Page 145 of Five Summers

“Better. But I’m desperate for a shower.”

“We should reach the hotel in about an hour.”

Raised voices come from the front of the bus, specifically from Xander and Ace. However, it doesn’t seem like they are arguing. It’s more like they are standing up to someone.

Curious, I say, “What’s happening?”

“Oh, just the usual shit show. Nothing to worry about.”

“That doesn’t give me any information,” I chuckle, my stomach grumbling. I swiftly cover my belly with my hand, feeling slightly embarrassed.

“Nate’s making some tacos.”

Shifting my legs to the edge of the bed, I get down. As I lift my head, I can’t help but notice Theo’s gaze fixed on my chest.

“Hey, buddy, eyes up here.”

That smug sexy grin of his appears. “I’m just returning the favor and checking if you have any ink,” he says.

“Asshole,” I reply, turning around and searching for my sweater. I glance around the end of my bunk bed and then check the floor in case it fell.

“Here,” Theo says, handing me a sweater with the words “Broken Oasis” written on the front.

I swiftly pull the hoodie over my head and slide my arms through, all the while feeling Theo’s scrutinizing gaze. It fits perfectly, just the way I prefer it - snug and comfortable. Its length cleverly conceals my ass, which is a bonus. Folding up the sleeves, I make my way toward the front of the bus, immediately enticed by the mouthwatering aroma of food. Once again, my stomach growls, reminding me I haven’t eaten in two days.

As soon as I step through the door and into the main area, the conversation abruptly halts and all eyes quickly shift in my direction. Reg, being the first to break the silence, finally finds his voice.

“No one mentions a word about this to anyone.”

In other words, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want anyone to mention this to me.

Reg retrieves his phone, punches in a series of digits, and raises it to his ear before retreating into his room.

Xander keeps his silence, fixating his gaze on me, causing my heart to race uncontrollably beneath his piercing, intense eyes.

“It’s ready,” Nate declares, as he brings all the food to the table. He turns towards me and inquires, “Would you like some, Poppy? There’s plenty here.”

“Yeah, it smells amazing. Thank you.”

I make my way over to the couch where I left the paracetamol earlier before I fell asleep. Just as I reach the other side of the bus, Xander suddenly approaches. He stands in front of me, blocking my path, and raises his arms, effectively trapping me against the wall. I try to glance over his shoulder to see if anyone else is watching, but his close proximity and hunched posture make it challenging to get a clear view.

He gives me a seductive smile as he leans in, his lips lightly brushing against my ear. “I wanna strip you down and fuck you senseless in nothing but my sweater,” he whispers, his voice deep and filled with longing. He tugs at the bottom of the sweater, slipping his fingers beneath it, to touch my bare skin.

I stifle the moan that threatens to escape my lips. Wait. What? His sweater. That asshole Theo gave me Xander’s sweater. The intense heat between my thighs from his touch tries to distract me, but I ignore it and keep going.

“Your sweater. I thought it was one that everyone shared.”

Theo yells from somewhere over at the table. “If she’s into sharing then-”

“She’s not,” Xander snaps.

“I’m just saying if she is.”

Xander rolls his eyes and pushes off the wall with a groan. “For fuck’s sake, Theo. How many times do I have to tell you?”

“Yeah, I hear ya. But you're not doing shit about it, asshole.”

“About what?” I ask, moving towards the table. “Is there something I should know? I feel like you’re referring to me, but I’m totally lost.”

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