Page 173 of Collided

“I’m not bitter,” I grit out.

Sebastian arches an eyebrow. “Don’t get offended now.”

I sigh and look away.

He bumps his head against the wall and sighs heavily. “How many times do I have to ask before you surrender?”

I smirk. “A million.”

“Challenge accepted.” I hear the smile in his reply.

Just like he said, he eats my brain all the way home. I thought he’d shut up, but he kept chanting ‘what’s wrong’ in my face.

My patience snaps. I end up telling him everything.

His stupid idea of befriending Hope and gaining her trust isn’t working. That idea sank worse than the Titanic. Of course, it would have. It was Sebastian’s idea, after all.

I was right. I should’ve dealt with this matter head-first. Now things have gotten worse.

Hope has created a shell around her. A concrete exterior that keeps growing day by day.

I can’t understand how anyone can hurt Hope. She’s the sweetest and kindest person I know. I’ve been an asshole to her on occasions—about which I feel terrible—but she always tries to help me.

On my birthday when I made her cry, she still returned. She’sthatgood.

Sebastian sits down on the couch. We’re in my room so we can have this conversation without anyone bothering us or eavesdropping on us.

“Why don’t we invite her here and just ask her?” he asks.

I shoot him a glare. “She doesn’t tell me, what makes you think she’ll speak in front of you guys?”

“Maybe she’ll see that we are there for her.”

The thought of Hope telling him and Marie upsets me. It sounds selfish but I want to be the one she confides in.

“I don’t know.” I run a hand through my hair.

“You really like her, James.”

I don’t.The words are right on my tongue, but I can’t get them out. I just fucking can’t.

“Do you have a point asking that?” I ask indignantly.

With a teasing smile, he shakes his head. “No. Not at all. I just needed to see something.”

We stare at each other, and I know he can see it all in my eyes. He knows what I feel for this girl. How long I’ve fought to not feel whatever it is that I’m feeling. He understands why she matters to me and why I’m at war with myself about protecting her.

I clear my throat. “It’s late. You should go home.”

“Marie is busy tonight. So, I don’t have a reason to go home. If you want me gone, I’ll go.”

No. I don’t want him gone. I never want him gone.

I stand up from the bed and grab my gloves from the desk. “Let’s spar then.”

Sebastian grins evilly. “Want to get beat up?”

“You wish.” I scowl.

---