Page 35 of Theodore

“You’rewhat?!” he hollered; his fists clenched.

“I’m in love with him. It’s not like he’s used me for sex,” I explained.

Ryan changed color a good three times before he spoke.

“I’m going to kill him.”

“No, you’re not,” I repeated as he paced my bedroom, glaring at me.

“What sort of brother would I be if I allowed him to fuck you around?” Ryan yelled as I stood, ready to argue back.

“He has donenothing wrong! I can’t tell you what’s going on, but he has donenothing wrong. It’s justshit.”

Ryan studied me as he breathed, reminding me of a bull about to charge.

“Youlovehim?” he asked, shaking his head. “Theo’s like our brother.”

“He’s not likemybrother,” I retorted, resting my head on my arms as I gazed into the mirror in front of me.

“If he comes round again, I’lltellhim why I’m not letting him in. Dirtybastard,” Ryan growled as he strode away.

Great.

I had to see Theo, so I pulled on a hoodie and shuffled down the stairs.

Ryan sat glaring at me.

“Let me guess,” he said sarcastically, raising his eyebrows in my direction.

I rolled my eyes and opened the door, walking over to Theo’s house, letting myself in.

“Theo,” I called.

Silence.

There was a whiskey bottle on the table and beer stubs all over the kitchen. I felt the familiar sinking feeling in my stomach as I climbed the stairs, met with clothes randomly dropped on the floor. I paused outside of Theo’s bedroom door as I pushed it open softly. The stench of alcohol hit me first, and I grimaced. Light spilled in from the open curtains, highlighting the dark curly hair on the pillow as Theo snored.

The sheer relief at seeing him alone reassured me temporarily, and I sat on the bed beside him.

“Theo,” I repeated softly, placing my hand on his back, shaking him slightly.

“Mm,” he groaned, squinting to look at me. “Phillips?”

I tried not to cry when he spoke, and he sat up quickly.

“Did you have a party without me?” I quipped as he gazed at me.

“God, you’rebeautiful. I’ve missed yousomuch.”

Theo wrapped his hand around the back of my neck as he went to kiss me until I stopped him.

“No more. I’ve learned my lesson the hard way—no more De Luca for me. I’m here as your best friend,” I said.

The light in his eyes dimmed as he stared at me in disbelief, the disappointment written all over his face.

“I love you, though,” he whispered, his eyes searching mine.

“That doesn’t matter—I love you too.”