Page 49 of Distorted Obsession

“C…Coop,” she stares at my brother, her eyes volleying between the two of us in utter disbelief. “C…Colt.”

Smirking, I reply, “Long time no—” But my words are cut off when she crashes into my chest, wrapping her arms around me.

“I’m… I’m…” she begins between whimpers. “Sorry.”

Momentarily shocked, I stiffen, my arms hanging down at my side. The realization that she’s embracing me hits, and I have to push down the peace I feel with her in my arms.

She’s not the calm—she’s the raging storm.

Lifting her head, Eva’s tears-stained face strikes my heart, and I find myself once again softening, the need to comfort her tugs at my very soul until I remember why she’s crying—concern is replaced with annoyance, and I have to fight the urge to shove her away.

Inhaling, I remind myself that this is exactly what Cooper and I have planned. “Shhh, Eva. “Don’t cry.” I console her,rubbing her back, but I would much rather her keep crying, so we can drown her in them.

Her friends watch with mixed expressions of apprehension. I don’t miss the way Jade’s gaze narrows to where my hand rests on Eva’s back. She looks like she’d flay me alive, sniffing out my fake concern.

Ignoring their scowls, I peer down at the girl in my arms and smirk. But I quickly soften my features as Eva pulls back and lifts her head.

“When did you guys get here?” Eva sniffles.

Without thought, I raise my hand to cup her cheek, brushing the escaped tears trailing down her face away with my thumb. An image of me licking her tears before swallowing her cries flits through my mind, forcing me to step back as my cock hardens in my jeans.

Once he notices my dilemma, Cooper coughs to cover his snickers and envelops Eva in a hug of his own. His nostrils flare, his jaw clenches, and I know he’s smelling the soft scent of her chamomile, lavender shampoo, and conditioner.

Fucker.

“Yeah. Whendidyou get here?” Camiel probes in a tone that causes my attention to shift to her.

“We’ve been here,” Cooper replies with confident ease, but the suspicion only increases in each of their stares.

News of Portia’s death spread like wildfire around campus, forcing Coop and me to shift gears. Our plans for Thad are on pause until the dust settles. We can’t have another dead student in such a short amount of time without drawing unwanted attention.

We’d also need to reevaluate our plan with the Bradley brothers, as there may no longer be a need for our original plan. Portia’s death provides the perfect cover to emerge to comfortthe guilt and worry Eva will undoubtedly feel—she’s always been too empathetic. My right hand fists—except for when she’s not.

Don’t go there, Colt.I remind myself, pushing any thoughts of my sister to the back of my mind. Otherwise, my hatred for Eva will bleed through, confirming the rightful skepticism of her friends.

“I need this area clear, now,” the officer commands, initially drawing my scorn until I recognize the opportunity he’s given us.

Adjusting my pants, I return my gaze to Eva and suggest, “Why don’t you all come to our condo? We can order pizza, watch a movie, or play video games.”

Eva’s honey-colored eyes light, and her lips part to answer, but Jade cuts in. “No thanks. We have some game footage to watch.”

Sighing, Eva mutters, “She’s right. Since practice is canceled, we need to use this time to prepare for our game.”

I hide my annoyance and make a mental note to look into Jade Mallory further—she wasn’t enrolled here until a week before the volleyball team was required to arrive.

Nodding, I reply, “Then raincheck. Let’s catch up another time, really soon. It’s been far too long already.”

The light returns to Eva’s face. “Absolutely. Why don’t I drop by after practice tomorrow?”

“Perfect,” Cooper exclaims, smirking at Jade. Then he tightens his hold on Eva before releasing her. “It’s settled. Tomorrow night. We’ll order your favorite pizza.”

Good try—but you gotta be quicker than that—I silently mock when Jade’s scowl transforms into a grimace.

Eva walks to stand with her friends when I add, “Pleasure meeting you ladies. I can’t wait to get better acquainted with Eva’s friends.”

“I’m so excited you guys are here,” Eva confesses while she’s being tugged away.

Cooper begins turning to leave when I grip his arm. “Wait,” instruct.

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