Page 32 of Filthy Little Pretties

I shake off the thought and deflect. “What question? And by study, do you mean that you fucked a girl to give you answers for the test?”

“I wouldn’t dare. You’re my first, last, and only. I’m the faithful type.”

I give a sly smile hearing Liam use our old motto. I’m about to say something sarcastic when fingers brush the curve of my neck, pulling my hair aside to make room for the warm lips that grace my cheek. My head turns to see Grey, and I smile, moving my bag so that he can sit next to me. Kai is behind him and grins at me before he walks around the table to Liam’s side.

“Notebook please,” I shoot out, and Kai nods.

He swipes it from the table and hands it to me, shaking his head.

“What?” I question, taking the notebook back. “And thank you.”

“Not even a flinch. That could’ve been some random dude kissing your cheek. How do you always know it’s one of them?”

Liam stretches his arms above his head, yawning. “Nobody would dare touch her, or we’d break them.”

“Oh yeah,” I laugh. “You’re super threatening.”

Kai laughs and pulls out a calculus book. “He’s serious. You’re off-limits, gorgeous. Everyone is too scared to even try.”

I give a quiet giggle, but their faces stay serious. Grey slides in next to me with a pleased expression, and I twist to face him. “You’re telling me, every guy in this school is afraid that he’ll become some poor beat-up bastard if he tries to hit on me?”

He placesThe Scarlet Letteron the table and runs his fingers under the base of my hair, leaving his hand there. “No, Cherry. There are plenty of guys at this school who’d be more than willing to take a beating to have a piece of you.”

“So then why am I off-limits?”

“Because they know it would be their reputation, future, and spirit that I’d have the most fun destroying.”

His voice is a quiet threat. Liam should take notes, because this is what intimidating looks like. I believe Grey with every fiber of my being. And as much as I should push back, I don’t want to.

“Well, the male population of Hillcrest should be safe, considering I have zero interest in datinganyonehere.”

“Damn. Scorched.” Kai laughs quietly.

Grey smirks. “We’ll see.”

I push from my chair to stand and look down at Grey. “Truth?”

“Always.”

“Any man who can’t make it through you and Liam doesn’t deserve a seat at my table. So, I guess anyone interested will either sink or swim.”

Grey tugs at my bracelets, holding up his book for me to take. “True. But it might be hard to swim with my foot holding them under.”

I shake my head as Liam laughs and wags his eyebrows at me.

“It goes upstairs,” Grey offers, nudging my hand holding the book.

“Okay, but only because you’re cute.”

Starting to walk, I pause with one hand on the back of his chair, curiously peering down at him. “This isn’t on the reading list. Did you pick this one for fun?”

“I’ve read it plenty of times, but it’s a favorite.”

“Why? Looking for shaming ideas?” I half laugh.

“That book’s not about shame. It’s about sex. You’re reading it wrong, Cherry.”

“That’s enough of you today.”