Page 36 of Brutal Little Secrets

I may not have been that sore last night, but now as I sit in a plastic chair listening to my cast butcher Shakespeare, I’m decidedly uncomfortable. Maybe fucking three guys on the night I lost my virginity was too much.

My lips curve into a smile. No, I can’t regret what I did last night. And I definitely can’t wait for the next time. I clue back into my cast and wonder if most of them are hungover.

“Okay.” I stand and draw the attention of the actors. “Let’s take ten, get something to drink, and then reset.”

Sunday afternoon rehearsals are vital to my plan. It’s the only time that doesn’t conflict with sports or other extracurriculars. It’s a great time for a full run through, but right now, the cast is still learning their lines.

I lower into my seat as everyone steps away to use the bathroom or get a drink or go fuck in a closet. I don’t care as long as they’re back in ten minutes. My fingers toy with my pen as I read through the notes I made on this scene.

“Hey.”

I look up into Chase’s blue eyes, slightly annoyed he disrupted my concentration. Did he ever make my heart flutteror was it just the idea of him that made me feel something? Popular, hot, interested in me.

He lowers to a squat in front of my table with a smile. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m good. What do you need, Chase?” It feels like he’s expecting something from me. I clearly told him we’d talk on Monday.

“I was hoping we could talk some more. About us.” He looks hopeful.

I guess I should be acting more broken up over our breakup. Instead, I have a sex hangover from fucking three guys last night. Not to mention coming on Hawk’s tongue this morning. I smile a little and that must encourage Chase.

“Maybe after practice we can go grab a coffee and talk it out.”

I arch an eyebrow. What’s there to talk about really? He’s a lying cheater, and I’m boning three guys, so I think we’re just over at this point. Right? Damon wants me to continue using Chase, but what if I didn’t? What if I just told him he could go fuck himself?

But I want to understand why, which is annoying. But fuck, why date me at all? He clearly wasn’t serious about a relationship, but he stayed with me. Why? I want to know his motive. I need to understand.

But not today. Today I want to bask in my after-sex glow. And that definitely doesn’t include talking to Chase.

“Tonight isn’t a good idea. I have a lot of homework and need to work on the play.” I run a hand over my hair, which I pulled up into a bun. “I told you we’d talk at lunch on Monday. Right now, I don’t really want to get into it with you. I need to focus.”

“Oh.” He straightens like he really thought I’d be likeI forgive you and take you back. “Yeah. I’m sorry, babe. I just really want us to be okay. I miss you.”

And I really want to scream at him, how could we be okay with him fucking every other girl in this school? He left me out in the middle of nowhere at night. What would ever make me good with that?

“Hey.”

I look up as Hawk walks past Chase and hands me a Diet Coke.

“You looked like you could use a pick me up.” Hawk’s green eyes are only on me, and something stirs inside me. It helps calm the fire raging within that wants me to tear my ex a new asshole.

Chase’s eyes narrow suspiciously on Hawk.

“Thanks.” I smile at Hawk and wonder if the rumor mill picked up on our leaving the party together. Or at least sneaking off. The room was pretty dark, so maybe no one thought anything of it.

Mia walks over and looks at the guys. “How’s it going, girl boss?”

I blow out a breath and open my Diet Coke.

She glances at me and Chase and Hawk. And then lifts her eyebrows. I’m sure that’s some sort of girl communication technique, but I’ve got nothing. She must figure out something because she turns with a smile.

“Hey, Chase, do you want to run my lines with me over here?” Mia grabs his arm and pulls him away.

Hawk chuckles and sits in Keira’s seat. “Are you back together with the fucker yet?”

“Nope.” I take a drink. “I’m making him sweat.”

“You know there’s enough time left to find somewhere to be alone.” Hawk’s voice is quiet.