Page 70 of A Little Jaded
“Sure, she is.” Drake’s eyes darken, and I have no doubt he’s close to tumbling over the edge. To losing his shit in front of everyone. “Yeah, she’s the real deal until she grabs her shit when she knows you’re out of the house, then moves in with a prick and acts like a slut.”
“Careful,” Everett warns. His tone is sharp. Lethal. Until whatever minuscule speck of hospitality that had been present since Drake arrived shrivels up like an old raisin as Everett stares at my ex across from us. “You can say whatever you want about me, but you might want to remember where you are.”
With a scoff, Drake looks around the crowded room. “And where am I?”
“You’re in LAU territory. And yeah, you brought a few buddies as backup, but they can’t help you here. Not if you run your mouth about my girl.”
My pulse lurches as I register his words, no matter how fake they are. I’m not his girl. I’m not his anything.
Drake’s friends shift forward, their muscles tense, bodies rigid. Like they can feel the same shift I can. The power dynamic. The commanding aura they’re used to their friend sporting is being stripped right in front of them, only to be wielded by the one and only Everett Taylor.
“Is that a threat?” Drake challenges. I can’t tell if he’s surprised or intrigued, or freaking pissed, though none of the options make me feel better.
Scratching his jaw with his opposite hand since his other one is most definitely still branding me, Everett replies, “That’s exactly what this is.”
“Yeah, I heard it, too,” Griffin chimes in beside him. He turns to the circle next to us and calls, “Mav, did you hear a threat?”
Mav glances over his shoulder at us and grins, proving he’s been a hell of a lot more invested in what’s going on in our circle than he let on. “It’s exactly what I heard. How ‘bout you, Reeves?”
Reeves appears out of nowhere and nods. “Yeah, Ev isn’t usually known for subtlety, but if you need any of us to spell it out for you, let us know.” His muscles bulge as he folds his arms and leans against the wall. “We’ll be happy to oblige.”
Slowly, Drake shifts his gaze from one LAU player to the next, realizing how surrounded he and his friends really are. When his attention lands on me, the acid in my stomach curdles. He rests his elbow on his bent knee the same wayEverett had earlier, though I doubt he even notices the similarity. Or maybe he does. Maybe he’s all too aware of his surroundings and attempting to use them for his own gain. And what does he want? Well, I think we both know who the weak link is here and right now? He’s daring me to crumble. To try to smooth things over and let him fly under the radar the same way he has for months.
Swallowing back my trepidation, I murmur, “I think it’s time for you to leave, Drake.”
If he’s surprised, he doesn’t show it. Instead, his eyes thin. “Careful, Raine.”
It’s a warning. One I once would’ve listened to. When I had to go home with him. When I had to deal with him. When I had to put up with his tantrums and his yelling sprees and his asshole comments and his hands. Whether they were punching a wall or grabbing me, or in the end, hitting me from out of nowhere, his hands were something I definitely had to put up with. I never realized how much I feared them. How rough he could be, even with little things. Like when he would touch me. Both in and out of the bedroom.
It’s such a stark contrast to Everett’s touch. Even now, with his thumb against my bare skin and the rest of his palm pressed against my upper thigh, there’s a weight to it. A strength. But without the underlying possession I grew used to. Like he isn’t touching me for him. He’s touching me forme.And it’s strange. Recognizing the difference in real time and with so many people witnessing it. And it doesn’t matter if it isn’t real. If this thing between Everett and me is all based on a lie. His touch? Itisreal. In this moment, I can feel it. The strength he’s giving me. The unspoken reminder I’m not alone, but I am capable.
I. Am. Capable.
“I think I’ve walked on eggshells long enough, thanks.” I grab Everett’s hand and lace our fingers together, placing our entwined hands in my lap. “And in case it isn’t clear, we’re through.Forever. And there isn’t anything in this world that will change my mind.”
It’s quiet now. The room. The entire house. Like everyone forgot about the game we’re supposed to be playing. They’re too invested in the drama unfolding right in front of them.
I have no idea if this is how it usually goes when Reeves helps girls. If they all feel the way I feel. Ashamed. Confused. Close to crumbling. Or maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m the problem. The one with the messed up perception of everything including the man beside me and his words from seconds ago.
My girl.
Am I his girl? Obviously not, but after our kiss, I can’t help but wonder if…maybe it could be real. This thing. Or maybe I’m just growing addicted to what comfort feels like since it’s been so long since I felt it.
And maybe now isn’t the time to let my thoughts spiral into what-ifs and what could be. Maybe now is the time to watch Drake walk away for the last time.
Please walk away.
Drake’s movements are slow—calculated—as he pushes to his feet. His friends follow, but I don’t miss the same rigidness in their muscles. It’s like they’re poised and ready to fight if their leader gives them an inkling to pounce.
Please don’t turn this into a fight.
Pleasedon’t turn this into a fight.
Tension swirls in the air, leaving me breathless as I glance at Everett. I can tell he wants to jump to his feet. Can see how much he doesn’t like being at a disadvantage, and Drake moving toward us while we sit our asses on the grounddefinitely puts us at a disadvantage. But even though Everett doesn’t move, I don’t miss the way Reeves watches Drake from right outside the circle. Waiting. Ready. I have no doubt he’s the reason Everett’s staying put, even if I can feel his restraint radiating off him.
Yeah. Everett wants to hit Drake as much as I know Drake wants to punch him, which is the last thing I need. I know Reeves mentioned this could be part of the process, but now that it’s potentially here, I don’t want it. I don’t want any of this. I’m here with Everett. Everyone just stood up for me. It has to count for something, doesn’t it? It has to be enough.
I squeeze Everett’s hand gently, silently begging him to let it go. To let Drake go. He doesn’t look at me, only continues staring at Drake, but I don’t miss the lock of his jaw. The way his muscles are taut and hard. For a fight. For a full-on brawl.