“Police!” the voice repeats. “I'm going to need whoever is on that elevator to identify yourself.”

“Last night?” Preston bites out, oblivious to the officer trying to rescue us.

He takes a step forward and my heart clenches, despite the swell of anger pumping through my veins.

It turns out the guy who consoled me like a friend and held me like I was something precious...is nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing.

No, worse than that. He's a heartless monster who would refer to his unborn baby as a bastard after declaring he was going to toss the future mother of his child out on the street.

No matter what she did, neither Becca nor the baby deserve someone who would do that to them.

“Answer me, Kit.”

His voice is a deep rumble that makes my blood boil.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

I raise my middle finger at him and then direct my attention to the policeman. “Thank you, officer. My name is Kit Bishop, the person I'm with is Preston Holden, and we'll be right down.”

I go to reach for the button, but Preston's large hand wraps around my wrist and he tugs me to him.

“Let go of me.”

“No, not until you—”

“Miss,” the officer shouts. “Is everything okay?”

I start to answer, but Preston pounds on the wall with his free hand. “We need a minute here.”

I gape at him. “Have you lost your mind? You can't—”

“Listen,” the officer says. “We can either do this the easy way or the hard way, because once—”

“Goddammit, officer. I just need one motherfucking minute with her!”

I gawk at the unhinged jerk in front of me. “So help me God I am not in the mood to have another gun pointed at my head again today, you freaking psychopath. Cut the shit, Holden.”

A radio crackles in the distance. “This is Officer DeBoer requesting assistance. It appears there is an active hostage situation on the elevator.”

My heart jumps into my throat. “No. I'm not his hostage, officer. He's just a stubborn schmuck.” I kick the schmuck in question. “Do you even realize what's happening because of you right now, you idiot.”

He remains unfazed, his features hard like granite. “Answer the question.”

Swear on my life, I've never met anyone who gave fewer fucks than he does.

“Let go of me and I'll consider it,” I grit through my teeth.

He drops my wrist. “Start talking.”

Nerves catch in my throat and I swallow thickly. “She came to my dorm room last night and we talked.”

His gaze is scrutinizing. “You talked.”

It's not a question, it's an accusation. And had it been five minutes ago, it would have cut me down to size and made me feel horrible.

Five minutes ago, when I thought we could be friends.

Five minutes ago, when I asked him about Becca because I wanted to come clean to my friend about what happened.

Five minutes ago, when I thought...

I shake the thought out of my head before it can take root. It doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is what's happening between us now.

And right now? I hate the way he's sizing me up like I'm the one in the wrong. “Are you hard of hearing or something? Yes, we talked.”

He braces both arms on either side of my body, trapping me. Like a cobra who’s found his dinner. “Well, evidently I was the topic of conversation. Mind informing me what she said?”

“As a matter of fact, I do.”

He tips his head to the side, studying my face. Like he's calculating my every move and can see right through me.

I hate how unsettled it makes me feel.

Almost as much as I hate how for one split second he...we...

No, no, no.

For fuck's sake, I don't even like dick.

Whatever I thought I might have felt was nothing more than a response to an emotional and stressful situation.

I needed comfort...he was the only one around. It was nothing more than human biology.

And now that the fog has lifted and reality has set in, I see the truth clear as day.

Preston Holden is toxic. A scheming vulture who preys on people.

Becca, his unborn baby, even his own brother. And now me.

Screw that.

I refuse to let him intimidate or use me. I know who my heart belongs to and it's not him.

It's the girl who made me cry myself to sleep nearly every night over the last few months...because I missed her so damn much.

And if I have any chance of making it work with her, I need to get rid of him.

“What we talked about is none of your business. I don't owe you any explanations.” I get close to his face. “But if you value your testicles, I suggest you back the hell up and stay away from me and Becca for good.”

“Christ, why are you acting like this? I thought we—” He pauses, his eyes blazing with confusion. “What exactly did she tell you?”

His earnest expression makes my heart clench and I have to remind myself that he's a cold and heartless prick who doesn't want anything to do with his baby.

He's everything Becca told me he was.

“She told me everything, Preston.”

“Then none of this makes any sense. Not unless—” Slowly, he drags his gaze up and down my body. “You slept with her last night, didn't you?”

I glare at him. “That's really none of your concern. Especially now that you aren't in the picture anymore.”

His jaw tics. “Stupid or desperate?”

“Excuse me?”

“Which one are you? Stupid enough to fall for someone who was obviously playing the shit out of you again? Or desperate to get laid?”

My cheeks flame, but I won't let him know how much his words sting.

“That's pretty interesting coming from you. Considering you're the epitome of a loser if there ever was one.” I grimace, disgust rippling through me. “Therefore, what you think about me means absolutely nothing. You can stick your judgments where the sun doesn’t shine.”

He smiles, the action showcasing his deep dimples. “See, that's where you're wrong. I'm not judging you. If anything, you have my condolences, baby.” My abs clench when he runs his nose along my neck and inhales me. “Her pussy isn't worth the trouble it brings. Take it from me.” He leans in until his lips are a centimeter from mine. “Thanks for getting rid of my headache for me, buddy.”

With that, he reaches over and hits the button on the elevator.