Page 89 of The Marine

“Not where I thought this story was going to start.” Trina says and orders her meal when the server arrives.

I snort.

The girls don’t know my history, but if I’m going to tell them about Aidan, and a part of me wants to, then they’ll need to understand the whole thing. Which means sharing the things I’m most shameful of.

They know Kael is abusive. So I guess this is just an extension of my whole story.

Alice and I order, then I twist my water glass before glancing up at my two best friends.

“Mom saw your IG posts.” I tell Trina.

She frowns. “And? She sees them all the time. Apparently, she’s my top fan.”

I smile, but it doesn’t reach my eyes.

“You were getting pretty friendly with Aidan Black,” Alice says, sipping her coffee.

You have no idea Alice, and I will not share that part of my story.What we did in the bathroom at Savannah’s house that night will stay between Aidan and me.

“That’s because we’re friends.”

Silence.

“Well, clearly he wants to fuck you. Not sure I’d call that friends.” Trina pours cream into her coffee and stirs. “Wait...did you fuck him?”

I nod.

She sits upright. “Jesus.”

“OMG.” Alice leans forward.

“So, we have history.” I start. “I knew Aidan when I was a teenager. We dated.”

“Holy fucking hell. Why didn’t I know this?” Trina exclaims. “Alice, did you know?”

“No. I know nothing.”

I slump in my seat and sigh. “It’s a really long story. I knew him when my father died. He...”

How did I put this?

“He punched him and...”

“Aidan Black killed your dad?” Trina’s eyes fly open wide. “No, fuck that. There is no way. He’s a US Marine. Side note...that Marshall guy is a pain in my ass.”

Alice and I share a look.

“What?” she demands.

“You like him.”

“Like is a strong word,” she replies, waving her hand out. “More like despise him. He was...all over me.”

Alice giggles.

“I do not like him.” Trina says firmly and we both grin at her. “Anyway, about you fucking the Marine. Tell us. Big, small, crooked?”

“Trina?!” Alice cries.

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