Page 139 of Brutal Little Secrets

“I could get something in the spring showcase though.” Chase glances at me, like I’m the one who will be disappointed if he quits my show.

I arch an eyebrow. “It’s early. Jason would be able to learn your part. If you want to go to Brandt’s show, that’s up to you. I won’t stop you.”

Chase chuckles and rubs the corner of his lip. “Why would I give up my part in the play?”

“I don’t know, Chase.” I lean back and cross my arms. “It would be a stupid move, but it’s not like anything you’ve been doing has been smart.”

His eyes flash, but he hides it quickly.

Mr. Watson clears his throat. “I’m not saying this will be easy, but if you need me to supervise for a while, I can come to rehearsals to make sure things remain civil.”

“I’d appreciate that,” I say.

Chase straightens. “Fine. I can be a professional.”

Mr. Watson stands and glances at his watch. “You have time to get to your next class.”

I grab my stuff and stand to leave. We’d moved to Mr. Watson’s office so the students in the acting class afterwards wouldn’t have to wait in the hallway.

As soon as I step out of the office, Chase touches my shoulder.

I flinch and spin to face him. He holds up his hands in surrender.

I straighten and glare at him. “Outside of the production or class, you don’t have any reason to interact with me. You definitely don’t have permission to touch me.”

He smirks, and the confidence that always surrounds him makes itself known. “But you will need me. When those three decide you’re no longer worth playing with.”

I press my lips together, but don’t give him anything, because he doesn’t know anything about us. He still thinks they’re toying with me. And there’s nothing I’ll need him for even if they do leave me. I’ve never needed him.

He drags his gaze over me like he has any right. “I’ve always been playing the long game with you, EvanAnn. Those other girls were to stave off a need. You?” He smiles like we’re something more. “You’re endgame. But I get it. I fucked up, and you need to teach me a lesson.”

“That’s not what this is.”

“But it is revenge, right?” He steps forward, but I don’t step back.

I’m not going to let him see me afraid of him.

“Damon’s revenge. Your revenge.” He smiles down at me. “Doesn’t matter, does it? You’ve had yours. He’s had his. What do you two have left? Fucking?”

My cheeks heat, but I don’t say anything.

“And then he takes off to fulfill his hockey dream, and you… what? Follow him to a school that has a mediocre theater program?” Chase chuckles. “Or maybe you’ll try to do some film festivals and make it from there?”

I glance at the door, hoping Mr. Watson comes out.

“That’s not the way you achieve your dreams, EvanAnn.” Chase shakes his head like I’m being silly. “You need someone like me and my family. Money. Connections. He might have younow, but it won’t last. But don’t worry. I’ll take you back when you’re ready.”

Chapter 42

EvanAnn

When I get to rehearsal after school, there’s a bag and a paper flower waiting for me on my table. Mia smiles when she sees it.

“Someone’s got boyfriends,” she teases and sits in the audience area, pulling out her laptop to do homework until everyone else gets here.

I set my backpack on the floor next to the table and peek in the bag. There’s a salad and a pack of nuts. I pluck out the folded note.

Need to eat, little devil