Fighting Fate (Fighting Series) (Fighting #6)(21)

“You sure you want to give everything up for her, man? ’Cause from where I’m sitting I don’t think you’re even on her radar.”

Clifford gropes her body, his hands sliding around her waist to grab two fistfuls of her ass. I rip my gaze away and stare blindly at the café.

“Axelle’s a cool chick. Seriously, I wish things were different. But it’s time you start seeing things that’re right in front of your face.”

Fuck. I push up from the table, ignoring him. “I’m getting some lunch. See ya later.”

*





Axelle





Clifford didn’t wait the two weeks I was supposed to abstain from kissing. He swore he couldn’t help himself. It’s to the point now where I hardly get two words out before he attacks my mouth. I thought this was the reaction I wanted, but now I’m not so sure.

He tastes like cigarettes and coffee, and as gross as that should be, it’s not. My first kiss was a rocker kid who was three years older than me. I was thirteen, but in his defense, I looked a lot older. Despite his rough exterior, he was really tender, and his mouth tasted like an ashtray. For me, he set the standard for every kiss that followed.

And other than the smoky taste, Clifford’s have yet to meet the expectation.

I mean the fact that I’m even thinking about that first kiss while Clifford’s tongue flicks at my barbell is proof positive his kiss is less than earth-shattering.

I press my palms against his chest until he breaks away. He’s breathing heavy and his eyes roar with lust. “What…what’s wrong?”

Sidestepping to get out from between him and the tree at my back, I tuck hair behind my ear and grin. “You know how I feel about PDA.”

With one arm, he braces his weight on the trunk, tilting his head to study me. “That piercing makes me crazy.”

My cheeks heat and my heart flutters at his approval. “I can tell.”

“Can’t keep my hands off you.” He chuckles. “Hope I didn’t fuck up the healing process.”

“Nope. I’m a good healer. I think it’s okay.” Something pulls my attention, and I look over to see Killian headed into the café.

He unknowingly snags the eyes of practically every girl he passes. Even the guys he passes seem to puff out their chests in a silent defense of their manhood. And honestly who could blame them? He’s tall, wears clothes that fit him too well, and his body is sculpted to perfection, but that’s not even his most attractive quality. It’s his humility. He has absolutely zero idea of the effect he has on people.

“You hungry, babe?” Clifford’s voice calls me away from watching my friend in all his gloriousness.

“Yeah, do you have time to grab a bite?”

He checks his phone. “No, but I’ll walk you down there before I head to class.”

I pick up my backpack off the grass, and he throws his arm over my shoulder, making me melt into him.

God, I’m the worst girlfriend…er…hookup girl ever. In the time I’ve been with him, I’ve been thinking of two other guys. Clifford is far from ugly. His light brown hair is skillfully cut in an emo shag, He’s slender, not super skinny, but his muscles are longer. Lean. Not like Kill’s bulging physique. He’s tall, close to six feet, and he dresses like he belongs in a band: small shirts, tight jeans, spiked belt and a wallet attached to a chain.

We head into the café, and even over the crowd, Killian’s gaze immediately tangles with mine. He flashes a small smile that dissolves the second Clifford spots him.

“Killian, what’s up, man?” Clifford pulls me closer to his side.

Kill’s eyes dart between us and then settle on him. “Nothing much. You guys grabbing lunch?”

“I am. Clifford has to go to class.”

Killian’s eyes stay on me.

“I have class all the way across campus, so I better go.”

I rip my gaze from Killian and peer up at Clifford. “Okay, you sure you don’t want to grab a coffee or something for the road?”

The side of his mouth lifts and he leans in close. “Oh, yeah, I’ll definitely be taking something for the road.”

Before I have a chance to turn away, his tongue is in my mouth, flicking like a snake against my piercing. I pull my head back, but he locks me to him with his forearm at the back of my neck. I squeeze my eyes closed and consider taking this stupid thing out if it continues to bring on Clifford’s probing kiss every time I open my mouth.

He finally pulls away and again he’s breathless. Huh…why don’t his kisses do the same for me? I don’t feel anything. Hell, I may as well be watching Cars for the six millionth time with my brother as it has the same dulling effect.

I pretend to swipe at the messed-up lip gloss I’m not wearing, when really I’m clearing the wetness of his mouth from my upper lip. “Okay, well, I guess I’ll talk to you later.”

He nods to Killian, and for some stupid reason, I can’t even look at my friend because I’m terrified to face the disappointment I know I’ll see in his expression.

“Yeah, tonight.” He squeezes my ass, and I resist the urge to glare. “You’re coming over, right?”

“Yes.” Most likely to watch him play X-box, but it’s better than being alone.