Page 69 of Give In

Eden was still my student. I was still a controlling dick, asshole, and whatever other multitude of names she’d likely called me.

Crosby was a good kid who followed her like a loyal puppy. He’d worship her.

I’d break her.

And it was true, nothing had changed.

Because I hadn’t truly backed off.

And I’d never let her go.

Chapter Sixteen

Mental Mirror

Eden

“I’m drunk,” I declared, laughing as I looked up at Brooks.

“You are. I think you drank half the liquor cabinet.”

I tried to look as offended as I could while swaying. “Hey, I paid my share for it.”

Brooks raised his brows. At least I thought it was both of them. His swoopy hair blocked the left one. “Eden, you made it rain dollar bills all over the living room.”

“Exactly. I paid my share.” I climbed into his bed, drunk and… not happy.

Numb.

Pretending.

No, no.

Acting.

That sounded better.

And I’d had a lifetime to perfect my craft, so even though it was fake, I was so good at it, I could allow myself to pretend it was real. My life was a TV show, and I was getting sucked in even though it was a sham.

“You were so entertaining tonight, I don’t think anyone cared if you paid or not.”

I smiled at him before turning serious. “Do you want me to go home?”

“Do you want to?”

Shaking my head, I tried to phrase things correctly, which was hard with no filter. “With the whole… Before…”

“I know we aren’t gonna happen. I knew that long ago. I’m not hanging out with you to get into your pants.”

“Idolike you,” I emphasized.

“I know, I know. It’s not me, it’s you. You think of me like a brother. You lost my number.”

“Nooo,” I drawled dramatically, getting up on my knees so I was eye level with him standing next to the bed. “It’s just—”

“I’m kidding.” His boyish smile faded. “Inside and out, Eden, you’re the most gorgeous girl I’ve ever met. Going for you was like shooting for the stars, so I can handle the rejection.” He cupped my cheek. “I can’t take the pity, though.”

“Sorry, I swear, I don’t pity you. I just don’t want to hurt you.” In my first bit of realness since I’d arrived, I shared, “My life is a mess.”

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