Page 50 of Ruthless Rose

Chapter 29

Micah has been texting me since this morning. I’m so in my head because of everything that happened this morning I’m choosing to ignore him.

And right this minute, I’m also being the most horrible lunch companion ever. Max and Scarlett sneak glances at me while they talk between bites of their meals, trying to play it off like it’s no big deal, but I can tell they are simply biding their time before they make me talk.

It’s just been one hit after another. First the locker room, then the warning from Xander, followed by the conversation with Farrah. I’ve been rocked hard and have the distinct impression I’m in the deep end and about to drown.

If Derek hadn’t said something, I’d have had a repeat of the worst day of my life, only with a different set of football players. And ever since Farrah opened her big mouth, what she’d said has played on repeat. “He doesn’t do relationships. Ever.” With warnings about both Micah and Alora, it’s enough to make my head explode.

I wince. I’ve never been in a relationship, but I know for a fact I’m not down with being Micah’s fuckbunny alongside his cheerbunny. “Girl, he’s going to eat you up and spit you out. He’s ruthless.” My teeth clamp down on my lip. This sucks. I want to believe he’d want me for me, but I’m not dumb enough to think I can make him change his ways, either. He’d have to do that on his own. And I’m not sure I’m strong enough to stick around to watch him try. I’m downright terrified of getting involved with him and having it blow up in my face.

And when I say blow up, I’m sure Alora will be the one to light the fuse.

I glance down at my phone as it goes off yet again. I’ve got it on vibrate, so it’s been a not-so-subtle reminder throughout the day that he’s not going to let this drop. Glancing down through the messages again, my heart speeds up. He’s relentless.

Daph’s Dream Dick:First, I need to know you’re really okay.

Daph’s Dream Dick:Second, I’m not joking around.

Daph’s Dream Dick:I want to know what happened.

Daph’s Dream Dick:I went into the locker room after you took off.

Daph’s Dream Dick:If you don’t confirm who did what, I’m going to have to beat the shit out of half the team.

Daph’s Dream Dick:And that doesn’t bode well for the game tonight.

Daph’s Dream Dick:And Scarlett will be pissed at you because I’ll recruit Xander (and Beau) to help me.

Daph’s Dream Dick:Daph, please talk to me.

Despite the gentleness I sense in his final text, I’m confused about how to respond, so I don’t. Instead, I tuck my phone back into my pocket and pick up my sandwich. Hmm. Maybe he’s realizing that steam-rolling the answer out of me won’t work.

Max leans close to me. “Um.” He swallows. “I swear I didn’t see it on purpose … but did that really say you were getting texts from Daph’s Dream Dick?”

Scarlett sputters from across the lunch table. “What?”

“I didn’t save it like that.” I heave a sigh before I press my lips together.

Max wiggles his brows when I side-eye him. “You mean Micah did?”

Slowly, I nod. “Yep.”

“Fuck. I bet he does have a dreamy dick.” He gets all starry-eyed for a few seconds.

I groan.

Holding up a hand, Scarlett shakes her head. “Wait, back up. When did this happen?”

“It feels like forever ago. Before …” I blink. “Well, it was before we ever started with the tutoring. Back when he was still giving me hell over even setting it up.”

Max frowns. “Do you mean he was fucking with you? Trying to make you uncomfortable?”

“I guess so.”

“Why haven’t you changed it?” Scarlett gives me a quizzical look.

I look down at my sandwich, my eyes unfocused. “I just haven’t.” I shrug and meet her gaze.

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