Page 118 of Would You Rather
“Fuck, she’s strong,” Grayson murmurs. “What the fuck does she eat?”
“It’s Gabi,” Aiden says dryly. “Did you really think she couldn’t handle herself?”
“Plus, she’s a dancer,” Leila points out. “They’re strong as hell.”
Gabi doesn’t even listen to them. She shakes her head, unable to believe her eyes, as she stalks over to me. “You dyed your hair red?”
I glance at Lucas, a grin on my lips. “A bet’s a bet,” I tell her, lifting my shoulder in a shrug. “I lost, so I paid up.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say you lost,” Lucas says beside me.
I turn to look at him, a smile on my lips. “No,” I agree. “I guess I won, after all.”
“Ugh,” Gabi groans, tipping her head back. “I knew it. I’m going to be alone forever.”
“You won’t,” Aiden says adamantly.
She turns to face him, a frown on her lips. “How do you know that?”
He narrows his eyes at her. “Gabi.”
What the hell? My brows furrow as I take in their interaction.
She shakes her head, letting out a sigh. “I need a drink.” She whips her head around, pressing her lips together in a smile, looking at me. “I’m happy for you,” she says. “I really am. You need to know that.”
“I know,” I assure her. If it wasn’t for Gabi, I know I wouldn’t have taken that step with Lucas. I had been tellingmyself I didn’t need a guy in my life for so long that I was purposely keeping him at a distance, even when I knew I had feelings for him. Gabi made me realize that it was ok to fall for someone–that my ex didn’t set the standard for every other guy who came after him.
“Good.” She shoots me a smile, but it drops when she narrows her gaze on Lucas. “She’s my best friend,” she says.
“I know,” he replies.
“And I can fight.”
His chin dips in a slow nod, a hint of a smirk on his lips. “I can tell.”
“Which means if you hurt her…”
“You’ll hurt me?” he guesses.
She lifts her chin. “Smart guy.” She walks past us, heading out of the living room.
I turn to Aiden, my brows furrowed in confusion. “What was all that about?” I ask him. “You know something I don’t?”
His lips twitch. “I might.”
“How?”
He shrugs. “We’re friends,” he says. I try not to think too much about it, but… She told Aiden and not me? He must see the expression on my face because he’s quick to add, “She just needed to vent. You were busy with class and the public appearances with Lucas, and she just didn’t want to bother you.” He shoots me a sympathetic smile. “I’m sure she’ll tell you when she’s ready.”
I nod, thinking back to when she crashed on my bed, rambling on about something. I should have asked her, and I should have let her know I’d always have time for her. I glance at Leila, who sat next to Aiden, his arm around her. “Do you know too?”
She laughs. “Are you kidding?” She gestures to her boyfriend with her thumb. “This one can’t keep a secret to save his life.”
He grins, leaning closer to her. “Not from you, I can’t.”
Leila shakes her head, smirking. “He’s so obsessed with me. It’s embarrassing.” Her nose scrunches, but I see the hint of a smile on her lips.
His arms wrap around her waist, pulling her into his lap. “Fuck yeah, I am,” he whispers against her lips. “And don’t lie to your friends, gorgeous. We both know you’re just as obsessed with me.”
