Page 90 of Unapologetic Obsession

“Which is why I tolerate her.”

I snapped my mouth shut. To be fair, Poppy didn’t like anyone.Toleratingwas generally the best she could do, and I shouldn’t expect pleasantries.

I opened my laptop and pretended to work on my thesis, when in reality, my eyes were fixed blankly at the screen. As I sipped on my latte, I periodically closed my eyes, trying to block out the memories from yesterday. When I glanced up, Poppy was watching me intently.

“What’s going on with you?”

Here I thought my cousin wouldn’t interrogate me. My facade must be truly unconvincing if she saw right through me.

“She has been acting weird since yesterday,” Amelie chimed in.

Coughing, I dabbed the corner of my mouth with a napkin. “Why do you think I’m acting weird?”

Poppy studied me suspiciously. “You texted me before seven, which has never happened. You also showed up at my house early in the morning last weekend. Then, you forgot your regular patterns, and today, you didn’t rotate the cup three times before taking a sip. What gives?”

Nothing got past her.

Yes, I skipped my morning routine for the fourth day in a row. Ever since I lost my virginity to Professor Maxwell, the small things that seemed catastrophic ceased to matter. Years of therapy couldn’t control my compulsions, yet a tumble with my professor did the trick.

I was sick.

“I’m fine, guys.”

“I don’t believe you,” Amelie stated.

“Agreed,” Poppy echoed.

At least they were finally bonding over something.

They watched me like a hawk. I understood their need to protect me, but I couldn’t stand it right now. The minor interrogation had my heart racing, and I was on the verge of a breakdown. I was a terrible liar and was scared shitless that I might end up confessing to everything.

“Seriously, guys, I’m?—”

“I have a problem.” A familiar fourth voice cut into our conversation, and I silently thanked the gods for it.

Sophie squeezed herself into the empty chair beside Poppy and slammed her purse down dramatically. Subtlety had never been her strong suit, and numerous eyes watched the loud blonde girl with cocktail rings.

Amelie rolled her eyes at Sophie’s theatrics. There was no love lost between the two. She thought Sophie was brash, spoiled, and selfish. In turn, Sophie didn’t take kindly to Amelie’s hot-tempered nature.

“What’s the big tragedy?” I asked.

“I’m organizing a threesome, and my third just backed out.”

I nearly spat out my lavender latte, and Amelie’s face turned crimson. Meanwhile, Poppy seemed amused.

Amelie did a slow clap. “Searching for a sex partner before eight. You’ve outdone yourself.”

“I’m resourceful like that.”

“Go away, Sophie. We’re studying.”

Sophie huffed. “I would think my friends would help me out when I have a problem.”

“That’s not a real problem, and we aren’t friends,” Amelie shot back.

“I was talking about Rose.” Sophie peeked at Poppy between her lashes. “And Poppy.”

I jabbed a finger at her. “Stop hitting on my cousin. She’s too young for you.”