Page 26 of His Stubborn Girl

He lets out a low sigh as his head rests against the seat. “Would’ve been so much easier if you weren’t my stepsister.” I hold the same sentiment. Out of all the people I had to fall for, it had to be him. “How do we make this work, babe?”

I don’t know. I wish I had the answers and could wave a magic wand, but I can’t.

“I don’t know, Luke. But if you don’t want this… If you don’t want me…you have to tell me now.” I won’t be able to handle him walking away if things go much further.

His hand reaches out, and he tucks a hair behind my ear. “There’s not a question in my mind of whether I want you, Torrin. I’m just afraid. The world is against us, and I hate the idea of having to sneak around with you like you’re some dirty mistress. You deserve so much better.”

I scoot across the bench seat, moving in closer. “I kind of like being dirty.” His cheeks lift into one hell of a smirk and those dimples do heady things to my body. He has me swooning. “Just means that you’re going to have to behave in public, big brother. Means you have to resist the urge to kiss me.” I lean in and tease one against his lips. “Means you can’t touch.” I run my hands down his shirt, rubbing over the bulge that’s still hard as can be. “But when we’re alone…” I give him a squeeze over his pants, earning a groan. “You can be as dirty as you want with me.”

“Fuck, babe. You talking like that is going to get me into trouble.”

I actually kind of like the idea of us having to sneak around. Watching him from across the room, the need burning in his eyes, wondering how long it will take before he snaps and drags me someplace quiet then releases his pent-up tension on my body.

“You need to get inside before I fuck you in this truck. And before that roommate of yours wakes up.”

I tease him with another kiss, torturing myself with equal measure. “I’m not opposed to you fucking me in this truck.”

He breaths out a groan, sinking his tongue deep and kissing me until I’m panting. Then he pulls back, shaking his head.

“One day I will. But not for your first time. Now, I’ll call you later so we can figure out tonight.”

Sounds good.

I steal one last kiss and then I climb out, giving him a little wave before I disappear into my building, bounding up the stairs. I feel like I’m on cloud nine. There’s this huge weight lifted off my shoulders, and there’s a giddiness running through my veins. But it suddenly halts when I hear a noise coming from within my room. It sounds like Sophie’s in pain.

I quickly unlock the door and rush in. She’s whimpering and nearly thrashing in her sheets.

She’s having another nightmare. Another flashback from her past. But this one seems worse. I rush to her side and reach for her.

“Sophie!” I gently shake her arm. “It’s okay, Soph. You’re safe. Wake up! Please.” Her eyes fly open, looking panicked. “You’re okay, Soph. They will never hurt you again.”

She turns her head, looking around the room, making sure she’s safe. God, I hate what they did to her. I hate that anyone could be so cruel. She’s one of the sweetest people I know. And they terrorized her.

“Are you okay?” I squeeze her hands. I’m here. And I will never let anyone hurt her again. “That one was a bad one, huh?”

She swallows hard, and a tear slips down her cheek. “Sorry I woke you, Torre.”

“You didn’t wake me. Lukas just dropped me off.” The truth comes flying out, and I can’t retract the words. I’ve just never been one to lie. But I’ll fix it.

“Lukas?” She looks surprised. “I thought you hung out with Willow last night?”

“Lukas and Brennon ended up showing up and totally bogarted our entire evening.” I roll my eyes, trying to play it off. “Lukas claimed it was payback for crashing his party.”

“So, did you and Lukas make up?”

We definitely made up. I can still feel the remnants in my toes. His tongue. His lips. The way he held me close all night.

“Yeah, we’re good. So, tell me. How did the date go?”

I need to switch subjects before she sees the blush in my cheeks and starts to ask more questions. Then I really will have to make up a lie, and after everything she’s shared with me from her past, it feels wrong to betray her trust like that. Omission is one thing, but blatantly making up a story feels wrong.

“I’m going out with him again tonight.” She smiles, and now she’s the one blushing.

“Aww. Yay.” I clap my hands. “So how was last night? I take it it went well since he got you to agree to a second date.”

She starts to gush over Travis, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy. I can’t even share what happened between me and Lukas with her, or with anyone. No one would understand. Our friends, our parents—they’ll think we’re sick. And maybe we are. But I can’t stop my heart from beating for him.

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