Page 134 of Brutal Little Secrets
“Don’t give them anything today, Annie.” Hawk pulls my braid over my shoulder, letting the end slide out of his fingers.
Not giving the students what they want is my mantra today. I won’t fall apart or cry or yell at them. Just hold my head high and walk past them as if they aren’t even there.
Damon takes my hand and threads our fingers together. When I look up at him, he takes the back of my neck and kisses me like we’re alone. I may be a good actor, but this is so much more. I sink into his kiss and press in closer.
Unfortunately, this kiss will feed the rumor that we’re all just fucking.
He pulls away and brushes his thumb across my lower lip as our eyes meet.
“I’ve wanted to do that for a while.” Damon’s eyes glint with possession as he draws me toward the entrance. That possessive streak shouldn’t make me feel warm, but him wanting to own me makes me come alive.
I’ve walked into this school for the past three years and never felt like I needed to make sure my skirt wasn’t tucked into my underwear like today. Eyes follow us down the hall. Whispered words haunt our steps. I run my hand over my butt just in case, but I know the reason everyone is watching is because the Devil’s trio surrounds me.
The rumor might have died if we’d kept everything the same, but we’re owning it.
Cam walks beside me while Hawk follows us. Damon holds my hand. A thousand stares follow us, but I keep my head high. I earned this. I earned them. And I’m keeping them.
Normally I’d go hide in Mr. Watson’s room until the first bell rings, but today is about letting everyone know I’m not just their fuck toy. I am, but that’s not all I am. And only my guys can call me that.
When we stop at my locker, I put my books away and pull out what I need for morning classes.
“Chase is only in the class I have with you and acting,” I tell them. “Mia’s in my first class and acting too.”
“We don’t want him to have a chance to come at you again.” Cam glances around. “We’ll get you between classes.”
There’s not a lot that can happen at school. They’re overreacting, but Olivia might be here. And Chase did come at me pretty hard at rehearsal.
I blow out a breath. “Except you can’t this afternoon. You have your classes on this side of the school while I have classes on the Anteros side. Even the time schedules are different. I have senior acting with Mia and Chase before my directing intensives.”
I glance over my shoulder and see some girls whispering behind their hands across the hallway. Our gazes collide, and they roll their eyes before looking away. I shake my head. I’m not looking for acceptance. Just trying to avoid retribution.
“I’ll let Mr. Watson know about Chase and the issues I’m having.” I close my locker.
Damon doesn’t look happy. If he could, he’d probably follow me to every class today instead of attending his, but that’s not how this will work. I need to be my own person and stand on my own.
I put my hand over his heart and smile up at him because there are definite benefits to being out as whatever we are. Yes, it might make me a target. It already has, but it’s worth it.
“We don’t have to hide. At least not here.” Home is another matter. That I’ll have to deal with eventually, but not now. “I don’t have to eat lunch with Chase.”
A hint of a smile teases his lips. “You’ll be with us.”
I want to ask them to sit inside the cafeteria with me, but we have to make a statement. Part of that statement is being seen and showing everyone none of this bothers us. While hiding would be more comfortable, it’s not an option.
They all walk me to my first class. Mia looks up at the door as I enter. Damon waits until I’m seated before he turns and walks away.
“Fuck, I thought he was possessive at the game, but damn, girl.” Mia fans herself with her notes. “I think I’m getting secondary burns from the heat you two generate.”
I chuckle and then sigh. “I don’t know how I’m going to get through today.”
Mia smiles. “What I learned by being an unrepentant slut is you don’t let other people’s opinions of you matter. Hold your head up and let them eat your dust. They’re just jealous anyway.”
“Jealous.” I nod, but I don’t believe it. It feels like I’m encroaching on someone else’s territory. I have no desire to be popular like Olivia. But I’m going to have lunch outside with the Devil’s trio and pretend I belong because I’m fucking the hottest guys in school. The guys want me there. That’s all that matters.
“Jealous. Trust me.” Mia winks as the teacher walks into the room.
My phone buzzes. I look down.
Sex God:
