Page 97 of Kings of Westbrook High

“Because I felt like it.”

“He could have hurt you.”

I roll my eyes at that, doing my best to ignore the clear flash of fury in his eyes at the thought. “He didn’t touch me, Damon.”

“But he could have!” He snaps, pulling me back when I try to pull away. “You are mine.” He growls, speaking through his teeth. “That means no fucker gets to touch you, talk to you, or even look your way without my fuckin’ say so. Got it?”

I pull my brows in at that, honest to god wondering how and when I became this person to him.

Someone he protects.

Someone he fights for.

Someone he lives for.

“Fuck, this is just sex.” I whisper, forcing myself to believe the lie. “Why you tryna make it something more?”

“Why you tryna play it off like it’s not?” He fires back, speaking over my lips. “More, baby.. more is what I want. It’s what you want, too.”

“You don’t know what I want.”

“No?” He raises a brow, tightening his arm around my back. “You want a place to call home. You want a family. You want this.” He rasps, dropping his forehead on mine. “You pretend to be a little badass who doesn't give a fuck about anyone or any damn thing but we both know you’re full of shit. You're afraid to let anyone in because the fear of being abandoned again terrifies you more than the fear of ending up alone for the rest of your life.”

And there it is.

Proof this guy’s ripped his way through my skull and set up shop inside my head, stolen every thought and insecurity of mine and uncovered every single one of my dark truths.

How he did it, no fucking clue.

“I’m not going anywhere, Callie.” He says clearly, tangling my fingers in my hair. “I will never leave you.”

I lock my jaw, struggling in his grip because my walls are crumbling around me and I can’t seem to stop it.

Doesn’t stop me from trying, though.

“You’ve got it all wrong, big brother.” I tease, smirking despite the solid kick in my heart. “I don’t give a-”

“Cut the shit!” He shouts, making me jump. “Why can’t you just admit how you really feel?”

“Why can’t you just leave it alone?!” I shout back, swinging for his stupid face when he doesn’t let me go.

“Because I love you, you crazy bitch!”

I freeze like he slapped me.

This motherfucker.

“You did not just say that to me.”

“I did.” He teases, holding both my wrists in a tight grip. “Want me to say it again?”

“No-”

“I love you.” He says it again, wrapping my hands around his neck. “You piss me the fuck off, push me to the brink of insanity, and I won't deny I wanna choke the shit outta you half the time, but I fucking love you anyway.”

Holy fucking shit.

I fight like fuck to pull air into my lungs, bouncing my eyes between his to search for intent.

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