Page 33 of Hostile Secret
The skin on my arms thrums with life. I want to remind him that I’ve already fallen into the dark side. But he knows that. What he meant was far more telling. I’m wearing him down and one of these days, he might just give me what I crave.
Placing both hands back on the wheel, he glances over at my flushed face, his own expression thoughtful. His nostrils flare as if he’s fighting to stay seated on the monstrous throne carved from his father’s expectations.
We sit in silence for the rest of the journey. Me shamelessly wet and his pillar-like boner clearly visible in his joggers.
As the world speeds past the passenger window, I start to think this crazy infatuation of mine is only circumstantial.
Maybe this has nothing to do with chemistry or wanting Giovanni to claim my virginity, and everything to do with him being my new safety net. Just a replacement to fill the void in my heart.
“Your role is quite specific, isn’t it?” I fiddle with my seatbelt when the school gates come into view. “Is it the type of career you want to continue with once you’re married?”
My statement earns a dark, throaty hum. “I’ll never get married.”
“Oh yeah? Dré didn’t have plans to marry either, and now those two are inseparable.”
His shoulders bounce. “Nothing lasts forever. I’d rather not waste my time with flimsy commitments.”
“What about fake sisters?” I flip the sun visor down and slide open the inset mirror to check my lip gloss. “Would you keep them around?”
I feel his eyes burn into the side of my face. “You know your time at Blackwater is temporary.” I flinch at the cruel insult, not missing the sharp change in his tone when he spells out our hopeless situation. “You’re André’s responsibility, India. Not mine.”
Foolishly, my heart pinches. I straighten my spine, pushing into the leather upholstery, and catch sight of today’s date on the digital display.
“I’m no one’s responsibility. The sooner you understand that, the better.”
“The better for who?”
“Me. I don’t need a babysitter.”
My heart sinks and I finally decide we’d never be a thing.
I’d do better to focus on guys my own age and find a suitable date for prom, especially today of all days.
10
INDIA
“I know a secret about you!” Ana slides in next to me and waggles her fawny eyebrows.
“Oh?” Her direct announcement tugs my gaze away from the textbook I’m studying. “I don’t have any secrets.” I lie through my teeth.
Her eyes narrow as she inspects my cool as a cucumber posture. She has nothing on me. Giovanni had obliterated my social status when he erased my life from the internet. I may as well be a ghost. Inwardly, I smirk at the irony of the haunted house I’m living in.
“Lying to me isn’t a great way to start a wonderful friendship. I know everything, and this news is epic.”
Today, she’s got a different backpack slung over her shoulder. The straps of this one are embossed in shiny Dior and a cute fluffy keychain hangs from the zipper. It’s elegant and whimsical like her.
With her willowy frame, long hot-iron waves, and rich brown eyes, Ana is one of the prettiest girls I’ve ever met.
On my first day, the professor had paired us up, and thankfully we hit it off. Although it's only been five days, we already have a lot in common and there’s a connection. We both love beaches and bad boys. However, that doesn’t mean I’d break my promise to Giovanni.
I shrug my shoulders. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m as dull as this textbook.”
She wraps her arm around my shoulder and squeezes me close. “I don’t believe that for a second. Happy birthday, India!”
“What––how did you know?”
Ana taps the side of her nose and giggles. “Like I said, I know everything, and I might have accidentally seen your registration papers when I was talking to the receptionist earlier. Anyway, the details are irrelevant when you’ve officially turned eighteen.”
