The Punk and the Plaything (When Rivals Play #3) - B.B. Reid Page 0,88
the empty page before flipping it shut. No longer alone, I felt too self-conscious to express my most secret thoughts and desires—especially when I could still feel Ever’s gaze boring into me. Sighing, I slipped the book back inside my bag where it was safe. His attention, however, was now fixed on my left hand and the pear-shaped diamond ring. I should have taken it off right then, but as meaningless as it had always been, it still had its use.
Knowing Ever wasn’t going to ask for it back, I turned away to stare out the window and the trees passing by.
A few seconds passed, and I could still feel him watching me, so finally, I broke the silence. “Don’t look at me like that, Ever. I’m fine.”
“Yeah, I hear that from you a lot, so here’s me being honest—I didn’t believe you then, and I don’t believe you now.”
“What do you expect me to say?”
He didn’t respond right away, and when I finally met his gaze, I could see the apology in his eyes. Ever had nothing to be sorry for.
“I’m sorry that I can’t be there for you like I promised. If you hate me, I understand.”
Rolling my eyes, I gave him the first real smile I’d offered all week. “I’m not sure that’s possible.” Ever, just like his cousin, but in different ways, had put a mark on my heart a long time ago, and there was no erasing it. Still, he didn’t seem convinced, so I added, “Have I told you lately that I can take care of myself?”
With a frustrated growl, he shoved his fingers through his dark hair with dusty ends. “Jesus, you’re as bullheaded as Four. I can’t believe I’d forgotten how much.”
“I haven’t exactly been myself lately.”
He shot me a look that was full of disbelief. “You call five years lately?” After a rueful shake of his head, he added, “How did everything get so fucking screwed up?”
“I’m not sure,” I blandly admitted.
Once again, Ever pinned me with that golden gaze of his. “Maybe it’s not too late to fix things.”
I frowned at his cryptic statement. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, when you turn eighteen in a couple of weeks, don’t run.” He took a deep breath and exhaled. “Please, Bee.”
After everything Ever had done and all that he’d risked, I would have kept any promise he demanded, but not this. He wasn’t the boy I wanted to beg me to stay. And even if Jamie had known, I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t.
Before I could respond to Ever’s plea, the bus slowed and rolled to a stop. Both of our gazes flew to the window and the country club waiting on the other side of the parking lot.
While a tour of the grounds was being given, those of us whose parents were members took advantage of the amenities since it was much less busy during the week. After the buses emptied, Four and Tyra found us in the crowd and stunned me with their genuine excitement to see me. It wasn’t until I couldn’t take Ever’s watchful pleading gaze any longer that I snuck away to pay Klara a visit.
Lying face down on the massage table, I’d just begun to drift off when there was a knock at the door. Even though there was a sheet covering me from the shoulders down, I was feeling a little self-conscious when Klara opened the door.
“I’m sorry to bother you, Klara, but I could really use your assistance.”
“Anja, please tell me you didn’t burn someone with the stones again.”
The door closed, and I could hear hushed whispering on the other side before Klara returned. “I’m really sorry, madam, but I’m needed in the next room. I’ll just be a few minutes.”
She was gone before I could even reply.
Deciding that I wasn’t all that hungry, I settled in, resigned to miss breakfast. I was sure no one would notice that I was gone, anyway. A few minutes later, I drifted off, and it wasn’t until I heard the door open again that I awakened. I wasn’t sure how much time had passed, and I decided it didn’t matter as I allowed my eyes to shut again slowly. I was barely aware of the sheet slowly being tugged down my back and the faint smell of cigarette smoke. Eyes still shut, I pursed my lips. Clearly, my masseuse had taken the time to do more than just assist a colleague. Instead of being angry, however,