Page 45 of Brutal Little Secrets

If I thought the times he yelled at Damon were uncomfortable, this is that times one hundred. It’s made worse since Chase didn’t know I was living here. And I need to be extra careful not to give away there’s anything between me and Damon.

Tom chuckles when neither of them says anything. “This couldn’t be over a girl. Chase has been with EvanAnn for months now. They see each other almost every night.”

I want to laugh. No he doesn’t. He’s been whoring around instead. I meet Chase’s blue eyes. He doesn’t let his mask slip, and neither will I. If he wants to pretend everything is wonderful in our relationship, I can use that to my advantage.

Of course, now he knows where I live. And who I live with. He’ll be keeping a closer eye on both of us, I would assume.

“I was worried with his previous girlfriend. He was just partying all the time. We even found drugs in his room she left behind.” Tom shakes his head. “No, EvanAnn has been a real blessing.”

Drugs? Are they talking about Abby? Is that why Chase wanted to date me? He needed a good girl to use as an excuse to go fuck around because he got in trouble?

“I threw the first punch.” Damon glances at me when my gaze flicks to his. His words hit me in the gut.He left you like garbage, Evan. You.

“The police tested all the kids. You weren’t drinking.” Adam says. He turns to Tom. “Had Chase been drinking?”

“Not enough to be significant.” Tom takes a breath and looks between Damon and Chase. That’s not what Chase said. “Is whatever happened resolved? Or is this something that’s going to continue to be an issue?”

Chase sits forward. “It was my fault.”

I raise my eyebrows. That’s unexpected. Is he going to say he left me to come back to the party to get some? Probably not, but Chase has to have a reason for claiming that.

Chase glances at Damon and then at me. “I said something about the blond that was clinging to him.”

Damon looks down at his hands. Chase must be talking about Olivia.

Tom shakes his head. “Have you apologized?”

I feel like we’re in kindergarten and the teacher is going to make them hug it out. If I weren’t so horrified about this whole thing, I would laugh at the thought of Damon and Chase hugging. Is that what they would have done if the parents knew about the accident?

“Sorry for the misunderstanding.” Chase has a nice smile on his face, but his eyes burn into Damon. “I didn’t mean to make you think I wanted your girl.”

I swallow as I wait for the explosion from Damon. That anger that boils just below the surface.

“No worries, man. We’re cool.” Damon leans forward and offers his hand to Chase and they shake. I’m sure this is all for show for the parents. I’m impressed by Damon’s skill.

“I’m glad that’s over.” Mom stands and gestures to the dining room. “Shall we go eat? I’m sure the cooks won’t let the food get cold, but I’m definitely ready to move on to something more pleasant.”

Tom and Jessica rise and walk with Mom and Adam into the dining room without looking back at the three of us.

“This is your mother’s new boyfriend?” Chase stands. His gaze is steady on me.

“Obviously.” I glance toward the adults, but they’re already in the dining room.

Chase looks me up and down before he turns to Damon. “Why did you really punch me that night?”

I hold my breath as Damon stands. He claps Chase on the shoulder and says, “You insulted my girl, remember?”

Chapter 14

Damon

I should have known my father would pull some shit like this. It would have been worse if it had been right after the accident. I wouldn’t have been able to control myself. Evan sits next to her mother, and I take the chair on her other side.

It’s not like I’m going to sit next to Chase’s parents.

Evan’s being so careful to not pay me too much attention. I understand why. It’s part of the game. She plays it well, but she’s got tells. They’re so subtle I don’t think Chase will ever notice because he doesn’t know her.

Did he ever bother to get to know her? What’s the point of clinging to her when she’s given him the rules?