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by Jennifer Hartmann

She released a hiss into my ear when I caged her legs in with mine. “Damn you,” she cursed, on the verge of giving up. “Let me go.” “Make me,” I taunted. “I’m done. I quit.” “Not a fucking chance,” I gritted out. “C’mon, Halley, harness your anger. Stay mad. Use it against me⁠—” “I am mad,” she spit back, voice muffled by my shoulder. “I’m mad at you.” “You were thanking me earlier. Cooking for me, hugging me. You didn’t seem mad.” “I’m both,” she countered hotly. “You’re mixing me all up inside. I don’t know whether to hug you, strangle you, or kiss you.” A shot of heat swam through me. “Yeah?” “Yes.” She grunted, her legs linking around me again as she used her hips to try and swing me onto my back. “I hate the way you look at me like I’m a burden.” “You are.” I was dousing her rekindled flame in lighter fluid because she was stronger when she was pissed off and throwing fury in my face. “You’ve been nothing but a burden since I laid eyes on you.” Another growl.