Page 136 of Brutal Little Secrets

“Figures he wouldn’t get suspended after rehearsal.” Hawk shakes his head.

“His father makes large contributions to this school.” Cam watches Chase. “If he’d actually hurt one of you, it would have been harder. But unlike Olivia, there’s no video of the incident.”

“They can just sweep it under the rug with all the other bullshit he gets away with,” Damon says.

There might be consequences for him with the play from what he pulled on Sunday. I’m just glad I don’t have to listen to him and whatever he wants to call me today.

Whatever Chase has to say to me, I won’t like, but fuck him. He used me. He used the fact I was lonely against me. It must have been so easy for him to just give me a little attention, and I was willing to be his.

I hate it was that easy for him. That I wasn’t suspicious at all when one of the hottest guys in the theater department suddenly wanted me. That he made me feel special and it was all a lie.

I was more suspicious of the Devil’s trio’s attention at the beginning of the year.

But they haven’t lied to me. They wanted to use me to fuck over Chase, and I think we’ve accomplished that. I doubt he’ll be partying or anything else this year. Not anytime soon.

I feel bad I haven’t told my mom about breaking up with him. But the situation is complicated. If I’m dating Hawk, maybe putting me next to Damon would be a bad idea suddenly. Or did they put me there because they trusted I wouldn’t be seduced by Damon? Or worse, what if they assumed Damon wouldn’t want to seduce me?

I rub my neck. It doesn’t matter. Damon’s mine. I’m not changing bedrooms, and my mom doesn’t need to know I’m sleeping with her boyfriend’s son. And his friends.

As soon as the bell rings, Chase is out the door. I breathe a little easier, but that just means he might be waiting until he can get me alone. Away from Damon, Cam, or Hawk.

And he’ll have that opportunity this afternoon.

Cam

As soon as Evan comes out of third period, I fall into step beside her.

“Hey, goody.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders, and she bumps into me.

“Hey.”

Her woodsy scent intoxicates me.

The guys would kill me if we’re late, but I’d love to drag her into an abandoned room and spend lunch making her come over and over again.

Instead, I lead her to the cafeteria and stand in line with her at the salad station. I go ahead and get lunch from there, but after I eat this, I’ll have to find something else to eat.

We head to the doors, and Evan looks longingly at the table she usually sits at.

“If you want, we can sit there, goody.” I’m not as big on the whole we have to prove shit to everyone. If she wants to be comfortable, I’m all for it.

Evan shakes her head. “No, it’s time to face the music.”

“At least Olivia won’t be there.” I smirk, and Evan gives me a genuine smile. I could seriously live on this girl’s smiles.

We enter the courtyard, and Mia waves from Abby’s table.

“You can invite her to eat with us,” I offer. Maybe having her friend with us will make it easier.

“Not today.” Evan straightens. “Today is about showing everyone you guys are mine as much as I’m yours.”

Grinning, I set my food next to hers on the table before pulling her into my arms. She tips her head back to meet my eyes. Our arms are draped loosely around each other.

“I like it when you claim us, goody.” I wink.

She smiles. “Same.”

I give her a kiss before turning her to the table and sitting next to her, straddling the bench so I’m facing her. She glances my way as she takes a bite, but something captures her attention over my shoulder.