Page 21 of Filthy Little Pretties

“Mr. McCallist—”

I hold my finger up to my lips to shush the teacher, keeping my eyes on Donovan as she sits down and glances at me, letting out a laugh.

There it is—my favorite sound.

I give her a wink and roll off the frame, taking my leave down the hall and off to my class, making a quick stop in the library first.

An hour later, and one riling political debate later, I push out of the door, Kai in tow, hearing the hinges strain.

“Where’s the fire? Maybe down the pants of that hot piece of ass I gave my seat over to?”

I can feel the irritation that grows across my features as I spin around to look at my friend. He’s not saying anything he wouldn’t usually spout off about, especially about some girl I’m messing around with, but this is different. Donovan’s different.

“Kai, word of advice. Watch your mouth, or I’ll break it. Donovan isn’t a piece of anything, including this conversation. The only thing she gets from you is respect.”

Kai holds his hands up in surrender, backing away, the hint of a smile on his face.

“Touchy. Messaged received. She’s our queen.” Kai’s eyes grow wide as he lowers his arms, linking them behind his back and leaning in toward me again. “Wait, what’s that make Caroline now?”

The memory of Donovan forcing us to promise her that we’d never replace her with Caroline pulls forward, and I shake my head.

“The same pain in the ass she always is.”

Kai’s voice floats over the crowd as I walk away. “Lunch should be fun.”

I turn the corner of the hall, my eyes searching the faces, but no Donovan. So I walk to the last classroom she was inside and peer in, still not seeing her. What the fuck? I told her I’d meet her here.

My phone vibrates, and I pull it out of my pocket, instantly seeing a message from Liam. It’s a selfie of him and Donovan, making silly faces.

Liam: Got our girl. Good mac-n cheese today. Hurry the fuck up.

Me: Hook it up.

Liam: Want me to suck your dick too?

Me: Nah, your mom’s doing a great job.

I pocket my phone and keep the smile that’s threatening my face at bay as I make my way to the dining hall, but the moment I enter, my resolve fades. Every step I take to the table, the more my happiness becomes apparent.Huh, happy. It’s been a while.I set my bag down with a thud, making Donovan’s blonde locks brush my way in surprise. Those gorgeous blue eyes look up at my face, effectively knocking me on my ass.

“Hello, Darren. You were supposed to wait for me.”

She smirks, opening her lime Perrier. “I found a replacement.”

Liam chuckles, sliding my tray over to me. “You mean better model.”

“Boys, please. Don’t fight over me.” She giggles, stealing a fry from Liam’s plate. “I love you equally.”

Grabbing my chair, I heave it out, placing both hands on the back of it, and playfully scowl. “Boy? Again, with that bullshit. I’m all man. Wanna see?”

“Uh, no. And the jury’s still out on your classification. Are you going to sit or stand there flirting with me all lunch?”

I laugh loudly, loving that my flirtation is a foregone conclusion, and lower into my chair.

Liam stands and turns his chair around to straddle it, folding his arms over the top, and rests his cheek on them, giving her all his attention. Damn, he’s laying it on thick. I can’t blame him. I’m doing the same.

Donovan takes a bite of her food and shoots him a glance. Liam’s eyes stay on hers, and she must be smiling because he’s grinning back.

Reaching out, she boops his nose. “Oh, you’re a charmer. Dangerous and too cute for your own good. The girls must go down like shooting fish in a barrel.”