Page 64 of Giving In

Jake is talking with Chris, they’re both slowly walking toward me when Chris spots Rose and Rachel.

“Here she is,” Chris mutters. He’s been drinking tonight, and I can see he’s not being his usual calm self.

He’s been flirting with tons of girls that came to wish him a happy birthday. Every time one leaves, Jake tries to convince him she’s good enough for a ‘sexcapade’ and every time, Chris says he shouldn’t.

“You,” Jake growls as he changes trajectories and heads for his twin.

Chris is still coming my way as Jake scolding Rose turns into background noise. Chris’ eyes are locked on mine and his smile is more predatory than I’ve ever seen. I feel like I could watch him forever, but Jake’s deep voice takes priority.

“...20 fucking times,” I hear by the kitchen entrance.

“You need to fucking chill, dude. I told you where I was,” Rose is clearly no more sober than him.

“Next time the Diaz brothers show up here I’ll smash your stupid phone in your head. Glue it to your face. Maybe then you’ll learn how to pick up.”

At Jake’s violent words, I turn my face to look at the trio. Rachel is looking at Jake with eyes as wide as saucers. Rose is clenching her jaw as if stopping herself from retaliating. She turns to Rachel, says something in her ear, and kisses her forehead. Rachel nods and leaves.

Rose turns back to Jake. “A word,” she manages through clenched teeth.

Jake shakes his head annoyed but follows his sister out of the kitchen. When I face forward again Chris is right in front of me, making me jump in surprise.

Why does he look annoyed at me?

“Do you know when was the last time I saw Jake acting like this?” he asks.

“Like what?” I reply, fidgeting on the highchair. Why does it suddenly feel so uncomfortable? I get off the chair and stand up to continue the conversation.

“Constantly angry. Threatening his own twin. Bullying a random girl.”

I shift on my feet when he mentions bullying. Is this what it is? Is this how it starts?

“He’s not bu–”

“Why did you lie to me, Jamie?” He cuts me off, not caring one bit about what I have to say.

“Chris, I–I’m sorry.”

“Whatever you’re doing, that makes him like this. Stop it. Before it’s too late.”

“Before it’s too late? How bad can it get?” I ask, incredulous.

Chris doesn’t reply. He just takes another sip of his drink.

“Please tell him to leave me alone,” I say in an almost inaudible voice.

He shakes his head, and his gaze hardens. I try to take him all in but it’s impossible. Chris is too much for me to handle. His gaze is too bright, and despite how angry he is at me right now, his warmth is drowning me in delicious heat.

“I gave you a chance to let me help you out of this.” The muscles on his neck tighten at the same time as his grip on his beer bottle. “You didn’t want my help. You chose to lie to me instead.”

His words break my heart. I had no idea he thought so highly of our friendship, or whatever was left of it, and I ruined it all. I crushed it under my boot for my own personal reasons.

I’m about to protest or at least try another round of apologies, but Camila approaches Chris and grabs his arm. “Come on birthday boy, we’re gonna do a round of Do or Drink!” she exclaims excitedly.

As soon as Chris has left my field of view, I feel two strong hands on my shoulders. I don’t need to turn around to know Jake is back in the kitchen.

“We’re gonna play a little game, Angel,” he whispers in my ear. I can’t help my body trembling at his mouth so close to me. My mind automatically drifts back to our position on his bed earlier.

He comes in front of me, puts his cup down, and pours another drink in a new cup.

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