Page 66 of Between Steel and Secrets
I have to say it so I can compel myself not to fall for Bristol and her vixen ways.
“I hate you too,” she says, but she doesn’t sound convincing. “We can hate fuck.” Bristol grins at me as she lies back on the bed. “I’ll wear whatever you want. Even my ex-boyfriend’s t-shirt,” she gestures to the shirt she’s in, “if that gets you off.”
I toss my head back and stare up at the ceiling.
Perhaps I should have left well enough alone. Let her take the bus home and gone back with the team.
Because Bristol, at this rate, will have me murdered by her father if he gets wind of any of this. Even if I don’t sleep with her, this whole scenario could get me sanctioned and kicked off the team.
“I should go.” I stumble back toward the door.
“Wait!” Bristol’s eyes widen, and she sits up in bed. “You’re actually going to leave me like this?” Her face flushes with what I can only assume is embarrassment.
I stand with the door to my back, just inches from escape.
“Of course, you hate me.” She’s spiraling. “You’ve always hated me and I stupidly throw myself at you because that’s what I do when I like someone.” She slams her eyes shut and is berating herself.
Sighing, I step forward toward the bed and grab her desk chair, pulling it over to sit beside her. “You’ve been drinking, Bristol. Nothing can happen until you’re sober. When you can actually give consent. Right now, it would be me taking advantage of you.”
Her brow pinches.
“I’m not drunk.”
“You’re not sober, either,” I counter. I’d bet she’s more than just a little tipsy, with the way she was throwing those panties at me, but I’ll let it slide. “How about you lie back down, close your eyes, and get some sleep? I’ll stay until you fall asleep.”
“I’m not tired.”
Me neither, not when Bristol is throwing herself at me.
Even if I wanted to fuck her, tonight is not the night.
“Then talk to me until you fall asleep.”
She grumbles and lies back down, resting her head on the pillow. Bristol shifts onto her side, pulling the blankets up but staring at me. “Talk about what?” She fights a yawn, just like Zeke would when Luca tells him it’s bedtime.
“You did good tonight singing, dancing up on stage. No fainting,” I say, a bit surprised she managed to last an entire night without an episode.
“Yeah,” she nods slowly, “I’m on medicine now.” Bristol yawns. “Ariella’s doctor was amazing. I mean, after she ran a bazillion different tests and practically tortured me as part of her practicing medicine.”
“Amazing, huh?” I stare down at Bristol. “I think you and I have different definitions of amazing. Not that the sound of Bristol Greyson being tortured is terrible.” I crack a grin, and she snarls at me and shows her fist.
I grab it, keeping her from landing a blow on me. “You’re a jerk.”
“I know. I thought we already established that you love to hate me.”
Bristol rolls onto her back. “You might be onto something.” Her eyes flutter closed.
“Are you going to tell me about that medical condition?” I ask curiously.
“Buzz off.” She throws up her middle finger at me before ignoring me and drifting off to sleep.
I stay through the night, wanting to be there if she has a problem.
I fall asleep uncomfortably on the chair.
“Liam?” Bristol’s voice rattles me awake.
My eyes flash open and the crick in my neck is unbearable. It’s also still dark outside.
