The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play #1) - B.B. Reid Page 0,70

“I never expected crass from you.”

“That’s because you don’t know me well.”

It seemed to be the wrong thing to say when her face fell. Shit. Fuck. Shit.

“And yet I let you do…that.”

And just like that, the euphoria from tasting her was gone. How could she treat what she shared with me like some horrible thing? Anger rose too fast for me to push it back down. I heard myself saying, “I ate your pussy, Four. Don’t make it a big fucking deal.”

“Oh, God.” Horror clouded her features, and she pushed my hands from her and scrambled off the counter. Hurriedly grabbing her jeans and shoes, she didn’t look at me as she stepped into them. She didn’t even bother fastening them before exiting from the kitchen and leaving me behind with her discarded panties and that goddamn buttercream.

I WAS THE WORLD’S BIGGEST idiot. How could something that had felt so right end so horribly wrong?

That was an easy one.

Ever had opened his mouth and ruined everything.

He had been the first boy to ever touch me, and I thought the gift I’d given him—my first orgasm—would have meant more to him.

He had been right the night of his party. I didn’t hate him—not like I did right now.

Regret washed over me like a wave until I was drowning. If only I hadn’t suggested that stupid race. There was no way I could deny his touch after witnessing such agility. His race against the clock had only lasted a few seconds, but it was forever carved vividly into my memory. It also made me wonder…

If I ran and he chased, would I even stand a chance?

I didn’t realize I was crying until I stumbled on the last step thanks to my blurred vision. Tyra and a shirtless Vaughn emerged from her room to witness the spectacle I was making of myself.

Tyra immediately rushed to my side while Vaughn stayed glued on the landing. “What’s wrong?”

“Can you make him leave?” I couldn’t look anywhere but at the carpet.

“What did he say to you?” Vaughn questioned with a sigh. His concern was probably genuine. He certainly didn’t seem the type to be fake for anyone.

Still, I didn’t respond or even look at him. His loyalty was to Ever.

“It’s okay,” Tyra consoled with a hand on my back. “They were just leaving.”

“Seriously?” Vaughn spat. His concern had quickly given way to irritation.

“She’s upset, Rees.”

I looked up in time to see him roll his eyes at her last naming him and yank his shirt down his muscled torso.

“Fuck it. Fine.” He stomped down the stairs, clearly not giving a shit if he woke her father from his drunken sleep.

“So you’re going to leave with an attitude?” she yelled after him.

I was certain we’d all be caught soon.

“Pretty much,” he snarled from downstairs. A second later, the front door slammed, and an engine roared as Vaughn and Ever sped away.

“Spoiled rich brat,” she muttered. “God, sometimes I swear he isn’t worth the trouble.” Turning to me, her eyes bucked and her jaw dropped. “Son of a—you’re shaking! What did Ever do to you in there?”

I debated telling her what went on in that kitchen, but embarrassment wouldn’t let the words free. “Nothing that should have surprised me.” Except he was full of them. Like when he had his hands down my pants and used his mouth to drive me crazy.

“Let’s go finish your cake and talk about it.”

I paused at her mention of the cake.

So much for keeping what happened a secret. “Um…I’m really sorry, but it’s not a good idea to use the frosting.”

Her frown deepened. “What happened to the frosting?” At my blush, understanding dawned, and suddenly, Tyra had trouble keeping eye contact. “Okay,” she squeaked, “no cake then.” After an awkward silence, she said, “I’m sorry your birthday had such a shitty start.”

“It wasn’t all bad.” Everything that came before had been so very good.

“Well, I’m just going to go grab the sanitizer. Meet you in the kitchen?” She took off without a response.

The peer begged her forgiveness.

I found the note waiting for me on my pillow later in the morning. Since facing Ever made me want to throw myself off the nearest cliff, I’d slept over at Tyra’s. The palace had been empty, so I was able to escape to my room without incident. Deciding a shower was in order, I tossed the card in my trash bin and shed last night’s clothes minus panties. When Tyra and I had returned to the