Page 71 of Brutal Little Secrets

Is she concerned about my drinking? I couldn’t be there when she needed me because I was too drunk.

“I’m done drinking.”

She arches an eyebrow skeptically.

I smirk. “Maybe one, but that’s it.”

“Why did you go out on weeknights anyway?”

I shrug and meet her eyes. “Sometimes it’s better than being at home.”

“I spent a lot of time alone at our house, but I kept myself busy with school.” She glances at the computer. “I never got into the party scene. Honestly, I don’t like alcohol all that much.”

“I’ll find a drink you can love.” I slide my hand over hers on the table.

She startles, but smiles and turns her hand over so we’re holding hands. It’s weird, because I don’t think we’ve done this and it seems strangely intimate given what we did last night and other nights.

“Damon told us about your texts.” I pull her hand down onto my thigh below the table, still holding it.

She glances my way. “I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“He said they scared you.” I want her to know I’m taking this seriously.

She shrugs. “It’s someone trying to make me afraid. They succeeded. I’m sure it doesn’t mean anything.”

She swallows and I realize she’s trying to convince herself. I’ve never had anyone like Evan in my life. There’s this instinct to protect her no other girl has made me feel. I squeeze her hand to reassure her.

“Well, I’m taking it seriously, and so are Damon and Hawk.”

Her eyes look at me like she’s trying to figure me out. I’m a simple guy though. I love fiercely and protect what’s mine. It’s why I’m protective of Hawk and Damon. They’re my friends, and they feel the same about me.

“When we decided to come after you together, it felt like fate or some bullshit.” I draw in a breath. “We didn’t know we’d be getting you, goody. You’re more than a conquest to us. You have to know that by now.”

She blows out a breath and glances toward the doorway. She leans in and says quietly, “If this is because I gave you my virginity, it really doesn’t matter to me. It’s a construct.”

“It’s not about that. It’s about you.” I don’t know if I’m explaining this well. “What’s happening between us is more than physical.”

She looks down at our hands. “Cam?—”

“None of us knows what we’re doing here, but we like spending time with you. It’s not all about the sex.”

When she gives me a look like she doesn’t believe that, I laugh.

“It’s mostly about the sex, but we want to take care of you too. So don’t hold this shit back. Tell us when you’re afraid. Your instincts probably aren’t off. If something frightens you, tell us. If you get a weird feeling. Whatever. You need me? Call. I’ll be there and sober.”

She searches my eyes, but I’m being sincere here. We’re a lot. But she takes everything we throw at her. There aren’t manygirls who would be cool with the way we treat Evan. Most girls would cry if Damon took videos of them in their private time. Not Evan.

“Fuck, Evan. You’re going to make me say it, aren’t you?” I give her a small smile and raise my eyebrow.

“What?”

“You complete us.” When she doesn’t reply, I lean in and whisper like she forgot her line, “This is where you say you had me at hello.”

I chuckle.

She shakes her head, but her lips curve into a smile. “You didn’t even say hello.”

“Hmm, that doesn’t matter. You give us something more than sex. You can read into that what you want.” I squeeze her hand and reach out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “Just consider this might be something more than a blackmail and revenge pact.”