Page 22 of The Substitute
“You’re not just fucking studying. Don’t fucking give me that.”
“I’m doing whatever I feel like doing.”
“Don’t expect me to fucking stop. I’m not letting you win this.”
A huge grin spreads across Savage’s face. “I’m not asking you to, and you won’t win.”
“You really think both of us can go after him and that won’t cause an issue?” I ask, unsure what he is trying to do here.
“Why not? We can let him choose.”
“Fine. May the best man win.” All I can do is laugh.
“I plan to.” Savage closes the door in my face.
TEN
TOBI
Instead of studying in the quiet while Ambrose is at practice, I fall asleep. It’s a restless, lust-filled sleep that leaves me aching. Flashes of tattooed hands on my skin and whispered words that are just out of reach. It’s not one of them, but both and it leaves me restless. I have no right to be lusting after Savage or Ambrose.
Stupid brain putting ideas in my dreams that I don’t need. That will only end with me fucked up.
I realize I woke up to my phone vibrating. It’s pitch black but Ambrose still isn’t back. I grab it but can’t read the screen. Fucking glasses are the worst. Why did I have to be born with eyes that don’t do their only job?
Savage: Has he circled you three times and pissed on you yet?
Tobi: What?
My brain is too foggy to figure out what he’s talking about.
Savage: Marking his territory.
I blink at the screen, still trying to figure out what the hell he’s on about. I’m so confused.
Tobi: I’m not awake enough to understand what you’re talking about
Savage: Ambrose being jealous you were with me.
Tobi: Oh, he’s definitely mad. Not jealous tho
Savage: Of course he is, but you knew that was going to happen.
Tobi: Did I?
Savage: If you didn’t, you haven’t been paying attention.
I don’t think I have the brain power for this conversation. He’s just mad I hung out with Savage because he hates his step-brother. Right?
Tobi: Paying attention to what?
Savage: That he hates me and everything that has to do with me so his new friend isn’t allowed to like me.
Tobi: He’s my roommate and I can like whoever I want
Savage: He doesn’t see it that way or he wouldn’t be so jealous.
Tobi: He’s not jealous.
