Page 88 of Crew Princess
“What? Why? I just saw you five seconds ago.”
“Taz.” Cross’ voice teased my skin, his forehead still on my shoulder. “Go away.”
“Oh—oh my God! Are you having sex?”
“Not anymore.” He sighed again before lifting his head. Two steps back and he unlocked the door and swung it open. “My sister. Cockblocker extraordinaire.”
Taz wasn’t alone.
Tabatha was beside her, biting her lip to keep from laughing. Sunday was next, a mix of disgust and something I couldn’t place on her face. They had another girl with them, but I didn’t recognize her. No Lila and no Monica. I was relieved. They still had the hots for Cross.
Tazpffted, striding into my room, shoving her brother aside. “You get her all the time. It’s our turn now.” She turned, folding her arms, her legs apart.
Was she? She was. She was squaring off against her twin.
“Get lost, brother. I want my friend tonight.”
A couple of the girls laughed.
Cross narrowed his eyes. “Don’t forget, I’m the reason you were invited tonight.”
“I was invited because you wanted a buffer between you and Bren’s brother. We all know you shit your pants when it’s just the two of you.”
Cross’ gaze flicked to mine, and I suppressed some laughter. Cross might’ve been a bit wary, but Taz was way off.
He shook his head. “You’re right, sis. I’m terrified of the guy I’m living with.” His tone was taunting. “You got me there.”
Taz’s mouth clamped shut, and tears welled up.
She’d forgotten, for a moment there, that her brother was not living with her anymore.
“Right,” she continued after a moment. “Well, I don’t care. Get out. I want Bren right now.”
Cross looked ready to argue, probably just because he was enjoying needling his sister, when Tabatha stepped forward.
“We got chick things to discuss. Can you go make sure I still have a boyfriend?”
The playful look in Cross’ eyes fell flat. I was right.
A mask took its place. “I don’t do your bidding. Fuck off.” His eyes met mine for a second before he walked past the girls.
A full beat of silence followed him. Then Tabatha’s hands went to her hair. “Jordan’s been distant to me, and that confirmed it.” She turned to me. “Youdidtell them.”
I shook my head. “You thought I wouldn’t? You serious?”
Sunday mocked, “Crew code, Tab. Remember? There’s no girl code with Bren.”
I pivoted to her. “You have a problem with me?” My tone was ice.
The girls shifted on their feet. When they forgot who I was, I showed them. I let some of the old Bren peek out, and Sunday eased back a step.
She coughed, her eyes looking anywhere but at me. Her voice tight. “Look, whatever. Tell her what happened.”
“Right.” Taz took over. “We’re calling it the Monica Mutiny.”
“Monica Mutiny?”
“It’s insane.” She waved her hand in quick, sharp motions. “And I’m so pissed off about it.”
