Descent (Black Heart Romance presents Heaven & Hell)

Chapter Eight
Hallie
Anyone watching would think Calvin looks damn good as he approaches, might even feel jealous
of the attention he’s giving me as he pulls up a chair and takes a seat beside me.
Obviously, that is not how I feel.
My lungs feel paralyzed having him so close. Tension gathers in my shoulders and I try to
formulate words, but I’m too stunned by his audacity.
He made it clear he wasn’t afraid of me last night when I threatened to tell on him. Since it’s
clear I didn’t, perhaps he feels emboldened to approach me in front of everyone like this here, but I
can’t fathom that. I can’t imagine being so indifferent to the comfort of someone I hurt so maliciously.
I just can’t wrap my head around it.
“Wow,” I say, since I can’t think to say a single thing else.
He cocks an eyebrow and reaches over to set a drink down in front of me.
I hadn’t noticed he was carrying two.
I can’t believe he thinks I’ll drink something he brought me.
I can’t believe him, period.
“You seemed thirsty,” he remarks.
“I would happily die of dehydration before drinking anything you handed me.”
Apparently unconcerned, he leans back in his stolen chair, spreads his thighs to indicate he plans
to stay for a while, and takes a leisurely drink from his glass. “We can trade if you’re worried I
drugged it. I didn’t,” he adds.
“Oh, well, as long as you say so, then obviously I believe you.”
“Drugging you wouldn’t do anything for me. It’s the struggle I enjoy. You can’t very well struggle
if you’re passed out, now, can you?”
His words ignite fury deep in my core, heating my blood and bringing a rush of color to my
cheeks. “Have you any decency at all?” I demand, glancing around to make sure no one heard him.
“None,” he says flatly, then smiles.
“Self-preservation, then,” I snap, my gaze sliding back to his. “You got what you wanted, now
leave me alone.”
“Mm.” His gaze rakes over me, an almost possessive glint in the stormy depths of his eyes. “See,