Page 40 of Rebel

Isn’t that what Beck’s saying though? For once, I should take something for myself.

Would Beck Danvers be worth ruining everything over?

Yes. It’s an easy answer.

TWENTY-ONE

Everything is so messy. I kissed Kolton last night, right after he bared his scarred soul to me. He walked me back into the house and wished me goodnight, and as I watched him go, I felt so sick, I nearly missed Trav running into the house.

I don’t know why I followed him other than I had to know. His wide, guilty eyes and the scent of perfume on him told me where he’d been. It hurt, which confused me even more. Why did it hurt?

I just kissed Kolton, yet I wanted Trav?

I found myself daring him to want me.

It was out of jealousy, sure, but also due to my own needs.

I’m so fucking messed up.

I’m not here for them, yet they have worked their way inside me despite my protests. It makes me grumpy, and I stomp to the coffee machine and pour a mug before sitting heavily at the table.

Chase nudges me, but I ignore him, only to yelp when he suddenly picks me up, sits where I was, and sets me on his lap. His arms wrap around me to grab my coffee, and he sips it. “Morning, grumpy pants,” he teases.

Elbowing him, I take my mug and slide into his now vacant seat, throwing my legs across his lap.

“You two are cute,” Trav teases as he eats his cereal.

“I annoy her, like siblings,” Chase replies.

“Yeah, siblings, maybe if you’re in Game of Thrones.” Kolton chuckles, making Chase glare at him.

“I’m just saying”—Kolton holds his hands up in defense—“you two are anything but familial.”

Pulling my legs off his lap, I glare at them all. “What’s the plan for today?”

“Whoa, someone didn’t sleep well. Have some frustrating dreams?” Chase teases.

“Yes, you kept surviving when I killed you,” I retort as he bursts into laughter.

Once the coffee starts to work, I relax a little, and it helps that Kolton and Trav don’t seem to be making this weird. They are the same as always, and that relieves me. Kolt’s hair is pushed back today and still wet, and it makes his features sharper. He’s still as perfect as ever, but now that I know what that perfection drew, I feel sorry for him.

Trav’s hair is held back by a headband, his oversized vest showing off all his tattoos. I glance back at Chase. They are all fucking pretty. Way too pretty. His blond hair is artfully swept across his face.

“See something you like?” he teases, always flirting, but there is something behind it today.

“Yes,” I purr, leaning closer, and his eyes heat as he watches me, then I pluck the fruit away from him. “This.” I wink as I take a bite of the apple.

Groaning, he leans back. “Such a tease, pretty girl.”

“Takes one to know one,” I say as I look around. “So what’s the plan today? Interviews? Rehearsing?”

Kolton grins. “Nope, we thought we’d have fun today.”

“Are we allowed to do that?” I ask, tilting my head.

“We’re not all work and no play,” Trav scoffs, winking at me. “We should bond.” I raise my eyebrow, and he blushes. “I meant as a band, so we can work together.”

“Smooth,” Chase taunts.

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