Twisted Hate (Twisted, #3)

by Ana Huang

“He tried to mug me,” she said matter-of-factly. Beanie glared at her resentfully but was smart enough to keep his mouth shut. I pinched my temple, hoping it would jolt me out of whatever alternate reality I’d stepped into. Nope. Still fucking here. “And I assume that’s his gun?” I was somehow not surprised Jules had turned the tables on her would-be mugger. If she got kidnapped, the kidnapper would probably return her within the hour due to sheer irritation.

he could respond and went straight

You’re a scared little girl who chases highs to run from your demons, never caring about the destruction you leave in your wake. Classic fucking Jules Ambrose.”

I wasn’t sure where I ended and he began.

“Get on your hands and knees.”

“Make me.”

“You’re my personal hell, Red.” He gave my hair another sharp tug. “And God help me, I don’t want to fucking leave.”

“Am I interrupting something?”

He wasn’t my friend, but he was a pillar of stability in a world that had suddenly flipped on its axis.

“Glad to see you’re feeling better, Red. Missed that poisonous tongue of yours.”

I was so used to fighting my own battles I wasn’t sure how to handle having someone by my side.

My heart jumped into my throat when he covered my hand with his and twined our fingers together. He squeezed, that one action saying more than words ever could.

I still hadn’t washed the one I’d lent her after Hyacinth.

“It’s easy being with her,” he said after a long moment. “She understands me in a way no one else does, even if our worldviews are fundamentally different. When I’m not with her, I wish she were there. When I am with her, I want that moment to last forever. She makes me want to be a better person, and when I think about a world where she doesn’t exist…” His jaw flexed. “I want to burn every inch of it to the ground.”

My chin wobbled when Josh closed in enough for his body heat to envelop me. “Are you okay?” he asked quietly. He cupped the back of my neck and rubbed small circles with his thumb. Pressure ballooned in my chest at his touch. “Yep.” “Jules, look at me.” I pressed my lips together and shook my head, afraid doing so would destroy the flimsy dam holding my tears back. “Jules.” Josh stepped in front of me and grasped my chin between his thumb and forefinger. He tilted it up, forcing me to meet his eyes. Visible concern eroded his granite mask. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing. I’m tired and I want to sleep, so just yell at me like you always do and get it over with.” Surprise coasted through his eyes. “What are you talking about?” I rubbed my arms, wishing I’d worn something more substantial than my green silk minidress. “Tonight. Ava got arrested because of me, I’m a bad influence, etc. I’m familiar with the script by now. You’ve never thought I was good enough.” A muscle ticked along the line of his strong jaw. “I never said that.” “But you were thinking it.” Josh dropped his hand and rubbed it over his face. “I’ll admit, when I received Ava’s call, I was pissed that you guys had gotten into trouble again, but more than that, I was worried. Not only about her…” His voice dropped. “But also about you.” “Why?” “Why what?” “Why do you care?” Silence hummed in the space between us, so taut it threatened to snap at any second. Josh’s Adam’s apple bobbed with the force of his swallow, but...

“Do you have a favorite book?” I wanted to know everything about Jules. What she liked, what she hated, what books she read and what music she listened to. Every crumb of information I could get to fill my insatiable need for her.

B3, S4, #10. “Is this a bookstore scavenger hunt?” I bounced on my feet, unable to contain my delight. “Scavenger hunt and puzzle.” Josh’s cheek dimpled. “Have to make sure your brainpower meets my standards, Red. I don’t date dummies.” “Understandable. Someone has to be the brains in the relationship.” Josh’s soft laugh settled inside me. “Solve the clue before you get cocky, sweetheart. There’s a prize waiting for you if you do.” I perked up. I loved prizes. I had a whole box of certificates, trophies, and medals I won in high school and college. “What is it?” “You’ll find out. Or maybe not.” He shrugged. “Let’s see.” My skin buzzed from both our exchange and the thrill of the hunt, but I tamped down my desire to continue our verbal sparring session and refocused on the clue. Your favorite food, but you have to make it obviously referred to an Italian cookbook. As for B3 S4 #10…my brain scrambled to untangle its meaning. It was a scavenger hunt, so the clue likely led to a specific cookbook. All the books were organized in alphabetical order by the author’s last name, so what could the numbers stand for? I scanned the bookcases, trying— My attention jerked back to a sign printed with the number one. It was displayed on the side of the nearest bookcase. The books weren’t numbered, but the bookcases were, and every bookcase comprised of multiple shelves. Bookcase, shelf. B3 S4. Cookbook section, bookcase three, shelf four…#10. Tenth book on the shelf? It was worth a try. M...

Jules, will you go out with me?

“Keep saying things like that, and I might never let you go.”

I couldn’t put myself in a situation to be used or manipulated again.

Say the word, and I’ll be on my knees.”