Page 14 of Unpredictable

“Because he’s chickenshit. You two were exclusive. Yeah, it wasn’t all sunshine and fucking roses, but goddamn you weren’t allowed to look at another guy without him getting all possessive. That’s fucking dating.”

“Babe,” Reed steps in, “Sterling doesn’t do relationships. Victoria went into the arrangement with open eyes. Do I think it was smart? No, it was a fucking train wreck waiting to happen. But it’s their lives, not ours.”

I tune Sage and Reed out while Tinsley and Keaton watch like it’s a tennis competition. My mind travels back in time.

Sterling gently sets me on the counter in the pantry before sliding down the cabinets and sitting on the floor, head leaning against my leg—breathing hard, clothes skewed, and the air reeking of sex.

I lay my head back on the shelf and ask the question I’ve been putting off.

“What are we doing, Sterling?” I sigh.

I feel him tense up. “What do you mean? We’re having sex.” There is no emotion in his voice.

“Yeah, I know, I got that the first time. I knew the second time. I don’t know if you're keeping track, but some would say after a fourth that would mean we’re in a relationship,” I deadpan.

“You know I don’t do relationships, Victoria.”

“Why not? We basically are. I’m not asking you for dates and gifts. I’m merely asking that if you're sticking your dick in me, then I’m the only one,” I demand.

“Yeah? And for how long, V? Huh? We are never going to be together. You know that, right? I won’t end up like him.” He stands, jerking his clothes into place, back turned to me.

“Like who? And I’m sorry, but I don’t want to end up with an STD because you can’t keep your dick in your pants. If you can’t give me that, then this was the last time.” I stand to fix my clothes too.

“Like my father. He’s a lovesick fool who has a trail of ex-wives and alimony payments.”

“Sterling, I don’t know if you're aware, but I’m a junior. I don’t need a ring, and I sure as hell don’t need a title or money. I have my own, thank you very much.” I push past him towards the door.

He grabs my arm, spins me around, and looks me in the eye for a few moments. “No dates, no gifts. Only orgasms and the promise of not sleeping with anyone else. But when we do, this ends.”

“That’s all I ask.” I grab his collar and slam my mouth onto his.

“Guys, stop. It’s all good. I knew the score,” I tell them both while looking directly at Sage. “Now where’s that Mexican food? Momma’s hungry.”

???

Chapter Four

Itoss my hair while looking in the mirror, making sure it’s just right, then check my nails to make sure they are still on point after my manicure yesterday.

Never let them see you sweat.

I look fine as hell—or as good as one can look in a uniform.

I grab my bag off my bed and make my way down the staircase and into the kitchen, taking an apple from the bowl.

“Morning, sweetheart,” Mom says.

“Morning, Mom.” I give her a soft smile.

“It’s your senior year.” She muses, “It feels like just yesterday your dad and I brought you home.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m eighteen, and it’s my senior year. Look at you, having an adult daughter,” I tease.

“Hey now, you’ll always be my baby girl,” Dad says from behind me.

“Hey, what are you doing home? I thought you weren’t supposed to be in until tonight.”

Dad gasps in fake outrage. “And miss your first day of senior year, never!”

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