Page 183 of The Invite
I would be repulsed by Augustus’s attitude—even if I seem to make an exception when we’re fucking—if it hadn’t come from a place of protectiveness.
Every time he calls me honey, I melt into a puddle. Maybe if I weren’t so fucked up in the head, I’d be able to resist him harder and not give in at the first sign of affection.
While waiting for him to pick me up, my mind travels to Anonymous. I’m all set with a fake account, but I’m stillundecided about whom to post. I hardly mingle with anyone, so I’m clueless about fresh town gossip. Posting about a colleague will raise flags and—
Oh… wait.
I cannot post at all. It will be disastrous. This is something I didn’t think through deeply. Nobody except for Augustus knows that I’m also a target. So, if I do upload a secret tonight, the rest will immediately know there’s another player and start searching for me. Thus, revealing my identity.
What will they think if they know their teacher is involved too?
What if they accuse me like Augustus did?
Slumping against the couch, I stare at the ceiling, as if the solution is written there. Should I risk not participating? But won’t that put the others in even more jeopardy?
I jump when there’s a ping on my phone.
My first instinct is to assume it’s Augustus. When I glance down, it’s a text from Ace, who I haven’t spoken to since I returned from his place.
ACE: Hey. How’re you doing?
After the whirlwind of yesterday, it slipped my mind to text him. It’s so sweet he’s checking up on me. No matter what my relationship is with Augustus, I’m not letting it affect my budding friendship with Ace.
ME: Hii. I’m feeling better.
ME: Thank you for letting me stay with you.
His reply is instant.
ACE: Just when I thought we had gotten past you thanking me. You’ll give a man a savior complex, pretty girl.
I chuckle, typing a reply just as there’s another message from him.
ME: You mean you didn’t already have one? ;)
ACE: Also, you’re welcome at my apartment any time. Consider the guest room yours.
ACE: Ha. I didn’t know you joked.
ACE: I totally forgive you for saying thanks.
His response makes me pause. Am I lowering my guard without even realizing it? And in front of two polar opposite men. Quite a paradox. One man makes me feel lighthearted while the other equally scares and brings me safety. Yet they both managed to sneak past my walls.
ME: Whew… I’m relieved.
The doorbell rings just as I’m putting down my phone. My heart booms at the prospect of seeing Augustus. Despite knowing that tonight won’t be anything like last night. Our future hinges on the plan. Nevertheless, being with him makes me forget about the looming danger for a little while.
I get a head rush from how fast I stand from the couch and run to the front door. Swinging it open, a full electric shudder through passes me as I take in Augustus from head to toe. My mouth waters at the short-sleeved shirt he’s wearing, displaying his sexy tatted arms in all their glory. The snake—my favorite piece—flexes as he steps inside and shuts the door with his boot.
His signature menacing gaze roams down the leather jacket I’m wearing, as per his wish, to the high-waisted jeans glued to my curves.
Being the center of his attention is thrilling beyond words.
Is it weird that I’m not bothered by our age difference?
His intensity mirrors mine as we feel the pull between us.
My head tilts to maintain eye contact as he backs me deeper into the hallway. Curving one arm around my waist, he yanks me to his solid chest. My pulse pounds harder when his head dips, thinking he’s about to finally kiss me.
