Page 152 of Brutal Little Secrets

“The endgame?” I ask.

He smirks. “You took his girl. You blew up his party. But what do you need a girl for? You could have any number of girls. Better girls even. Including my sister.”

When I glance at Elizabeth, she gives me a knowing smile and a little wave.

“So what are you doing with a girlfriend? And why is her ex parading your girl around? Confusing.” Brandt shakes his head like he doesn’t understand. Then his gaze locks with mine. “It got me thinking maybe you don’t actually want the girl, but are stuck now. But then I see your dad with a familiar blond. See, EvanAnn’s mom shows up to productions. She’s always sweet to everyone, but kind of off, like she doesn’t pay that close attention to what EvanAnn is doing. So my guess is your parents don’t realize you two are fucking around. Maybe it’s that forbidden aspect that keeps you with her. Or maybe them finding out would end badly for both of you.”

Chapter 47

Damon

Brandt’s a good guesser, but he’s off. I shrug. “Does it matter?”

He straightens and looks me over. “Probably not. After all, Hawk’s going to Columbia in a year. You’ll find your way back onto someone’s list for college hockey. Maybe somewhere in New England or Michigan. And Cam? Cam’s your wildcard, but he’s definitely focused on Crowne Mawr.”

Interesting pivot, but I let him continue.

“And EvanAnn?” He smirks and gestures to her shaking the director’s hand. “She’ll go places with or without the showcase. She’s got a long list of colleges she’s considering.”

My eyes narrow at that comment, but he doesn’t notice. He’s watching Evan.

“She could go anywhere, but probably not the places you’re going.” Brandt shrugs and relaxes back in his chair. “You guys are a ticking bomb just waiting to go off. Maybe that was the plan all along. Throw her off her game. Maybe your parents will split you up. Or maybe you’ll make it through the school year, but after this year…” He makes an exploding motion with his hands. He shakes his head and puts on his sunglasses. “It’ll be a fun ride, but all rides end.”

Evan and Chase move away from the director. Evan chats at Chase and he watches her with a smile. My heart burns seeing her give him attention.

“You know there are other options to keep your bed warm for the rest of the year,” Elizabeth says. She touches my knee.

I glare at her, but she smiles at me like she isn’t doing anything wrong. This is all a game to both of them.

I stand and glance at Brandt. “Whatever game you’re playing, you need to stop before it gets you in trouble.”

Brandt chuckles. “I’m not like Olivia. My emotions don’t drive me. But something tells me they drive you. I’m going to sit back and watch the sparks fly when you go reclaim your ant.”

He takes a sip from his glass as humor dances in his eyes.

Manipulative asshole.

I glance toward Evan and Chase as they walk over to a man and woman. Chase introduces Evan, and she turns on again. Ready with the right answers. Are these the drama professors at the college she wants into? This would be the equivalent to the coaches I need to get in front of.

Chase keeps his hand on her back. When he notices me watching, he smirks and leans down to kiss her hair. She doesn’t pause in talking with the people, but she shifts away from him.

I should go claim her. Fuck our parents. But I also know Evan doesn’t want that, so I walk the other way. Maybe there’s a bar inside where I can add some rum to my Diet Coke.

“There you are.” Tom’s voice stops me as I reach for the glass door.

When I turn, I freeze at who stands next to Tom.

“Roger, this is the young man I’ve been telling you about. Adam’s son.” Tom’s smile is huge.

I offer him my hand. “Damon Storm, sir. Huge fan.”

Roger Farrell laughs and takes my hand. “Hopefully of my coaching as well as my hockey career.”

“Both, sir.” I straighten as we shake. He’s been coaching at Yale for the past five years. Before that, his team won the Stanley Cup with his help. “I’d hoped to meet you when I was in the USHL.”

Roger gives me that pitying smile people give you when they know your sob story. “Tom told me about your accident. It sucks to have to sit out a year and miss an opportunity like that.”

I nod, but keep my gaze from drifting to Evan. Without the accident, I never would have gotten a chance to know her. She just would have been the daughter of Heather, the bitch who moved in with my dad while I was gone.