Page 28 of This Is War: All's Fair Duet
I shake my head and murmur, “You said you were okay, but you weren’t really acting like it. I don’t claim to know what’s going on, but I’m a good listener, if you need one.” At my suggestion, she draws in a breath, her face cloaked once again in the same discomfort I’d noticed earlier. I’ve obviously hit a nerve. It’s not like she doesn’t know I saw her arguing with Logan earlier. I shrug. “Anyway, I thought maybe the sugar might help. Have more of the cookie if you want.” I break off another piece and pop it into my mouth, winking.
She eyes it, a funny little grimace on her face like she’s trying to convince herself it’s okay. “I… will take you up on that.”
While she indulges in another bite, she closes her eyes. Taking advantage of that, I edge back enough so I’m able to see my phone and pull open the text message thread with Logan. This is going to piss him off to no end. I sendhim a photo of Rya with her head thrown back and laughing. She looks beautiful. Happy. Following that, I shoot him the one where I’m kissing her cheek, then another with her broad grin on display as I bury my face in her neck. It’s obvious these aren’t staged. That I captured the images while she was unaware I was doing so.
They get the desired result. Almost immediately, message notifications begin to come in from him, vibrating on my thigh. I smirk as I read.
I swear if you hurt her…
I will fuck you up.
If he thinks these are disturbing, he should see the other photos I have, but I’ll save those for when I need some real ammunition. I take a sip of my coffee to cover my amusement, then decide I may as well go for broke. Focusing intently on Rya, I intentionally keep my voice low. Like we’re sharing secrets. Like she can trust me. “It sounded like you and Logan were having some trouble. And… I guess I’m a selfish dick, wanting you to come out with me. But you and I have something, I think. Maybe you do with him, too, though.” I allow a purposefully regretful look to cross my face, as I pause to peer into her eyes.
Rya goes back to chewing on her bottom lip, and all Iwant to do is lean the fuck in and bite it for her. I’m positive I’ve given her way too much to think about, which means my plan is going exactly as I want it to.
Running her tongue over the abraded skin, she slowly nods. “Yeah. All this anger festering between the two of you isn’t helping matters, but it’s not only about you, promise.” Her frustration comes out in both her biting words and actions as she grips one thigh, clawing at it without even realizing she’s doing it. And I wonder what else is going on, because it’s clearly got her all twisted up.
I place a hand over hers to still her motion while simultaneously preparing to respond to the text with the other hand. “Look, I don’t have any idea what’s going on in your relationship, but he seemed pretty upset.” I allow a crease to form on my forehead for her to see and study the look of puzzlement on her face. As I type carefully with one thumb, I smirk on the inside.
We’re having the best time.
Thanks for loaning her to me.
She’s something else.
Fuck right off.
Where are you?
This is straight bullshit.
You’re a dick.
Does she know you’ve sent those photos?
He’s going to come unglued in about two seconds flat. I school my expression, sending him another message sure to get right under his skin.
I’m so proud of us, bro.
I guess we’re finally sharing something.
You know, like our parents want.
I squeeze her hand, my eyes roaming “Did you… break up or something? I gotta admit to being surprised you agreed to come tonight since I thought you were going out with him.”
Her lips part, and she searches my eyes for long enough that I begin to wonder what the fuck’s going on in that head of hers. Finally, she relents, her brow furrowing as she cautiously murmurs, “Jaxon. Logan and I are just friends. He’s not my boyfriend. You know that, right?”
My chest constricts around my heart, clamping down on it like it’s going to pop behind my rib cage and make a bloody mess. I clear my throat for something to do while my brain thrashes about. I scrub my hand over my face.What?I cock my head to the side. “You’re not dating?”
“No. Do you honestly think I’d be out on a date withyou—kissing you—if I was with someone else?” She hesitates, her tongue poking out to skim over her lip. “Logan and I have never dated at all. I’m telling you, he’s my best friend. That’s it.” Her eyes flick away for a moment, though, betraying something she’s obviously not ready to share.
“You’re positive.”
Exasperated, she groans. “Yes, I mean he’s—” She jerks to a stop, her face going pale.
“He’s what?” I coax.
She shakes her head furiously, a deep wash of red flowing to her cheeks. “Never mind.”
