Page 109 of Mine to Ruin

I climb the stairs and peer inside Brandon’s room. His lips curve into a smile, and he places his cell on the nightstand and pats the spot next to him. I hop on the bed and settle next to him, shoulder to shoulder, and rest my head on the bed frame. I’m tired of games.

“What’s up with you? You’re being weird. And since when are you and Melanie so friendly? What happened?”

“Nothing. He can’t throw her aside like that.”

I stare at him, not believing this is coming from him. “He’s not tossing her away, he created boundaries.”

“He’s not good for you.”

“Brandon, not this again. He is.”

He plays with a strand of my hair, his eyes taking me in, in a forced flirtatious way, and I smack his hand away and jump out of bed.

“When you’re back to being yourself, you know where to find me.”

I shut the door behind me right when Kian opens ours, his eyes darkening. He’s going to make me age prematurely with his misplaced jealousy, and I sigh. I place my hands on his chest and push him through the door.

“You listen to me, you obstinate man. I love you, but I’m worried about him. He’s acting weird.”

“Maybe he realized he has feelings for you.” His voice lowers into a growl, his posture tensing.

I step back and shake my head. “No, he doesn’t.” Because I would have sensed it, he’s just acting weird, that’s all. I am going to find out why he changed into this guy I don’t recognize.

“Say it again.” He backs me towards the bed, and I fall on the mattress with him climbing on top of me. I drag his face to mine, forehead to forehead.

“I love you, like mad, with all of me.”

“I can’t help myself.” Traces of vulnerability ring in his voice.

I press my mouth on his.

“What am I going to do with you, hmm?” he wonders and he scoops me up.

Inside the lavish bathtub, I rest on his chest, and as we kiss, his forlorn expression disappears. In its place is a hunger and a love I am familiar with.

Chapter 35

Ellia

On New Year's Eve, the guys and Melanie go skiing. What a surprise. Not.

“The way she looks at him. Girl, you must be the most decent woman on earth. I would have clawed her eyes out by now,” Aubrey says over a cup of hot cocoa, mini marshmallows floating in it.

“I trust him, that doesn’t mean I like the situation.”

“Hey, he has eyes only for you.”

I nod to Tara. That’s what makes this peculiar situation acceptable.

“So, what about you and Jason? I thought you liked him.” I elbow Aubrey and she chokes on a marshmallow.

My eyes widen. It’s the first time I’ve seen her lose her composure over a guy.

“I am playing hard to get.”

“That’s why the dating world is so messed up when we all just keep playing games.” Tara sways those inquisitive brown eyes at Aubrey who flicks a strand of hair.

“Why don’t you give in? I know you want it, and between us, that pussy of yours must be covered in cobwebs,” Aubrey throws back.

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