Page 27 of The Substitute
Why did he fucking leave? What is even going on? I’m not even sure how to process what just happened. Is he even into me? Was that some humiliation ritual?
But the biggest question: why did I want it?
I can’t catch feelings for Ambrose. I can’t want to fuck him. He’s seen too much, knows too much about me, who I really am. He’ll never actually like me, and when it ends badly, I’ll still have to see him every day. I can’t do it.
Savage: My brother loves to hog your attention doesn’t he?
Tobi: He’s good at that.
Savage: So our date tomorrow?
Tobi: Okay.
Savage: Good. I’ll see you tomorrow, baby girl.
ELEVEN
SAVAGE
Idon’t ask when I get to Tobi’s dorm. I walk in with someone and go up to his floor, smiling when I knock.
Ambrose pulls it open and crosses his arms, blocking my entrance. “When are you going to accept that I’m not coming home. Ever.”
“Hmm?” I wait a beat to give him a hard time. “I’m not here for you.” I pat his cheek. “As per our conversation yesterday, I’ve put that on pause while I court your roommate.”
“He’s not for you,” Ambrose snarls. “And don’t touch me.”
“Then move out of my way.” I step closer to him, so our chests are almost touching.
“What if I don’t?”
“I’ll fight you for him. Literally.” I roll my shoulders, half wishing he would, even knowing he won’t. I could use the release.
“No need to fight.” Tobi somehow squeezes past Ambrose’s massive frame, brushing fully against him as he does. Ambrose stiffens, and I growl. They exchange a look, and I realize I don’t want him touching Tobi. At all. Even so innocently.
“You didn’t have to come up.” Tobi shoves his hands into his pockets.
“I wanted to come up and walk down with you. Don’t accept less.”
He frowns slightly, like he has no clue what I’m talking about. But Ambrose knows. He’s glaring. Still watching.
I scratch my nose with my middle finger. “You ready?”
“Yes.” He steps towards me.
“You know he’s still not going to his class.” Ambrose cuts in.
I glance between them. “Is that true?” I ask Tobi.
He avoids my eyes and nods. “Some of them.”
“Why not?”
He shrugs.
“Thanks for telling me,” I say to Ambrose before slipping a finger under Tobi’s chin. “Good thing this is a date and not studying.”
“A date?” Ambrose asks.
