by E. L. Todd
I didn’t deny it. “And it hurts me that you don’t trust me.”
“It’s not that,” she said immediately. “It was all jealousy—on my part.”
I studied her face under the light from my porch. Her hair was over one shoulder and her lips were ruby red.
“It’s not going to happen again, right?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“Good. That’s what I wanted to hear.”
She stared at me, the longing in her eyes. “Do you still want me to go?”
I grabbed her arm and pulled her inside. “No. I want you to make it up to me.”
Her eyes lit up. “I can do that.”
29
Skye
I messed things up with Cayson and I knew it. When I saw Jasmine talking to him, I don’t know what came over me. And everyone at the table wasn’t helping.
“Oooh…she’s after your man.” Slade watched them by the bar.
“She wants him to stick it to her good,” Roland said. “Break up sex, you know.”
“Shut up,” I said.
“And she’s down for anal,” Conrad said. “So you have a lot to compete with.”
The idea of Cayson having sex with her, any kind of sex, made me sick. “Knock it off.”
“Someone’s getting jealous.” Roland nudged me in the side.
“If my boyfriend’s ex was all over him, I’d strut over there and make it clear she’d have to go through me first,” Trinity said.
“But you don’t have a boyfriend,” Slade noted. “You aren’t sleeping with anyone…”
She gave him an irritated look.
“If you don’t claim him, she’s going to snatch him up,” Conrad said. “And I wouldn’t blame Cayson for having his cake and eating it too. You being the cake and Jasmine being the too.”
They were getting under my skin even though I tried to act like they didn’t. It was pretty clear Jasmine was in love with him. It was obvious every time she looked at him. I gave into the jealousy and made a stupid decision.
And now I felt guilty about it.
I knew Cayson wouldn’t leave me over something like that, but I didn’t like upsetting him. Our relationship was perfect. He was perfect. I didn’t want to ruin it over something stupid. Honestly, I’ve never been jealous before. Cayson was the only one who instilled that emotion in me. I guess it’s because I was head-over-heels in love with him and I’ve felt that way for years—even if I didn’t realize it at the time.
Whatever the reason, it wasn’t right. Jasmine was a very nice girl and what I did was very uncool. I admit it, and I didn’t feel good about it. Luckily, Cayson let it go the moment I apologized. I learned my lesson.
Trinity sat across from me in the library and placed her magazines on the table. “I just got Vogue in the mail yesterday.”
“Anything cute?” I asked.
“A lot of cute things.” She pulled out a sketchpad and handed it to me. “I was inspired by a gown I found in this magazine. But I think mine is better.”
I examined the picture, immediately impressed. “Trinity…this is really good.”
“Really? You aren’t just saying that?”
“No…” I was being genuine. “Do you have any others?”
She laughed. “I have hundreds. They are at home in my office.”
“You should show your dad. He would open up your clothing line in a heartbeat.”
She sighed. “I think I’m going to finish my bachelor’s first.”
“Really?”
She nodded. “I’m almost done and my dad already paid a lot of money…I may as well finish.”
I agreed. “I’ll support whatever you decide, Trin.”
“Thanks.” She gave me a smile. “So…you and Cayson okay?”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah. I was just being childish.”
“Are you still fighting?”
“No. He forgave me the moment I apologized.”
“That’s a relief. Knowing Cayson, he couldn’t stay mad at you for long.”
“I don’t know…he was pretty mad.”
“It all worked out, right?”
I nodded. “It did.”
“And I’m sure Jasmine will keep her paws off him.”
The idea of Jasmine touching him still got my heart racing. “Yeah…”
Trinity returned her attention to her magazine and flipped through the pages.
I opened my textbooks and began to study.
An hour of silence passed until I heard the chair move beside me. I turned, hoping to see Cayson. It wasn’t him.
Zack was staring me down. His face was back to normal and no bruises lingered behind. Judging by the anger in his eyes, he wasn’t here to discuss ponies and rainbows. “So, you and lover boy, huh? I shouldn’t be surprised.”
“Zack, go away.”
He grabbed my wrist. “No. I’m going to talk and you’re going to listen.”
Trinity glared at him. “Let go or I’ll break your dick.”
He ignored her, still staring at me. “So, first your dad beats the shit out of me, then I find out you’re fucking the guy you spent all your time with when we were together. I’m not happy, Skye. You claim I played you but it’s the other way around.”
“I said let her go,” Trinity threatened.
I wasn’t scared of Zack and I refused to act like it. “I suggest you let go of me. Otherwise, you’re going to get your ass kicked by two girls.”
He dropped his hand but didn’t move away. “You owe me.”
What? “Owe you what?”
“An apology. You totally played me.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re so pathetic.”
“Apologize to me or I’ll make your boyfriend pay for it.” His eyes held his mirth.
“Did you just threaten Cayson?” Now I was pissed. Zack could do and say whatever he wanted to me and it didn’t make me blink twice. But threatening someone I cared about was another story.
Trinity left her chair and came around the table, coming behind him. Then she grabbed him by the hair and yanked him to the ground.
“Fucking bitch,” Zack mumbled.
We were the only ones in the corner so no one noticed the disturbance. The Harvard library was enormous. We were practically alone.
Trinity kicked him hard in the balls. “You think that makes me a bitch? I’m not even done.” She kicked him again.
He curled in a ball and moaned.
“Nobody threatens Cayson and gets away with it.” She kicked him again but Zack caught her leg. Then he pulled her foot out from under her, making her fall down.
“Shut the hell up.” Zack moved on top of her and held her down. “As I was saying...”
I stood up and kicked him hard in the arm.
He pressed his lips together and took the hit. “If you don’t want me to hurt your friend, I suggest you knock it off.”
“You’re psycho. I can’t believe I ever dated you,” I said.
“Maybe I wasn’t so bad in bed, after all.”
Trinity tried to wiggle free. “Get off of me, jackass!”
The sound of approaching feet caught my attention. And Zack’s. I turned and grabbed my ethics textbook, preparing to slam it on Zack’s head.
“What the fuck?” It was Slade. He took one look at Zack on top of Trinity and snapped. “Fucking piece of shit!” He rushed Zack then yanked him off, thrusting his head into the carpet while he did it. “You want to die? Because it seems like it.” Slade punched him hard in the jaw then rushed to Trinity. “Trin, are you okay?” He pulled her up so she was sitting. He kept his arm around her then grabbed her chin, examining her face.
“I’m fine,” she said immediately. “He didn’t hurt me.”
Relief filled his eyes.
“But you better bust out that Krav Maga and kick his ass.”
“You got it.” He stood, but Zack was gone. We were both concerned for Trinity and forgot him for a moment. Slade searched the aisles then came
back when he couldn’t find him. “I’ll see him again. And when I do, he’ll have no teeth.” He came back to Trinity and helped her stand up. Then he looked at me. “Skye, are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I answered.
Slade pulled out a chair for Trinity and helped her sit down. “What the hell happened?”
“Zack wanted to talk but Trinity tried to kick his ass instead,” I explained.
“I kicked him in the balls a few times. I would have done more damage if it wasn’t so cramped,” Trinity said.
Slade rested his hand on her back and rubbed her gently. “You sure you’re alright?” Concern was in his eyes.
“He didn’t do anything except pin me down,” she said.
I’d never seen Slade be so affectionate with Trinity—or any girl.
He breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m glad you girls are alright.”
“We aren’t scared of him,” Trinity said. “He’s a fucking pussy.”
“Yeah,” I agreed.
Slade gave me a firm look. “I think it’s time to tell your dad, Skye.”
“No.” That wasn’t an option.
“He’s obviously not going to leave you alone,” Slade pressed.
“I got myself into this mess and I’ll get myself out,” I said. “Zack isn’t dangerous. He’s annoying but not dangerous.”
Slade wasn’t so sure. “What does he want?”
“He keeps saying my dad put him in the hospital, which he didn’t.”
Emotion moved into Slade’s eyes but he didn’t react in any other way.
“And he thinks I had a thing with Cayson while we were together. He wants an apology.”
“Weirdo,” Slade said.
“He is,” Trinity said. “I can’t believe you were fucking him.”
“Don’t remind me,” I said miserably.
“Cayson isn’t going to be pleased when he finds out.” Slade shook his head.
“I know…” I didn’t want to tell him.
“He’ll be hovering around you every second of the day,” Slade said.
That didn’t sound so bad.
Slade continued to rub Trinity’s shoulder. “Can I get you something to eat?”
“We aren’t supposed to eat in the library. Remember?” she teased.
He smirked. “How could I forget?”
What was going on? “I thought you hated each other?”
Slade dropped his hand immediately. “We do. I just wanted to make sure she was okay…not that I care or anything.”
They were the weirdest people I knew…
Cayson came over that night with a vase of flowers. Green stems left the glass and erupted into beautiful red roses. There were a dozen and they smelled wonderful.
I studied them for a moment before I grabbed them. “They are beautiful.”
His eyes shined in adoration. He stepped inside then placed a gentle kiss on my lips. “I know your favorite flower is the lily, but I also know that’s your dad’s territory.”
I smirked. “It is a tradition.”
“Roses are more romantic anyway.”
“They are.” I filled the vase with water then set it on the table. “But you shouldn’t be getting me anything. I should be the one kissing your ass.”
He grinned. “It’s water under the bridge, Skye. Just forget about it.”
“You let me off the hook so easily.”
“Well…you gave me an incredible apology.” He came close to me and hooked his arms around my waist. His nose rubbed against mine gently.
I felt redness move into my cheeks. “I guess I know what to do in the future.”
He chuckled. “It looks like you do.”
I rested my face against his chest, feeling it rise and fall. His scent came into my nose and I felt relaxed, comfortable. The cotton of his t-shirt felt good against my cheek.
“How was your day?” he whispered.
I immediately thought about Zack. I really didn’t want to get into it until after dinner. “Fine. How about yours?”
“Pretty lame. But, then again, my life is always lame when you aren’t around.” His hand moved up my back and rested between my shoulder blades.
“Mine too.” I felt warmth move through my body.
He pressed his forehead against mine. “Where did you want to eat?”
I shrugged. “Pizza is good.”
He laughed. “You always want pizza.”
“It’s good,” I argued.
“Whatever you want, baby.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the door. His phone vibrated in his pocket so he pulled it out and checked it. Then he shoved it back inside.
I grabbed my coat then we walked down the stairs.
He sighed then pulled out his phone when it vibrated again. He looked at it with a sigh then put it back in his pocket. As soon as he returned it, it vibrated again.
“Someone is popular.”
He rolled his eyes. “Slade has called me five times in a row.”
My heart skipped a beat. I knew why he was calling.
“Damn, what does he want?” He pulled the phone out again.
I snatched it away. “He probably wants you to head to a strip club with him or something.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “There’re no strip clubs around here.”
“That we know of. But Slade would.” It kept vibrating in my hand.
“I’ll just tell him to stop calling.” He held out his hand and waited for me to pass it to him.
Uh…I took the call instead. “Cayson’s busy. Stop calling.”
“You didn’t tell him, did you?” Annoyance was in his voice.
Cayson stared at me with a suspicious look on his face.
“He’ll call you later,” I said.
“You had all day to tell him and it’s obvious you aren’t going to. Now hand him the damn phone.”
“Okay, talk to you later.” I hung up and put the phone in my pocket.
Cayson eyed me with a raised eyebrow. “What’s going on, Skye?”
“I’m just making sure you don’t get a headache.” I walked to his car, feeling the phone vibrate in my pocket again and again.
Cayson knew something was up. “Is there something you need to tell me?” He walked behind me then cornered me into the door of his car. He put his hands on either side of me, caging me in. A dark look came into his eyes.
I stared up at him, seeing his breath escape as vapor. “No…”
“We’ve known each other for a long time, Skye. I know when you’re lying. You can fool everyone else but you can’t fool me.” He brushed his lips passed mine, his mouth warm in the freezing night.
I cupped his face and gave him a warm kiss. “I want to wait until after dinner.”
“Why?” He stepped closer to me, pinning me against the car door.
“I’m hungry.”
“You’re always hungry.” His teasing nature was gone, replaced by seriousness.
“Well, I’m really hungry.”
“And I’m really curious.”
I sighed, knowing he wouldn’t let up. “I’m not telling you until after dinner. And it’s not even that big of a deal. So drop it.”
He studied my face, seeing the determination in my eyes. He lowered his hands. “Fine.”
“Thank you.”
He stepped back. “You better make this worth my while.”
“I always do.”
Cayson opened the door for me then helped me inside before he got into the driver’s seat. He was about to start the car when a vehicle slammed to a stop behind us and blocked us in.
“What the…?” Cayson looked in the rearview mirror.
I looked in the side mirror and my heart fell. Slade’s car had boxed us in. God, he was annoying.
“What the hell is he doing?” Cayson got out and slammed the door.
I rolled my eyes then left the car, joining Cayson in the rear.
Slade left his car, the engine still on.
; Cayson’s eyes were wide. “Dude, what’s going on?”
Slade gave me a long glare before he looked at Cayson again. “Your precious girlfriend refrained from telling you an important piece of information. And since she isn’t going to admit it, I have to say something.”
“Slade, stay out of our relationship,” I snapped.
“You had all day to tell him but you never did. He has the right to know! And not tomorrow or a week from now. He needs to know right this second.”
“I was going to tell him after dinner,” I hissed.
“Sure…” Slade wasn’t buying it. He looked back at Cayson. “So this is the story—”
Cayson held up his hand. “I want to hear it from Skye.”
Slade shut his mouth then looked at me.
Cayson turned his eyes on me, and he didn’t look happy. “What is it?”
I wanted to slap Slade right then. “Trinity and I were in the library this afternoon when Zack stopped by. He’s pissed I’m dating you and he wanted an apology. Trinity kicked him a few times then Zack pinned her down. Slade came in then and chased him off.”
Cayson’s face was unreadable. He stared me down, his jaw clenched tight.
“It wasn’t even a big deal. It was just annoying.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “I was going to tell you but I wanted to wait until after dinner. It’s not even worth discussing.”
“Not worth discussing?” Slade snapped. “He’s bothered you twice now. And he held Trinity down. That shit’s not okay in my book.”
“Slade, go home.” Cayson didn’t look at him when he said it.
Slade sighed then walked off. His footsteps were loud against the cold pavement. His engine revved as he hit the gas and drove away. When the sound of his tires was gone, I knew we were alone.
Cayson hadn’t blinked once. “Why didn’t you call me?”
“There wasn’t any time. And Slade was there.”
“What does that matter?” His voice was low and calm, but the ferocity was evident in his tone. “I’m your boyfriend, not Slade.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t overreact.”
“Don’t. Roll. Your. Eyes.” He stared me down, his anger flashing.
The world suddenly became silent. The snow fell around us, masking us in a winter wonderland.
“Skye, I was annoyed that Zack bothered you before. But the fact he’s done it again makes me uneasy. Really uneasy.”