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He reached out, his fingers tracing the hickey as he chuckled. “If you wanted a rebound, you should’ve come to me. I would’ve fucked you within an inch of your life.” I didn’t doubt that, and it sounded awful.

I swatted his hand away, trying to look firm. “Not interested. Move. My dad’s waiting.”

“Does he know his daughter’s a cock-loving whore?” he murmured, pressing against me as my back hit the wall, his breath tickling my ear. “You’ll do anything to make a guy happy. Stan’s told me how much you try to please him.”

Panic started bubbling in my chest, but I calmed when I heard the front door open and Raymond stepped back just before Dad walked in. His eyes narrowed on our closeness, but he didn’t voice it.

“You ready?”

“Yep. Bye, Raymond,” I said as I slipped past him, his sleazy smile in place again.

“See you later, babe. We’ll catch up soon.” Doubtful.

Stanley didn’t leave the bedroom to say goodbye, and that was fine by me. As long as I had all my things, that was all I cared about.

I climbed behind the wheel of the car, and once we were shut inside, Dad spoke.

“Do his friends always harass you like that? I know you really well, believe it or not. He makes you uncomfortable.”

I backed out of the driveway, trying to make light of it. “He’s weird, that’s all.”

“I saw him crowding you through the window. Has he touched you? If he has, I’m going to go back in there and put a bullet in him,” he snapped, my heart rate spiking. I didn’t like the guy, but I didn’t want Dad losing his shit like that.

“He hasn’t touched me. He thinks all girls like him being a cocky prick. The other girls in their group swoon over it, and he thought he’d take his shot with me since I broke it off with Stan. I told him I wasn’t interested, and he backed off,” I lied, heading towards home. “Girls are into some really weird shit. Why do they like being pushed around?”

“Are you opening this conversation up to a sex talk? Because I’m really not comfortable explaining these things to you,” he groaned, scrubbing his hands over his face. “But I’m glad you’re not into that stuff.”

“Why? I’ve heard that Mom likes that kind of thing. She likes it when you hit her too,” I said, frowning hard. “You hate it when men hurt women.”

“Shit,” he cursed, looking extremely uncomfortable. “This is not how I thought I’d be spending my morning. Look, I don’t hit your mom in a way to hurt her. Where did you hear that?”

I changed gears as we reached the main road, and gave him a sheepish look. “Me and Riley were eavesdropping on Rory, Mom, and Aunt Charlie when we were younger. They were talking about sex stuff. Mom said you slap her sometimes.”

“Jesus Christ,” he muttered, his neck turning a tinge of pink. “I don’t abuse your mother, Luna. I swear to God. I’d never want to hurt her. You need to talk about this with her because I don’t know how to fucking explain it.”

“I’m an adult. I’m aware my parents have sex and like weird shit.” I snorted despite my embarrassment. “Wouldn’t it still hurt her though? And Aunt Charlie said…”

“Nope,” he growled, giving me a pleading look. “I don’t want to know what Rage fucking Evans does to my baby sister. In my head, she’s still a sweet little girl that was never corrupted by the devil.”

I stayed quiet, both of us way too uncomfortable, and he happily changed the subject after a moment. “I know I said I wouldn’t push you with your studies, but you’ve had time off and I’m worried you’re going to fall behind.”

“I’ll catch up easily. Riley’s had some time off too, so we’ll study together or something.”

“Sure you will,” he said slowly. “I have a feeling Riley won’t study for long.”

“She doesn’t have to, but I actually want to pass.” I grinned, turning onto our street. “Maybe I should set up a reward system for her.”

“I love you, but please stop,” he begged, bailing from the car the moment I parked in the driveway. I snickered, climbing out to help him carry my things inside, and the moment I was alone in my room, I let out a sigh of relief.

Everyone left me alone to unpack, so I savored the peace and let my mind drift to Riley.

A stupid smile spread across my lips, and I let out a huff of amusement. Was I really going to date my best friend? She was pretty and knew how to light my body on fire like no one else could, but what if Dad was right?

What if it was a rebound? Was I clinging to her because she was safe and made me feel comfortable?

I sat on my bed, thinking hard. I was attracted to her, and my body heated just from the mention of her name.

Yeah, I was a goner for her. There was no way these feelings weren’t real.