Page 46 of Tame Him (Rebels at Sterling Prep 2)

“How the hell do you know that?”

She shrugs. “I know things. Besides, Ace is a complete control freak. It makes perfect sense that he’d forbid himself the one thing he wants more than anything.”

“So you don’t think it’s a bit... over the top?”

“Has it stopped him touching you?”

“No.” My cheeks burn.

“So let him do his thing. God, can you imagine how hot it’s going to be when he finally lets it happen?”

I can now.

My stomach clenches, a shiver rippling through me.

“Man, I miss that.” She flounces down on the bed beside me, gnawing on the stick of candy. “I miss the toe-curling kisses and butterfly-inducing touches.”

“What about Hayden?” I nudge her shoulder with mine. “He likes you.”

“Yeah, but it’s Hayden. We’re just friends. I don’t want nice, I want exhilarating. I want what you and Ace have.” Her eyes flick to mine.

“Well, keep your hands off my man.” Our laughter fills the room.

“What do you make of Cole?”

“Cole? No way. Don’t even think about it.”

“I don’t mean for me, silly.” But there’s something in her tone that makes me think she’s thought about it. “He’s so broody. At practice he barely utters a word.”

“Yeah, he’s a strange one. Him and Conner are like—”

“Water and gasoline.”

“Something like that,” I mumble.

A knock at the door startles us and Hadley clambers off the bed. “Maybe it’s Hayden,” I tease. But the sharp intake of her breath as she opens the door has me craning my neck to see who it is.

“Cole?” I leap up at the sight of him standing there.

“Ace asked me to stop by and make sure you’re okay.”

Hadley swoons, a dreamy expression falling over her, but it quickly morphs into a frown. “Wait a second, how did you know where my dorm room was?”

Cole’s expression gives nothing away. “I asked your boyfriend.”

“Boyfr—Hayden? Oh, he’s not my—”

“Don’t care.”

“Rude much?”

“You just got finished with practice?” I ask him.

“Yeah. Conner is coming to pick me up. You want a ride? We’re going to hang out at the pool house until Ace gets back.”

“And where is that brother of yours?”

Cole’s mask slides back into place, and I know he won’t give up his brother's whereabouts.

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