Twisted Lies by Nora Cobb
Chapter 7
Astrid
The cold weather doesn’t bother me as much as the rainstorm. The sky is an opaque gray as frigid sheets of rain come down. It’s not letting up anytime soon. Gillian bundles up and takes off with a few others, but I prefer the indoor track or the treadmills upstairs.
The devil must have a helper in Pierce. I’m running on the treadmill, watching the Food Network on my monitor, when he hops on the empty treadmill next to me. I feel his eyes dig into the side of my head, and it’s so fucking distracting. I wish he’d trip and the damn thing would send him flying across the room and bam into the wall. The image in my mind makes me smirk.
“Thinking about me again?” he asks.
I glance over, and Pierce has already broken a sweat. His shirt is clinging to his built chest. Why do the hot guys with bodies worth checking out have to be the worst assholes? At what age do they realize they can get away with being jerks and still get laid? One day, some woman will teach him how to act right, so can’t it be me?
I glare spitefully. “Why would I think about you?”
“I saw the ass-licking grin on your face.” He looks down and checks out my ass. “Why’d you leave so fast the other night? It was even hotter after you left. You should’ve stayed for the foursome.”
“Does Bryce know what you do on his couch?” I huff. “He must make you wipe it down with acid after.”
“Why do you think Bryce is the one in charge?” he asks loudly. “Because he spoke to you first?”
I shrug as I return my attention to the screen. The TV chef happily drenches thick honey sauce over burnt ribs. “Bryce doesn’t seem the type to take orders…”
“But I do?” he says nastily. “You aren’t learning much here, are you?”
I shrug dismissively. “I’m sure if Bryce had been around, you wouldn’t have done that. She would’ve been swallowing him, not you.”
Pierce stares hard, but I refuse to look at him. “Don’t mistake a lack of interest for something else. And if you ever want to fight again, you need to talk to me first. You don’t have to be nice, but you better learn fast how to respect me.
“You have to earn respect,” I tell him calmly, “I don’t give it away for the asking.”
He shakes his head. “Like I said, you aren’t learning much here.” He taps the screen like he wants it to break. “So, it turns out you weren’t talking shit.”
“About what?” I ask.
“You aren’t the worthless bastard I thought you were,” he replies, smirking, “You might have pedigree in those long legs after all.”
“Long legs you want to see wrapped around your hips,” I reply cynically, “Doubtful it’s going to happen if you keep picking at me.”
“You thought those notes were from me, didn’t you?” Pierce doesn’t let up. “I saw the look of disappointment when she said Justin’s name.”
“He’s not the jerk you are, that’s all,” I reply, slowing down the treadmill.
He scoffs. “He’s not the lay I am either. He’s only half the man, so the ladies say.”
Rolling my eyes, I shut the machine off and rest my feet on the sides. That’s a mistake.
Pierce glances over. “You’re going to have to spread them wider if you’re going to fit me in.”
“Jesus, you are gross,” I say, losing my patience finally, “I can’t imagine those tired, arrogant lines working on any girl at Stonehaven. Or do you save them for the scholarship girls? Well, news flash, my rich daddy paid my bill the same as yours.”
The smirk on his face widens. “You know, when you get angry, you shake your ass when you finish your sentence.” Pierce opens his mouth and darts his tongue between his fingers.
“Fuck off.” I hop off the machine and grab my gym bag off the floor.
In the rain is better than this trifling exchange with a nasty pervert. Pierce stops his machine and jumps off too. He runs to catch up, and I make a beeline away from the changing room.
“Astrid, the light of my world,” he says, laughing, “I was only joking.”
“What is it with you?” I stop. I do not care if my hand stings when I hit him. I’m ready to haul off and slap him again. “I’m not your type, and I’m not interested. Stop trying.”
The smirk comes off his face instantly. “How do you know what my type is?”
“Oh, I know your type,” I reply, and then lowering my voice, so I sound like a dude, “Roll over, girl. Oh, you’re so tight and don’t complain until I’m finished. Oh, ugh, I’m done. One whole minute. I’m the best.” I roll my eyes. “Stop wasting my time, pencil prick.”
Pierce grabs my arm and yanks me against his front. I stumble and hit solid muscles that won’t give. His hand tightens its grip on my arm, and my eyes widen as Pierce’s gaze turns bitter cold. The hallway near the changing room is empty, and maybe if I shout, someone will come. Fuck that. I’m screaming fire, or I’m screwed.
“I like it when you call me names,” he smirks like a wolf in heat, “I like it when you slap me. I like hearing you say no. And when I make you beg for it, it’s going to sound so sweet.”
“Let me go,” I hiss.
Pierce releases my arm without another request, and I’m shocked that it was so easy. Too easy. “So, what’s the catch?” I ask him, glaring.
Only his mouth moves when he laughs. His gaze remains pinned on me. “Getting a rise out of you gets a rise out of me.”
Without thinking, I look down at his crotch, and nothing’s showing. My face flames to boiling hot, and Pierce laughs when he’s tricked me again.
“Before, I couldn’t be bothered to be seen in public with you,” he replies calmly, “but now…”
“Now what?” I demand, hating him even more. “You don’t know who my father is.”
“There’s a lot of speculation.” He lowers his eyes to my chest. “At least I know we’re not related. That’s a kink I’m not into. But, you do look appealing in black. You must own a whip.”
“Why do I bother speaking to you?” I spin around and walk toward the exit.
“Think about it!” he shouts at my retreating back. “Think about the sweaty anger we could release together.”
