Empire of Desire(Empire #1)(40)

“They don’t?”

“Nope and you need to cut them off from your life.”

“But what if I can’t? What if they already made a snuggly place for themselves in there and it’s impossible to find them, let alone remove them?”

He relaxes back in his seat, crossing one ankle over the other, and takes a sip of his iced coffee. His favorite drink is similar to his personality—cool, delicious, and definitely soothing. “I guess that means you’re in too deep.”

“Nope, no. You’re supposed to tell me I should find a way to push them away, even if I’ll get hurt in the process.”

He tilts his head to the side. “Why do you have to get hurt in the process? If anyone should be in pain, it’s them.”

“I don’t like that—hurting people, I mean. I feel horrible doing it to you.”

“Never mind me. I’ll just be your practice, babe. Now, tell me, who’s the asshole?”

“You…don’t know him.”

Of course, he does.

Everyone in the country knows about the Weavers and their power. Besides, Chris studies pre-law, so he’s more than aware of W&S.

But I’m a coward, okay? I don’t want him to judge me for being so hopelessly and stupidly into Dad’s best friend. I usually wouldn’t care, but Chris is special. He likes my weirdness, and people like him are keepers. I don’t want him to run for the hills because I’m upset that someone who’s way older than me is out with someone more suitable. Someone close to his age and who works with him.

I scoff, slurping half of the milkshake without the straw to soothe my burning throat.

“Whoever he is, he’s a jerk who doesn’t deserve your time.”

“Yeah, he’s a fucking asshole.”

“A motherfucker.”

“A cold bastard with no feelings.”

“Get it off your chest, Gwen.”

“And…and he’s never even stopped to ask me things, you know, even though I’ve learned everything about him. He thinks I’m a kid, because he likes to remind me that I’m young. He likes bringing up the age part because I can’t fight it. So he’s like the biggest jerk to ever exist and I hate him sometimes. I wish I could hate him all the time.”

Chris smiles a little. “It’ll take practice, but you’ll get there.”

I sigh, feeling a little relieved after my outburst. “Thanks for listening to me blabber even though I was a bitch to you.”

“You were never a bitch, Gwen. You gave enough signs to push me away, but I wanted to stay close. It’s my choice and I still stand by it.”

“You still want to be friends?”

“Of course. Besides, you’re stuck with me for the summer.”

“What?”

“I got accepted for an internship at W&S.”

“Oh my God, Chris! Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I just did.” He grins in that charming, lighthearted way and I’m so happy for that. I’m happy that I didn’t hurt him to the point of taking away his beautiful smile.

“I’m so glad we get to spend time together.”

“I thought you’d be all over getting rid of me.”

“Of course not! We can be friends, right?”

He clinks his iced coffee against my drink. “Sure thing.”

We fall into an easy conversation, which isn’t anything new. Chris and I have always gotten along, which is why he asked me out, saying he wanted to take it to the next level. That obviously didn’t work, so I’m thankful that we can still have a friendly relationship.

We talk about college and exams and where our colleagues are doing their internships. He tells me about the interviewing process at W&S and how hard it was, but he passed because he impressed them and he’s a genius.

It’s great to know that I won’t be a lonely face in the midst of all the hostile interns. With Chris around, I’ll have a more tolerable summer.

We go shopping for a few suits since he can’t just show up in his leather jacket, though it’s a killer look. Then I end up buying a few things for myself. I lose track of time in all the shopping we do, but I don’t mind.

Being preoccupied is nice. I’m the type who shouldn’t be given too much free time, because it’ll all be spent on overthinking until I drive myself insane.

By the time Chris drops me off at home, it’s late. I take a few moments to pull my pencil skirt down my thighs. I had to hitch it up so that I could ride behind him, and used the bags to cover up. Apparently, pencil skirts and Harleys aren’t best friends.

My hair is enemies with the helmet, too, because it gets stuck inside it. For the third time today.

“Stupid hair.” I groan as I struggle to untangle it without ripping it from the roots.

Chris chuckles and slides down from his bike to take over the task. He’s gentler than I am and manages to remove the helmet without pulling out my hair.

“You’re supposed to be patient, Gwen.”

“Isn’t that another word for boring?”

He shakes his head as he smooths down my hair.

“Thanks, Chris. For everything.”

He wraps his arms around me. “I’ve got you.”