Page 49 of Twisted Minds

“Should we be worried?”

I shake my head. “Sawyer’s so busy with classes and working, this is probably the best thing for him.” Even if he is going to regret it. “So, can I kick your ass now or . . . ?” Mark’s pouty mouth drops open. Grabbing a controller, I sit on the floor as the game loads. “Do you even know how to play?”

“Do I know how to playLeft for Dead?” He cocks his head. “Just don’t get in my way, and don’t slow me down. Oh! And let me know before you shoot the witches. They scare me. The crying gets me every time.”

Okay, that makes me laugh. The witches in this game hide in the dark, and if you startle them, they attack you. What’s creepy is the crying they do as you get closer and closer.

Leaning against my bed, his leg slips down, falling into my lap. Looping my arm around his leg, we sit like this, and I have to say, I fucking love it. I press my lips to the inside of his knee. “Should we make it interesting?”

He thinks for a moment. “Whoever gets the least amount of kills will be edged until they beg to come.” He grins.

I fully expect to lose. Too bad it doesn’t sound like losing at all.

eighteen

Mark

I’m so fucked.

With every passing day this is getting harder. Derrick texts me daily now, harassing me, but thankfully he hasn’t tried to see me in public. I’d hoped after he came to my room he’d leave me alone completely. I need more time. I’m not any closer to my goal. I did ask Derrick if he wants to hang out tonight because Hunter is leaving for an away game, but unfortunately—or fortunately—Derrick said he’s busy.

Details about the fire have never been released, though arson is listed as the cause so to ask Sawyer about it would seem suspicious. I can’t risk it. If Sawyer finds out, he’ll tell Hunter, and if they both know Derrick is blackmailing me, they may not listen to me. If they don’t listen, and I get charged anyway, Derrick goes free. Again. Not fucking happening. Derrick will pay.

I need more time.

I need to figure this out.

“There’s the sexiest man I know.” I smile as Hunter’s strong arms wrap around me. He’s only going to be gone for a few days, but I’m going to miss him. When we’re together I don’t even think about the stupid blackmail. This is real. My feelings have always been real.

“Hey.” He pulls me in for a kiss, and I forget all the bullshit. Just for a second. “What are you doing? Are you packed?”

“I’m all set. We’re leaving in a bit. I just wanted to see you. I’m going to miss you.” Hunter nips at my throat, and I should be mindful about being out here in the courtyard like this for everyone to see, but I don’t care. I feel like every second I’m with him might be my last. “I’ll call you tonight, okay?” He kisses me hard, and I soak in the heat and pressure of his body against mine. His palms slide down my back to squeeze a handful of my ass.

“Ew! No one wants to see that gay shit.” My hackles rise before I look behind us and shake my head. “Said me never!” Noah laughs. “Although I don’t ever want to see Mark like that again. I only just stopped having nightmares.” Noah steps between us, forcing us apart. “Puck Daddy, however . . .” He walks his fingers up Hunter’s chest.

Snatching Noah’s fingers, he holds them in his hands before looking up at me. “New name. Now.”

Noah stomps. “But Puck Dad—” Hunter lays his hand over Noah’s mouth.

“Stop licking me.”

“Noah, stop it.” I shove Noah away from my poor boyfriend. Hunter doesn’t know what to make of this, and honestly, neither do I. My relationship with Noah is something I’m still figuring out myself.

“So . . .” Noah chews the end of his pen. “Has Sawyer asked about me? Crying himself to sleep dreaming about the amazing night we shared? Planning our wedding?”

Hunter shakes his head. “He hasn’t said a word. Not a peep.”

Noah taps his chin. “Crying internally. I get it. That man is so brave.”

“Noah, he’s probably trying to scrub the memory out of his mind.”

“And to think I was just going to invite you to hang out with me. My roommate’s gone for the night.” He looks Hunter up and down. “Unless you have plans with Puck—” Hunter’s jaw clenches. “Harold.”

“Hunter,” he says.

“If you want, we can grab food. Maybe watch a movie. Tell me all the filthy things this gorgeous man does to you behind closed doors in very detailed detail.”

I laugh. “That sounds like fun.” I look at Hunter, and shit, I’m going to miss him. “Still call me tonight. I’m sure I’ll want the distraction.”

---