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.

cut dark hair shakes my hand. She smiles in a flirtatious, but friendly way, but

Megan, Cam’s best

Cam-T’s friend, too.”

Her dark brow arches.

groans beside me.

the tall blonde with hourglass figure says with sarcasm. Her remark tells she knows something about

ask, offering my hand.

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

I ask cautiously.

Kyland clears his throat louder than necessary. Okay, I get it, man.

“Just kidding,” I say amicably.

I ask, hoping they will say no.

guys can go,” Kyland says.

tell Camila who shoots me a glare in response.

right back, guys.”

 best friend

***

as soon as we get inside my car—she doesn’t beat around the

without a warning. I went with Kyland and not to see her. Okay, that’s bullshit. She’s one of the reasons why I

my offer, you have my word. Trust me, I will not tell a soul.” I steal glances at her as I

happy to

You can just hire

I don’t care about the experience.” I like you, don’t you get that? “It’s only a one-time photo shoot, Camila.”

me a large amount of

beautiful than ever with a makeup-free face. The freckles scattering around her nose bridge make looks her fresh 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

genuinely smile at me? She scowled most

I can give you more if that will

from money, but you can’t

My hands tightly grip the steering wheel. I swallow the lump in my throat. 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 I feel a loser and

than what my father did to me.

would you take it?”

no.”

“A job?”

looks at me intently. “A

“Yeah, a job, work, position.”

“I know what job means, Pyke. I’ll think about

chuckle, glancing at her, “What is your dream job, Camila?” I ask with

to design a car, either exterior or interior, but I need a job even as a salesperson right now.” Ah, desperate, Camila.

not allow you to