Page 51 of You're To Blame 2

“Clarita, what did you ask, Chelse?”

Her knees clamped together, and she spun a finger in her black ponytail. She stared at Tate. Who she obviously had a crush on.

This had to be the first time he’d ever spoken to her.

“Um, never mind.”

Tate stood to his full height. “See you around, Clarita.”

We left her standing there.

“She only asked too many questions about your brother.”

He massaged my neck with one hand. “We need to meet Jack and Jill and create a story that’s acceptable. And stick to it.”

I laughed. “Your brother and Marisa are more like dark Jack and Jill.”

A deep chuckle released from his throat. “So true.”

“Tate, I love your hair.” A long-legged chick strolled up to him as if I wasn’t in his grasp. Literally.

We halted.

“Not sure what’s your deal. Don’t disrespect my woman,” he growled.

She tapped her cell screen and turned it toward Tate.

“I bet you taste amazing.” His lips caressed her stomach in the video. “Sorry sweetheart, I have to leave. My girlfriend will flip if I don’t see her today.”

He stood. “Rain check?”

“Absolutely.” She tapped the screen again, pausing the video. “So I’m ready to hook up.”

Tears threatened the backs of my eyes. I knew that wasn’t Tate. But it still hurt. Mason’s mission was to destroy me and Tate. I knew he was lurking in the shadows loving every minute of this spectacle.

“That ship has sailed. I don’t want to see your face again.”

Tears rolled down her rosy cheeks.

Tate’s thumb stroked my neck as we continued on. I peeked over my shoulder. She stood in the middle of the hallway broken.

“He’s making it impossible, Tate. I think he bugged your house and I know he placed a camera in my theater room.”

I swallowed hard. “And possibly the lake house. He’s probably watched us have sex.”

We halted outside my class. The bell rang, and the halls became desolate. His eyes darted to my hand on my arm. I didn’t realize I was clawing at my skin.

“Shit.” His eyes softened. He grabbed my arm, pulling it between us. Tate peeled back my sleeve and his lips melted against my cuts. My body tingled all over.

“Baby, I apologize for this shit.”

Tears burst forth, streaming down my cheeks. Mason knew what he’d done. Not sure he realized how strong our bond was. He swept his lips along my cuts, holding my gaze. His soft touch set every nerve ending on fire.

“What do you want to do? Stay or go?” His voice was groggy.

I swiped at the tears. “Stay.”

He nodded and pulled me into his arms. “He’ll pay for this somehow.”

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