Page 66 of Trust Me

“Theo,” Camille interjects. “Jasmine is a smart woman. I think she knows what she’s doing. Clearly, last year they were in a different place than they are now.”

I smile at Camille, trying to tell her how grateful I am for her sticking up for me. I take another sip of my wine, the buzz in my veins giving me the courage to keep going with the truth.

“We live together,” I admit, causing Theo to gasp. “Which is also a secret. Utter a word of this and I will cut your balls off. He is older, but I’m mature, so it works. And my father is something I’m working on dealing with.”

“Oh, man.” Theo laughs, taking a sip of his beer. “Coach Park will lose his shit. That guy doesn’t fuck around, according to Isaiah. But all jokes aside, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. I was shocked, but I’m happy if you are.”

“That’s better,” Aurora chimes in.

“Thanks, and I am happy.”

“Sooo, does this mean you’ve had your first kiss?” he asks, his voice all teasing as he waggles his eyebrows. He’s such a goofball.

“Theo!” Aurora slaps him playfully on the arm. “Leave her alone. It’s her business, not yours.”

“Ugh, not fair. I already know that both of y’all got the scoop.” He points at Camille and Aurora. “Just because I’m a guy doesn’t mean I shouldn’t know these things too.”

We all laugh at that, taking sips of our drinks as Marcela returns. Theo still can’t keep his eyes off her, but this time, he doesn’t say anything else while we order onion rings, fries, and jalapeno poppers.

After she leaves, the air in the room changes. The chatter grows quieter and I turn my head to see what has everyone’s attention, when my eyes connect with Elio’s. He didn’t bother to dress up, wearing a black sweater and dark blue jeans with a baseball cap.

He walks over to our table, unfazed by the various eyes on him. His face is stoic, ball cap pulled down to cover his face, letting people know he doesn’t want to be bothered.

“Elio Mazzo, what a pleasure to see you again,” Theo says, standing to shake his hand. “You’re a legend, man. It’s fucking wild that you’re walking around campus like a normal human being.”

“Tell me about it.” Elio cracks a smile, clasping Theo’s hand in his. “I had to go through a lot of shit to ensure that I wouldn’t be bothered while I’m here.”

“It’s worth it to be here. This school is amazing,” Aurora pipes up. “I’m Aurora, and this is my boyfriend, Cameron.”

Elio greets them, then turns to Camille. “Nice to see you again.”

And then finally he turns to me, at the other end of the booth. “Jasmine,” he drawls, his eyes trailing over me like he’s peeling my damn clothes off.

I swallow, desire running rampant in my body. “Hi.”

“Mind if I sit?” He smirks, walking toward me.

I scoot over, but it’s tight. I’m about to grab a chair to pull up, when Elio slides in beside me, pulling half of my leg onto his thigh so that there’s more room. I’m about to worry about all the people here, but you can’t see anything because of the table top covering our legs.

“Elio,” I whisper, low enough for only him to hear.

“Yeah, dolcezza?”

“I’m glad you’re here,” I tell him because it’s true. I love that he’s here with my friends, and will get to know them.

His minty breath hits my cheek. “Me, too. Now, don’t wiggle because we’re going to have a problem if you do.”

“Hmm, what kind of problem?” I play innocent.

“A hard one, difficult to get rid of unless your lips are involved,” he whispers into my ear, sending chills down my spine as his hand clamps my thigh possessively. “If we were on the ice right now, I would’ve fucking body-slammed these guys into next week for looking at you the way they are.”

“I only care about the way you look at me,” I whisper back, fighting the urge to kiss him.

“Good,” he hums. “Nice costume, by the way. I look forward to putting you in that position, watching your ass bounce up and down my cock as you ride me.”

I squirm against him, my body fighting to ignore the lust running rampant in my veins. I suddenly wish we were alone. The reminder of the apartment causes me to nearly jump out of my spot.

“Shit, I haven’t paid you yet for this month. I’ll e-transfer you now.”

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