Pyke

PYKE

For the first time, Kyland invites me to his apartment—the same apartment he’s sharing with Camila. Just the thought of her makes me edgy.

She turned me down again, twice in a row now. Okay, four times in a row.

She turned me down in a threesome. Honestly, that was a dick move. Secondly, when I met her at the coffee shop. Thirdly, she refused to take the phone that I bought for her. I’m not bribing her into accepting my last offer. I just feel guilty for lying. She didn’t take the bait when I offer her some cash. I can’t decide if I should be impressed or simply pissed off.

I must say, she’s different, but it makes me more determined to win her over. I’m a Hughes for a reason. Hughes never takes no for an answer. Everyone knows that—it runs in the blood.

Surprisingly, I miss her annoying big mouth. It’s been a week since the last time I saw her. I was expecting her to show up and tell me she finally decided to take my offer, but to my dismay, she didn’t. She’s so stubborn and difficult.

I follow Kyland to their small but welcoming living room.

Camila’s eyes grow big when she sees me. She immediately stands up, walking in my direction. Undoubtedly, she’s not expecting me to come with Kyland—I can see the glint of surprise in her eyes.

My heart thuds as she gets closer. This woman is a hot vixen, I admit that. It’s annoying that there is something in me ignites—the excitement just upon hearing her name because this shouldn’t have happened. She’s off-limits to someone like me.

The plan, Pyke! My stupid brain reminds me.

My lips spread into a mischievous grin, but Camila is Camila, instead of saying hi, she welcomes me with a scowl.

She crosses her arms over her chest. “Wow, you must be lost. Pyke Kennan Hughes, it’s not safe for you to be here in this kind of neighborhood. There are too many gangsters lurking around. They can assault you, steal your car, or worse kidnap you for ransom. I can show your way out.”

My smile grows even wider. She amazes me, or is it her clue to talk with me alone? Hmm, interesting.

“Sure,” I say, gesturing to their door. I don’t think Kyland will risk her safety choosing this apartment if they have a dangerous neighborhood, though their two-bedroom apartment is located on the lower east side of New York, I know Kyland when it comes to her.

“Save the sarcasm, Cam. We already talked about this many times. Be nice to Hughes, and I invited him to come over,” Kyland interjects.

“It’s okay, man. I want her to show me around. If you don’t mind,” I tell him.

He nods subtly. “Okay, bring us some pizzas,”

“Sure, any preferred toppings?” I ask. That’s when I notice Cam is not alone.

“Oh, hey girls,” I greet them, waving at the two girls sitting on the upholstered brown couch. They’re attractive, but nothing compares to my cantankerous.

Shit! I just claim her mine.

A slender with chin bob cut dark hair shakes my hand. She smiles in a flirtatious, but friendly way,

“I’m Megan, Cam’s best

friend,

Her dark brow arches. “Cam-T?”

groans beside

“Nice to finally meet the infamous Pyke in person,” the tall blonde with hourglass figure says with sarcasm. Her remark tells she knows something about me, and she’ not impressed.

are?” I ask,

“The best friend, Bianca.” She walks closer and barely shakes my hand like I have a

“Did we—?” I ask cautiously.

louder than necessary. Okay, I get it,

I

I ask,

can go,” Kyland says.

I tell Camila who shoots

back, guys.”

“Take care, Cam,” the best friend says more like a

***

firmly as soon as we get inside my car—she doesn’t

up without a warning. I went with Kyland and not to see

that I will tell your cousin about my offer, you have my word. Trust me, I will not tell a soul.” I steal glances at

breathing heavily—she’s not so happy

female model. You can just hire a professional who

and not them. I don’t care about the experience.” I like you, don’t

“Why did you offer me a

and enticing. Her brown eyes are filled with intensity and questions. The more I look at her, the more I’m drowning in her beauty. I heard from Kyland that her mom is half Latina and half American. My mom is half Italian and half American, but I didn’t get Mom’s color.

is she going to genuinely smile at me? She scowled most

I can give you more

don’t know if either to feel insulted or flattered. No doubt, you came from money, but you can’t buy me for that shoot. Find someone else who is comfortable with you. I’m not the one you’re

I break my gaze from her and just focus on the traffic light that will change into a green anytime soon. I try hard controlling the anger that wraps around my system because

whatever I want. I work hard for it, but this woman challenges me more each day—more than what my father did to me. I have only less than three weeks to execute my

you less would you take it?” I

no.”

job?”

She looks at me

a job, work,

Pyke. I’ll think

is your dream job, Camila?” I ask with

exterior or interior, but I need a job even as a salesperson right now.” Ah, desperate,

to work