The Punk and the Plaything (When Rivals Play #3) - B.B. Reid Page 0,9

eyes, praying that it hadn’t been because of me. When I opened them again, I glanced around the island, seeing everyone’s bewildered expression.

Lou was the one who finally answered when everyone else just stared. “For prom, silly.”

“Okay, how does she know that but not you?” Jamie quipped.

“For one,” Lou sassed, “I’m going. And two, maybe she just forgot.”

Jamie’s gaze narrowed before traveling back and forth and then settling on Ever. “You haven’t asked her yet, have you?” At Ever’s silence, Jamie’s lips spread into a wide smile. “This should be interesting.”

“Why would he need to ask her?” Lou argued in a tone suggesting Jamie was dense. “She’s obviously his girlfriend.” Her sneaky smile and mocking tone made me shift uncomfortably in my chair. I knew where this conversation was headed, and suddenly, I wondered at the real reason I was invited. I was the black sheep here, not Jamie, who was clearly out to stir the pot.

“No, she’s his dirty little secret.” Jamie stood up from the table with a dry chuckle that I knew all too well.

I wanted to run through the open French doors leading to the back lawn, but I couldn’t bring my feet to move. Besides, there was nowhere to go. Even with as uncomfortable as my present circumstances made me, it was still better than being trapped in that gilded cage my father could no longer afford.

“Everyone will be expecting him to show up with her on his arm,” Jamie said while pointing accusingly at me.

I felt vomit rushing up, and I wanted to grab for my water—or slap the smirk off Jamie’s full lips—but my hands shook too badly to dare either. I pressed them into my lap, hoping no one would see.

“But don’t let that distract you from the fact that I can’t get my dick wet in peace without being asked if I have a date to the prom,” Jamie grumbled.

“How is that relevant?” Tyra questioned.

“Most of these chicks care more about prom than they do graduation, but somehow, the most coveted day of the year escaped our dear Four’s notice.”

“And? She’s got a lot on her mind.”

“So wouldn’t a night dancing in her lover’s arms be the perfect chance to escape her woes?”

No one had a response to that, not even Ever. Silently, I was pleading with him to stand up and claim her for his date, but I knew he wouldn’t. Because of me. The amount of relief I felt when Four had given me back Ever’s engagement ring made it hard for me to look myself in the mirror afterward. I should have been able to face my demons on my own. I took a deep breath, eager more than ever for the day that I could skip town and never return. There was too much pain here. Pain that I helped to cause.

Four’s voice, filled with venom, distracted me from feeling sorry for myself. I would have enough time for that when I was once again alone. “While your concern is touching, Jamie, you don’t need to speak for me. I never had any intention of going to prom.”

“Oh, you’ll go,” Ever decreed.

Four’s head whipped in his direction, and the glare she pinned him with made me smile. It was nice to know that I’d be leaving my best friend in capable hands. Everson needed someone who could stand up to him.

“On whose command?”

Bracing his hands against the table, Ever leaned forward, looking ready to stand and continue the conversation in private, but then Lou spoke, causing him to sit back and sulk.

“I know this is super taboo and a little insane, and I may be starting something that I can’t undo, but… I have to side with Jamie. And you should know,” she added before anyone could argue, “that it is not because he’s my new best friend.” A growl from Wren caused Lou to look his way. “Oh, sweetie,” she cooed. “You didn’t think you’d have your cake and eat it too, did you?” She kissed his cheek when he continued to glower, and he relaxed—if only a little. “Relax, chief. You get to see me naked.”

“Get back to the part where you were agreeing with me,” Jamie insisted.

“Don’t push it,” Lou snapped before zeroing in on Ever. “Unless there’s an audience, I’ve never seen you act like more than a friend to her.” She threw her thumb over her shoulder to me, and momentarily forgetting who I was expected to be, I rolled my eyes.