Page 56 of Fighting Fate

I remember stealing glances, but that was it. Luke was always more vocal about noticing girls while I just played along, my eyes always finding their way back to Milli's subtle, shy smile.

Now, watching her tutor, there's a twinge of irritation at the guy she's helping. He's nodding along, but his eyes keep wandering. This isn't some cheap entertainment—it's a study session. Show some respect, man.

And I'm telling myself the same thing. Focus, Miles.

As I'm about to step closer, perhaps intervene, I feel a presence beside me.

Luke.

"What are you looking at?" he asks, his tone sharp.

I play it cool, wondering if I should point out what's happening. Maybe it'd put an end to the inappropriate ogling.

Fuck. I shouldn't be this bothered.

Before I know it, I'm nodding toward Milli and the guy. Luke's expression changes as he observes the scene. His fists clench, and his anger builds up.

This isn't what I intended. I thought he'd just have a word and move on, not escalate things.

Anticipating trouble, I step in front of Luke, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Hey, ease up. Guys look. It's natural."

Luke's glare intensifies. Okay, maybe that wasn't the right thing to say.

Quickly, I try to correct the course. "What I mean is, let's not make a scene. I'll talk to Milli."

I snap my fingers before his face, an effort to reel his attention back to the present. "Leave it to me. If you step in, it'll just rile Milli up and prove her right about her concerns of being here."

Luke's stare flickers between me and the scene behind, and I hope I've managed to steer this situation away from boiling over. He finally exhales, a breath he seems to have been holding back for ages. "Concerns? She hasn't mentioned anything to me."

I laugh. "That's because you can be a dumbass sometimes, man."

"What the fuck, dude, that's harsh," he retorts, giving my arm a nudge that sends me a step backward.

"Just back off a bit, okay? She doesn't need her big brother stirring things up right now."

He looks at me, his expression softening as he digests my words, then nods in agreement. Luke claps a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm yet reassuring. "Alright, I'll lay off," he concedes, then pauses, "for now, at least."

I grin. "Trying to play the tough, protective big brother, huh?"

He chuckles and gives me a light jab in the ribs. I double over, feigning pain, as he says, "You'd do the same, wouldn't you?" It sounds more like he's probing for confirmation than making a statement.

"Absolutely," I reply, although my protective instincts toward Milli aren't exactly brotherly.

My mind chimes in, a reminder that Milli's in a college full of guys. It's a thought that only serves to annoy me further.

But why should it? Milli and I...well, our relationship? Friendship? I don't know at this point but it is complicated—at least for me. And that does nothing to ease the uncomfortable knot in my stomach or the tension coiling up my back.

Luke nods briefly and shifts the conversation to football, discussing strategies for the upcoming game before heading off. My gaze drifts back to Milli and that guy who's increasingly getting on my nerves. He's got his hand sneakily positioned behind her on the chair, trying to look smooth. Seriously, what is this, middle school?

"Looks like you're here for your session," a voice whispers from behind, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I turn to see Mrs. Raker, and I greet her with a warm smile.

Standing here, I must look pretty odd, just hovering around. Mrs. Raker, sharp as ever despite her years, probably noticed everything—my entrance, Milli's tutoring session, my chat with Luke, and now my awkward loitering.

"She'll be finished in about," she checks her watch, "ten minutes or so."

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