Page 43 of Unbidden

“Don’t let her lie, T,” Victoria interjects. “She found this super cute burnt orange dress. She’s going to look adorbs.”

“Did you just use the word ‘adorbs’?” I turn to Victoria. “I don’t think we can be friends anymore.”

“You love me and you know it.” She winks at me.

“You have to wear the dress, S,” Tinsley tells me. “If V says it looks good, then you’ll look gorgeous.”

“Maybe I will. Who knows? I might change my mind.” I shoot Tinsley a small smile.

“Gorgeous? Ha! Like that could happen,” I catch from the other end of the table. I look up to see Ingram snickering with her friends.

I’m about to respond when someone kicks me under the table. I look at Reed to find him glaring at me in a silent warning.

Instead of responding to Ingram, I heed his warning and turn back to Tinsley.

“Ignore them. They’re just jealous,” she whispers to me.

I give her a small nod, then turn back to my plate. Tinsley and Victoria start talking about what they’re wearing, but I’m hyperaware of the conversations going on at the end of the table.

“Slut.”

“Trailer trash.”

“Whore’s daughter.”

The last one sets me off. My mom was anything but a whore, and trashing her name is uncalled for.

“You know, Ingram, there’s a lot of shit-talking coming from a wannabe Yates from that end of the table. I suggest you shut up before I make you.”

“Sage.”

But Reed’s warning doesn’t deter me.

Ingram sneers. “The only wannabe Yates here is you. You think because you suck a Yates’s dick, that means you earned a spot at the table with them? Please. I bet the only reason Tinsley is taking pity on you is because you’re sleeping with one of her brothers.”

“That’s enough, Ingram. Sage, keep your mouth shut.” Reed’s commanding voice holds finality to it, but I don’t like being told what to do.

“Ah, I guess it’s Reed’s dick you’re sucking.” Ingram plasters on a diabolical smile.

“What? Are you jealous? I’ve only been here a short time, but I know you’ve been panting after Reed the majority of your life.” I catch a flicker in her eyes, but she hides it quickly.

I lean over into Reed’s space, placing my hand on his inner thigh. The look of disdain in her eyes is enough to make me slide my other hand up his chest.

Reed’s hand reaches out to stop mine.

“Now, ladies, put the claws away. Besides, we all know it’s not Reed’s dick she’s sucking. It’s mine,” Keaton winks at me as he finishes his statement.

“I knew it. Reed would never touch you.” Ingram looks triumphant.

“Well, I wouldn’t say that, Ing. He said she wasn’t sucking his dick. Rumor has it they like to double team. She’s usually sucking Keaton’s dick while Reed’s sticking it up her ass. Isn’t that right, S?” Sterling looks positively impressed with himself.

I’m fuming. “You’re a disgusting bastard.”

“Nah, I know who my daddy is. Do you know yours?”

The slight dig hits me, but before I can say another word, Tinsley is standing up. A pang of regret hits me for ruining lunch, but I meant what I said about bullies.

“I’m so sorry, Tinsley.” I rise from my chair as well.

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