Page 28 of Of Pranks and Passion

Whimpering, I ducked my head. Pathetic, pathetic, pathetic…

A warm, rough hand cupped my chin, forcing me to look up. Easton’s glare was intimidating, and I shivered from the intensity.

“Keep trash talking yourself, and I’m putting you over my knee.”

Startled, I asked, “How–”

He rolled his eyes. “It’s written all over your face, Gary. You being so into what we were doing that you got off on it was hot. You’ve got no reason to be embarrassed.” He paused, considering that for a moment. “At least, you won’t, as long as you get those boxers off as quickly as possible. Unless you’re comfortable with a very obvious wet spot once that sinks through the material of your jeans.”

Horrified, I gaped at him. He just laughed, grabbing my hand and dragging me away to the nearest bathroom. It felt really awkward to go without boxers, but I didn’t have time to go back to my room before my test, and it was better than sitting in it. Even if it didn’t soak through enough for people to notice, I wouldn’t want to be sticky and uncomfortable through the whole test.

Balling up the damp material, I shuffled out of the stall, bright red with embarrassment. Easton put out his hand, making a gimme motion.

“Hand those over.”

Frowning, I did as he asked. “But… why?”

He raised his eyebrows slowly at me. “You’re saying you’re brave enough to walk out of here with them?”

Uh, no. Absolutely not. I was debating throwing them away, honestly. I didn’t like the idea of throwing away perfectly good clothes, but I hadn’t decided if it was worth the embarrassment if people saw them when I headed back to my table. My jeans were too tight for me to stuff them in my pocket. People would definitely notice the bulge.

Easton’s clothes were baggier, and he didn’t seem to care about the mess when he shoved my boxers into his pocket. He chuckled when I ducked past him to wash my hands and was unbothered when someone else came into the bathroom and froze, looking between us with a frown. Tossing his arm around my shoulders, he led me out. I was grateful that he was leading, because I couldn’t force my gaze off my feet until we got back to my table.

“What the fuck?”

Looking up, I sucked in a sharp breath. Someone had found my stuff and ripped it to shreds. Notebooks, textbooks, the works. The entire contents of my backpack was scattered and ripped. A whimper got caught in my throat, and my vision swam as tears threatened to spill over. I couldn’t lose it every time something bad happened, or I’d never stop crying. Stumbling forward, I kneeled to pick up the papers, but Easton stopped me.

“Don’t. You need to get to your test. I’ll take care of this.”

He was right. According to my phone, if I wanted enough time to get to my class without cutting it too close, I’d need to leave now. But still…

“Shouldn’t we call campus security?” I murmured.

Easton scoffed. “They won’t do shit. There were no witnesses. Just let me handle it. Here, take my pencil. Go take your test. I’ll meet you after class.”

I took the offered pencil, since mine were all snapped in half and scattered on the floor. I was going to grab the sweater Easton gave me, figuring something warm would make me feel better, but I jerked my hand back when I realized it was wet. I wasn’t sure what with, but it was soaked. Easton pulled his sweater off and handed it to me, nudging me towards the exit.

“Just go, Gary. I’ve got this.”

Nodding slowly, I shuffled for the exit. I hated this. How far did I have to go to escape my sister? This was totally her M.O.It may not have been her personally. I found it hard to imagine she’d drive this far just to screw with me, but if she was feeling vindictive enough, she would’ve told people how to get to me. She knew how important my education was to me. I bit back another whimper. Taping those books back together would take hours, but I couldn’t afford to buy new ones.

The journey to my next class was a blur. I never looked up from my feet. I was surprised I didn’t bump into anyone. But I made it to class on time, and bundled myself in Easton’s sweater, drinking in his scent. It was the only thing that kept me calm. I knew it was fake, he didn’t actually like me like that, but at least this time, I had someone in my corner. I didn’t have to face all of this alone.

Easton was waitingfor me when my test was finished. He had my backpack slung over one shoulder, his attention on his phone as he glared at it. He only softened a little when I stopped beside him, handing me my backpack.

“You’re done for the day, right?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I only have two classes Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have homework, though, and–”

“I know. Come on. We’re going somewhere better than that stupid ass library.”

He grabbed my hand and didn’t wait for me to argue, dragging me out of the building. I honestly didn't have it in me. I didn’t think I could force myself to go to the library today either. I needed a little more time to come to terms with what happened. And I trusted Easton. He wouldn’t bring me somewhere unsafe.

I was distracted by the feel of Easton’s hand holding mine, he wasn’t at all shy about it, so I didn’t notice the car until he unlocked the door. I glanced up and did a double take, choking on my spit for the second time today.

“Who’s car is this?” I croaked.

Easton smirked over the roof of the car. “Mine. Get in.”

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