Page 104 of Brutal Little Secrets

What if part of the price to take down Chase was to hurt me? Not physically, but they could do a lot of damage emotionally. I tried to keep my walls up. Keep things strictly physical.

But they kept battering my walls until I was vulnerable to them. They’re inside and I’m beginning to depend on them for more than just orgasms. My emotions are all tangled up in them.

Chase can’t hurt me. Mia can’t hurt me. But the Devil’s trio? They could destroy me.

I don’t think they will, but a small bit of fear remains. At one point I thought Chase was a loyal boyfriend. Maybe my judgment isn’t the greatest.

We walk in the door, and there are voices out by the pool. I drag in a breath. Maybe I should listen to everything that’s warning me this is a trap. And maybe not the one I helped to set.

My guys, I trust. Maybe it’s stupid to trust them, but I do.

But I wouldn’t put it past Chase to have something planned for tonight. But I’m committed, so I walk confidently next to Mia out to the pool. There are a few girls and football players playing in the pool and some on the deck drinking. An arm wraps around my waist and pulls me into a hard body.

My heart stops, but Chase says, “You came. Awesome.”

I try to relax in his hold. Act like his girlfriend or at least the girl willing to give him a second chance. I’d rather shove him into the pool, but this won’t be for much longer.

“Hey, she’s my date tonight.” Mia pushes Chase’s shoulder. “Get off her.”

He releases me and laughs. “Sure. Everyone knows you like dick, Mia.”

She shrugs and puts her arm around my waist and pulls me in close. “It’s a friend date, and you didn’t invite anyone I’d want to fuck, so I’m hanging out with Evan.”

Chase shakes his head. “Whatever. EvanAnn can decide what she wants to do.”

“You said I could bring Mia.” I give him a wide-eyed look and lean into Mia. “I’m not abandoning her.”

Chase runs a hand through his hair but forces a smile. “Great. The more the merrier.” He gestures toward the pool deck.

Mia keeps her arm around me, and we take a seat on the loveseat, making it so Chase has to sit on an armchair or the couch alone. He chuckles as he takes the armchair.

“I wanted to apologize about last night.” He leans forward and takes my hand. His blue eyes seem sincere. “I drank too much, and I was an ass. Hawk was right to get in my face. I was wrong to say what I said. I wish I didn’t have to keep asking you to forgive me.”

He gives me this look he probably gave his parents when he did something bad. I wonder if they ever bought it. Even his words feel practiced.

I smile. “It’s okay. We all need to blow off steam after this week.” I glance around at everyone giving us space. “It’s nice this is so low-key. I’m kind of partied out.”

“Yeah, I don’t get to do this too often. My parents don’t like to go out of town without me.” Chase leans back and nods towardthe pool. “We could get in if you want. I’m sure my mom’s suits would fit you two.”

“I’m good.” I resist the urge to glance at my phone to see how much longer I have to sit here and try to “reconnect” with my ex. Especially when I can feel Damon’s cum leaking in my panties.

“Yeah, I don’t want to ruin my makeup and hair.” Mia smiles.

“You going to another party later?”

“Nope, I’m staying here. I just like to look my best for my friend.” Mia leans her head on my shoulder.

“How about I get you two drinks?” Chase rises.

Don’t drink anything anyone else gives you.Damon told me about what Olivia wanted to do. Yeah, that’s Olivia, but with Chase and her, who knows? And his parents did find drugs in his room. Better safe than sorry. I hold up my full water bottle.

“I’m good.”

“You could have a drink, Evan. You’re safe and among friends.” Chase smiles. “It’ll help loosen you up.”

Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid he’s trying to do.

“No, thank you.” I say firmly and meet his blue eyes.