Page 54 of Brutal Days

“Perfect timing,” she purred. “I just took a shower too.” She shimmied her shoulders, shaking her tits.

And I had to admit they were nice. Full and almost spilling out of the bra, but she just didn’t do it for me, something I never thought I would think. “I’m not ready for this yet with you. Or anyone.” I winked, so full of shit I was surprised she hung on every word I said. “My rep’s all hype, and things are moving a little fast between us.”

I grabbed my clothes and took them into the bathroom to change. I never used that line in situations like these, but I wanted Sky. And telling her friend to fuck off might upset Sky, something I wasn’t willing to do.

I wasn’t shy and had never hidden to get dressed when a girl was around, but after sleeping with Sky, it felt wrong. When I came back out, fully clothed, Gia had gotten dressed, and she tugged nervously at the hem of her shirt.

“How’d you get in?” That bothered me.

“The door was unlocked, and when no one answered, I thought I’d take a chance to see if you were inside.” She mashed her lips together. “At school, I heard you and Phoenix talking about how your parents were out of town this weekend, and I thought it would be a good time to, you know…”

I let it go. Sky must have left the door unlocked when she’d bailed. “Want to go to the movies?”

“Sure.” Gia smiled, her confidence returning with the olive branch.

I took her to a romantic comedy, hoping it would hold her interest more than the action film I would have preferred.

After buying the tickets, I ushered her into the dark theater and to seats, ignoring her nonstop chatter about the actors, movie, or whatever it was I tuned out. We settled into the plush faux-leather recliners, and she fell blessedly silent as the lights dimmed and the previews filled the screen.

I couldn’t believe I had to keep the charade going with Gia, even if it was the only way I could get with Sky—which rankled. Gia’s cloying floral perfume vied with the vanilla and coconut scent associated with Sky’s skin. Each inhalation annoyingly erased Sky’s scent and the animallike state of satisfaction that being with her brought.

“That looks good.” Gia’s hand gripped my forearm.

“Mm-hmm.” I had no idea what the preview had been. I preferred the one replaying in my mind in explicit detail. The way Sky had melted against me when I’d kissed her. That breathy moan she made. The softness of her skin. How she never shied away, and that stubborn tilt of her chin when she felt challenged.

Head resting on the headrest, I let my eyes drift shut as the movie finally started. I wanted Sky again—once was not nearly enough. That aggravating part of my mind whispered cruelly that the only way to her was through faking it with Gia. I was coming to hate that more and more.

Gia’s head rested on my shoulder, and my body tensed.

“I’m going to get us some snacks.” I stood, dislodging her, and stepped into the aisle.

When I pushed the door open from the theater room to the subdued lights in the hall, I stood there for a minute and decompressed. It wasn’t a long movie. Then I could dump Gia back at her house. Besides, it should win me points with Sky, and I was all over that.

I took my time getting two popcorns and drinks so we didn’t have to share. It would keep her mouth and hands busy if nothing else. I checked my phone while in the lobby.Fuck.Shoving it back in my pants, I cursed how ridiculous I was being. But I couldn’t help the need to see Sky’s name light the screen.

What is she thinking? Did she like what we did?I snorted. Of course she did. Sky was nothing if not responsive. Besides, she would have told me in graphic detail if she’d hated any part of it.

I grinned. She was fucking fierce in everything she did, and I had no problem admitting how much I liked that about her. I rechecked my phone then attempted to shove all thoughts of Sky from my mind. It wasn’t possible, but hey, I tried.

Snacks in hand, I went back in. I handed Gia hers then situated my popcorn on my thigh. I didn’t plan on eating it but used it as the prop I’d meant it to be.

“Thanks,” she whispered then leaned close. “Did you hear about the party next weekend? Rebecca told me about it. I thought maybe we could go together?”

“Maybe. I’ll have to see what’s going on.” I had a moment of weakness and whispered, “Are you sure about that party? It’s not an academy one.” Parties outside the academy tended to be rougher, and something about Gia screamed naive. If I didn’t take her, it probably wasn’t a good idea for her to go. Rebecca hadn’t been looking out for her when she’d passed along the information. “If I can’t go, you should take Sky with you.”

She nodded, her big brown eyes melting with gratitude. “Thanks for looking out for me. You’re right. Sky would never let anything happen to either one of us. Of course, I would be safe if you took me.”

I wanted to roll my eyes, but I gave her a small smile then turned my attention back to the screen. Another few minutes passed while she watched the movie and I plotted how to convince Sky to have sex with me again.

Her arm bumped into mine. I shifted away and rechecked my phone—still nothing. Gia’s leg pressed against mine. I ground my teeth.

“What do your cousins think of us dating?”

Fuck.“Nothing.”Because we’re not dating.

“Shane and Tracey are going to get married. I just know it. They look so good together.” Her finger trailed over my hand. “Do you want to get married someday?”

Is she for real?“No.”

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