God of Wrath (Legacy of Gods #3) by Rina Kent

He still shut me down the moment I started to probe, but he at least stayed. And last night, we slept flesh-to-flesh.

I think that was because he needed to have access to me the next morning, but that’s not important.

The fact that he’s letting me in is.

Despite not wanting to get tangled in his web, I most certainly am. At the moment, I can’t find a way out—and I’m not sure I want to.

I meant it when I said that I plan to get to know him, because I do. Not only do I feel completely safe around him—despite his warnings not to—but I also like myself when I’m with him.

I’m more open about what I enjoy sexually and I even get to be my nerdy self and talk about my mangas and studies without sensing that he’s getting bored.

In fact, he listens attentively, as if everything I say is important, and I don’t think he realizes that, because I’m a little nervous around him, I resort to talking in order to expel that energy.

I also appreciate how he never judges me about anything. Hell, he even buys me mangas, comfort clothes, and my favorite tea—while calling me a stereotypical English who loves their tea.

I appreciate the ease in his expression when he sees me and the softness in his voice when he says, “Sleep. I’m not going anywhere.”

Those small moments of warmth, the cracks in his cold exterior, are what make me hold out hope for more.

But, on the other hand, I’m not sure if more is what I should want from someone like Jeremy.

“Cecily!” Annika waves a hand in front of my face, and this time, I really do snap out of it.

Or try to.

Anni and I are at a local coffee shop that she loves to come to, probably because they have her favorite apple juice.

It’s big yet cozy with its pastel colors and fluffy objects hanging from the ceiling.

Many students come here between classes, but Anni drops by any chance she gets. We have some time before our shift at the shelter, which is why she dragged me inside.

“What?” I take a sip of my tea.

Anni narrows her eyes—bright blue-grays that are nothing like her brother’s intense ones. “What were you thinking about so intently that you totally door-slammed me?”

Your brother.

I certainly don’t say that. Hell, I don’t even like to think about how she would view our unconventional relationship if she learned about it.

Annika might tell us that her brother is an unbearable tyrant who plays the role of her warden, but the girl might as well revere him.

He’s protected her since she was born and maybe that’s part of the reason why I choose to think he has some humanity beneath all the freezing ice.

I trace the rim of my cup. “Just school stuff.”

“If everyone were as diligent as you when it comes to studying, the world would be a better place.” She grins. “Anyway, I was saying, have you heard about the group of TKU football players who were suspended because their drug tests came back positive? And that’s not even the worst of it. They got into an accident on their way to the airport and barely escaped death. Some are still in the hospital.”

“Wow. That sounds intense.”

“I know, right? Like it feels too convenient, doesn’t it? Apparently, Kill and Gaz think the same, because this morning, while we were having breakfast, they asked Jeremy if he had anything to do with it, because they saw Ilya roaming around those players.”

“Ilya?”

“Oh, right. You probably don’t know him. He’s the big blond guy, about your age, who’s shadowing Jeremy and acting as his senior guard.”

I know him.

I’ve caught a glimpse of him a few times in the past. I think he even attended some of my classes, but how could he when I’m sure he’s a TKU student?

“Anyway, Jer didn’t deny or confirm it, but we were all sure he actually plotted the whole thing. He can seriously be brutal whenever he puts someone in his sights, and I kind of feel sorry for those guys, but they probably did something to piss him off. You know, like the way they did you dirty.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. Ava told me the captain of TKU’s football team and some of his teammates bothered you, stole your books. and were a pain in the ass because you turned him down at a club once. This coincidence is kind of fitting, don’t you think?”

My limbs stiffen as I replay and mull over the information I just learned. I don’t think it’s a coincidence.

“Anni?”

She slurps from her drink. “Yeah?”

“Have you ever mentioned those American football guys bothering me to Jeremy?”

“I think I did once. The fact that Jer had a beef with them, too, is such a cool coincidence.”

Is it really?

I want to believe that he wouldn’t hurt people for me since we’re not really in a relationship, but I’m not sure what to think about what he might have done.

I hope it’s just a coincidence like Anni said.

“Also!” She taps the table in front of me. “You guys don’t have to egg Creighton on when he comes around.”

I can’t help the smile that tilts my lips. “And why is that? You don’t like it when we tease him about his first relationship that somehow happens to be with you?”

“Aw, stop it.” She hits my shoulder playfully. “You know how grumpy and silent he is, so whenever you give him shit, he won’t say anything, and I’m obliged to speak on his behalf since I’m his number one lawyer and all. Point is, I don’t want conflict with you guys.”