Page 101 of Beneath the Stands (Sugarlake 2)

“Are you Becca’s boyfriend?” She nods toward me.

It’s an innocent question, but my body locks in place, my eyes jetting to Eli, searching for a hint of envy. It’s a sick, twisted game I’m playing, but for the life of me I’m not sure how to stop.

He doesn’t react. And why would he?

“Ha! He wishes.” I force a laugh, shrugging out from under Jax’s arm, the air suddenly stifling. “I’m gonna go get some air.”

My heart beats forcefully in my ears, my legs burning from how fast I push through the crowd, making my way outside.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I sit on the curb to collect myself, breathing in the fresh air. After a few moments, Lee plops down next to me, leaning back on her arms and heaving a sigh. She doesn’t say anything, and neither do I.

“You wanna talk about it?” she finally asks.

My chest pulls tight. “How many times do I gotta tell you, there’s nothin’ to talk about?”

This is my moment. I should spill my secrets and beg for her mercy. But pride is a foolish mistress, one that hangs on even when there’s nothing left. So I don’t.

“Oh, come off it, Becca. This ain’t you. Anyone with two eyes can tell somethin’ is wrong.”

More like everything.

“Is it Eli?”

My heart jumps and the fear of her knowing trickles through my system. “No.”

She chews on her lip, taking me in with a critical eye. “You know I don’t believe you, right?”

I sigh, my eyes scanning the parking lot to avoid her stare. “Your brother has nothin’ to do with me, Lee. That I can promise you.” I squint, focusing on a figure leaning against a black truck. “Hey, ain’t that your man?”

Lee follows my line of sight and nods, a smile growing on her face. “Yep, that’s my man. I’m gonna go say hi.”

I let out a breath of relief, thankful for the distraction. Lee stands, dusting off her knees and walking away. She only makes it a few steps before freezing in place.

My spidey senses tingle and I’m off the curb and by her side in a heartbeat, just in time to see Chase talking to a long-legged, black-haired woman.

“Who the hell is that?” I ask.

Lee shakes her head, her eyes wide, and I watch in real time as my best friend’s heart breaks again because dickface of the century is letting some other woman shove her tongue down his throat.

Once a cheat, always a cheat.

My hand shoots out to grasp Lee’s arm, holding her up in case she starts to crumble.

“Asshole!” I yell.

Chase breaks off the kiss and turns toward us, his eyes growing wide and panicked.

Rage boils in my veins. When he first came back to town, I warned him to leave her alone—to stay away—knowing she wouldn’t be strong enough to make the decision herself.

It’s no surprise he didn’t listen. She gave in like I knew she would and I accepted it. I’m not exactly in a place to judge her weakness. Glass houses and all.

Lee steps back, her face drained of color before she turns and runs. Chase yells after her, following quickly behind.

Meanwhile, I’m standing in the parking lot lost at what to do.

Do I go after her? Do I stop him from getting to her?

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