Page 53 of Tempt Me

“Lord,” Ben groans and slings his arm over Xavier’s shoulders. “This is getting gross. Let’s go watch the game.”

Sam shakes his head. “This is horrible. Now, every time she’s over, we’ll know what they’re doing.” He shudders. “No one wants to know that.”

“Too bad.” I kiss her lips and close my eyes. Heaven. How did I stay away from her so long? Why did I–

She digs her nails into my skull, and I forget everything else.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Bella

The next afternoon, I pace my bedroom from the door to the window and back. Unlike Dominic, I don’t worry about my parents’ reaction to us seeing each other, but his uncertainty combined with telling them about school has my nerves on edge.

Buzz. Beep. My cell phone vibrates on the dresser. I stride toward my dresser with a smile already on my face. Spending time with Dominic last night at the game was a dream come true. And no one batted an eye.

After the incident with my brothers in the parking lot, that is.

The night was perfect. Our team won. Levi scored two touchdowns. And Dominic couldn’t keep from touching me. I’d wanted to stay over at his place, but until I’ve talked to my parents, we decided it wasn’t a good idea.

He decided. I couldn’t have cared less.

I snatch up my phone as the scent of cinnamon rolls baking downstairs wafts in from under the door. Him and his morals. I don’t know what makes him think they aren’t going to jump up and down that I’m dating someone with as much class as him.

Brock. My heart skips to a stop as sweat breaks out on my forehead. How did he find this number? Shit. I swallow over the bile in my throat. No one knows my number that would tell him. My hand quivers as I swipe the screen.

Brock: Hey, doll face, I bet you weren’t expecting to hear from me. But I’m always watching and waiting. I’ll get you back.

Tears sting my eyes. Why is he doing this? It doesn’t make any sense. He didn’t love me enough to be faithful, so why does he care that I’m not crying myself to sleep over him. Or if I start dating someone else.

Brock: Too afraid to answer? Scared your little boyfriend will think you’re cheating on him if you talk to me? He seems like the kind with low self-esteem who doesn’t trust a woman. Hope you don’t lose him.

Brock: You’re not answering. It seems like I’m going to have to take matters into my own hands.

What an asshole. He’s so careful not to say anything that will get him in trouble. Like he knows the specific wording that the police would use against him.

I gnaw on my bottom lip. Should I push it? What if something I say tips him over the edge? Screw it. I’m not letting him ruin my life.

Bella: I’m not interested in you, so leave me alone.

Brock: Hey, baby, there you are. Did your boy toy disappoint you last night? Is that why you’re messaging me already?

Bella: No. He didn’t. I just want you to leave me alone.

Brock: That’s not going to happen. I’ll find you wherever you are. Don’t think you can get different phone numbers and keep me away.

Bella: Stop. You’re crazy.

Brock: I’ll show you crazy. When you least expect it, I’m coming for you.

Bella: Leave me alone. I’m not interested.

Brock: I’m going to fuck you so good; you’ll forget everything else. I don’t care if you scream and beg for me to stop. As a matter of fact, I want you to. I’m going to take what’s mine. I’m so fucking hard thinking about you right now. Promise me you’ll scream and fight back.

Fucking pervert. That’s all I needed. I growl under my breath and call Dominic’s number. In the middle of the second ring, he picks up.

“Hey, Wildflower, did you miss me?”

“Yes.” My voice shakes with my quick reply.

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