Break Me (Brayshaw High) - Meagan Brandy Page 0,18

much equal with my shoulder blades, the buckle of his belt gently scraping at the high curve of my back as he presses me forward. He cages me there, shuffling closer until he’s so close, I have to bring my hand up to grip the cool plastic racks to keep me from falling against the shelving.

In contrast with the chilled air blowing against my front, his heated breath burns along the skin behind my ear, and I incline my chin just enough to meet his eyes.

“Are you trying to seduce me in the fridge of a mini-mart that smells like recycled mop water?”

“Come on now, little Bishop, you’re smarter than that.” He leans in, his smirk a mischievous one. “If I wanted to seduce you, you’d be in my hotel room already.”

Before I can blink, the chilled air wraps around my back, the heat of his body having disappeared, but you bet your ass he can hear my laughter wherever it is he ran off to.

I smile to myself.

Man, he’s seriously on that pro ho level.

It’s over the top and unnecessary, but it’s also a breath of fresh air, loosening it a bit.

With a shake of my head, I grab my drink, circling the back of the store in search of my go-to breakfast, and make my way toward the register.

As I round one corner, Royce does the other, both of us already biting into our item of choice—a chocolate-covered donut with sprinkles.

His eyes narrow, dropping to the Yoo-hoo in my left hand as I spot the one tucked beneath his arm.

“You don’t have to get the same shit I do,” he scolds me like a child. “I’ll buy you whatever you want.”

My eyes widen. “Oh, I copied you? Nice try. What, you afraid to show your food of choice?”

He glares. “This is my food of choice.”

I shrug, biting at a small piece of the chocolate glaze before it falls and set my drink on the counter. “Well, mine, too, and before you convince yourself otherwise, know I can pay for a three-dollar meal.”

He’s full of suspicion as he lowers his drink beside mine on the countertop, and with more force than necessary. He ignores what I said about paying, throws a twenty down, and walks out.

He doesn’t speak once back in the car, and before I know it, we’re pulling up at my aunt’s house. He puts the car in park, grabs his phone, and starts pressing buttons.

I hesitate, taking my time looping my backpack through my arms as I wait for some sort of insight as to why today happened, but he doesn’t take his face from his screen, so I step out and close the door behind me.

My feet have barely crossed the curb when he’s pulling away.

I’m not sure why he bothered to be there after school and insisted I ride with him when all he did was silently bring me back here, but does it really matter?

I keep my head held high as I walk around to the back yard and set my bag down on the grass.

From the far side of the house, I grab the small milk crate basket, and bring it around, laying out the blanket stuffed inside it, and flip the thing upside down.

I allow myself five minutes to relax and enjoy my Yoo-hoo and the last bites of my donut, and then I get to work.

I pull out my books and start on my homework, feeling guilty for wishing the light away, but so ready to be able to climb into bed and stare at the stars.

Chapter 5

Royce

I drop onto the springy ass bed in the so-called suite and prop my phone up on the Bible I found in the drawer. The second I’ve got it planted right, my phone rings.

I grin, answering the video call from my family.

Raven is the first face to pop up on the screen, her black hair tied up on her head, baggy-ass hoodie covering her entire body.

“Ponyboy!” She grins.

“RaeRae, I fuckin’ miss your ass already.”

She laughs, scooting back what must be the laptop back on the coffee table. “Same. Hang on, let me make more room.”

I nod, reaching over to grab my takeout bag and drop it in front of me.

A couple seconds pass, and then Captain’s dropping onto the couch, Victoria perching on the armrest beside him.

“VicVee,” I call to her, brushing my finger along my lip. “Got a little dried cum there,” I tease.

“Fuck off.” She laughs, swiping at it. “Zoey insisted