didn’t know why he wanted to know.
Josh started running around the living room, yelling, “Elle and Nero, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes—”
Elle started walking to her bedroom the moment he started singing. She slammed the door, shutting him out. Better and better.
She jumped on her bed, deciding to rest a second before she had to get ready for work.
She picked up her phone, staring at it, deciding to call Chloe. After a few rings, Chloe answered. “Hey,” she quietly said.
“Did you tell your dad?”
“No. No point. I told Lana and she said her husband will take care of it for me.”
Lana was her housekeeper and had been for years. She was practically Chloe’s only parent. Chloe could tell her things she needed and Lana would help her out.
“That’s good.”
“Lana will be driving me till I get my car back, so…” Chloe didn’t want to say it.
“That’s okay. Nero said he would give me a ride tomorrow morning, and I always have the bus.”
“Oh, really? Tell me how the car ride home was.” Chloe’s voice hinted at a smile.
“Fine.”