Page 69 of Beautifully Conflicted

“Should I go apologize, or…” I trail off, not trusting myself to say anything else.

“He might be more receptive to me right now.” Aiden sighs. “Are you good here if I go check on him?”

“Yeah.” I look around the room, making note of several familiar faces. “I’ll just hang out with these guys.”

Aiden makes his way toward the last spot we saw Bennet, and for about five minutes I try to get into the spirit of beer pong, cheering and high-fiving when someone makes a good shot. But between the watery beer and my now sour mood, I can’t fully relax, so I slip out and make my way back to my place.

Not gonna lie, the walk is lonely, and not just because I’m alone. I’m terrified that I’ve somehow messed things up with Bennet, and maybe even Aiden since I just disappeared on him. Maybe transferring here was a bad idea. I mean, on paper it made a lot of sense, but so did some of the other opportunities I had, and I put this one at the top of the list because of Bennet. I wanted my chance with him and knew being at the same school was the only way I’d ever get one.

Turning the key in the door, I mumble to myself, “I probably fucking ruined it already—"

I don’t get to finish that thought since my back is forced against the door the moment I step inside my apartment. Air whooshes from my lungs, and a forearm presses against the base of my throat.

“What were you doing at that party with Aiden?” Bennet’s indigo eyes have an icy quality about them as they bore into mine.

“I… What?”

“What were you doing there, Damien?”

“What wereyoudoing there?”

The arm at my throat presses harder. “I’m a member. I’m expected to be there. You aren’t, especially not with my roommate.”

“You have a problem with me hanging out with Aiden?”

“That depends. Are you screwing around with him too?”

My eyes widen of their own accord. “Are youjealous?”

“Fuck no.” Bennet’s traditionally olive skin turns slightly pink. “I’m looking out for Aiden. So, are you screwing him?”

The absurdity of that question sets me on edge, but rather than diffuse things like a normal person I revert to my old ways. “Are you screwing around with that girl?”

“People expect me to screw around with girls.”

“So that’s a yes?”

“If I was screwing her, would I be here?”

“Whatareyou doing here?”

“What were you doing with my roommate?”

The way Bennet’s nostrils flare suggest that a smart ass answer would be like signing my death certificate. So, even though it still feels somewhat unnatural, I tell the truth.

“Nothing. Hanging out. Aiden said some of the guys from the team would be there and I should get to know people since I barely know anyone here. Your turn. Were you going to hook up with that girl?”

His arm relaxes a fraction. “No.”

“Why not? People would expect that, right?”

Apparently, I’m not done pressing his buttons.

“I wasn’t feeling it.”

“It looked like you were.”

“I guess I’m a good actor.”

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