Page 95 of Silver Tears

“Since the Aces came along,” she replies, and I can’t help but laugh in agreement. “I’m so sorry you went through that with Lenny. And you be careful too. Seb Collings is a serial heartbreaker.”

“I will.”

“Let’s have a girl’s night soon. You can tell me all about Seb, and, well, I can try to tell you what the hell I’m getting myself into over here!”

“Deal,” I agree, laughing. “I love you, Rubes.”

“Love you too, Moo.” She responds before we say goodnight and hang up. I lie on my bed replaying our conversation. Ruby getting involved in a menage-a-trois was not something I ever saw coming. My mind drifts back to this evening with Seb. I don’t regret having sex with him. I got to choose who took my virginity and I’m glad it was him, whatever happens between us. Everything has changed. I’m not the same girl I was a few days ago. I’m determined that what almost happened with Lenny, it won’t define me. I won’t let it.

SEB

Ising along to the radio as I make my way to school. I dropped Charlie safely at Peggy’s. He was a buzz of excitement today because its show and tell day at school. Charlie is taking George with him and going to tell his classmates all about his trip to the zoo. He hasn’t asked once about his mum, but he asked where Mills was as soon as he woke this morning. Our PI is following a lead on someone who might have information about Lenny's whereabouts.

My mind flicks back to the events of last night. Mills was something else. I wanted to make it special for her and I feel like we rushed things because she had to get home. I’m pretty sure I’m not supposed to have sex with my fake girlfriend. But ask me if I regret it and the answer is no. The image of her naked and straddling me has me straining in my pants. Fuck. I think I have a problem because I want to do it again and I’m not sure if she feels the same way. In fact, being inside of her again is all I’ve been able to think about all morning. I’m eager to get to school and see her.

I pull up in the school car park and I’ve barely stepped out of my car when Tam is in my space. She pops her hip out and grins up at me. “Hi, Seb.”

“Tam,” I reply, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. “Do you mind? You’re in my space.”

She steps closer and puts her hand on my chest. “Aren’t you bored with her yet?” She traces circles with her finger on my chest. “We all know you weren’t born to be with one woman. You need the variety, the chase. I’m much more experienced than her.”

I knit my brows, looking down at her. “No. I’m not bored with her. She’s the first girl that hasn’t lost my interest. And maybe I’m ready to be a one-woman kind of guy. Now, move out of my way before I move you!” I say firmly, but quiet enough so that only she can hear. She steps back, scowling at me, and I take my chance to step around her, striding off toward the school. I can feel her eyes on me as I walk through the main doors. That girl really doesn’t know how to take no for an answer. My eyes scan the corridors and I smile when I spot her with Vee and Eliza over by Eliza’s locker.

“Ladies. You’re all looking beautiful today!” I announce as I reach them and swing my arms over Mills and Eliza’s shoulder. Mills’ cheeks redden when she sees me. “Precious, you are looking particularly delicious today,” I say, flirting. Hooking my arm off Eliza and walking Mills backwards until her back is against the locker.

“Hi,” she says shyly, biting that sexy bottom lip.

“Hey yourself.” I lean in and kiss her, and she sighs into my mouth as she reaches up on her tiptoes and wraps her arms around my neck.

“Get a room!” Vee teases, and I smile against Mills’ mouth, giving Vee the finger.

“Trust me, I’d find a room right now,” I admit, smiling down at Mills as she leans back against the lockers, looking up at me. “Are you okay?” I ask her, lowering my voice so only she can hear me.

She nods her head as she messes with the end of my school tie. “How was he this morning?”

“Good,” I reply, conscious that Eliza and Vee are right next to us.

“No news?”

I shake my head, knowing she’s asking me about Lenny, and I see her face drop. “Hey,” I say, lifting her chin with my finger. “It’s only a matter of time before we find him. Okay?”

She nods her head again, and I pull her towards me and tuck her under my arm. When I pull my eyes from Mills’ I find Vee and Eliza grinning at us. “What?”

Eliza chuckles and shakes her head. “You two, it’s just so fucking cute. I never thought I’d see the day, but monogamy suits you, Seb.”

Vee nods in agreement. “It’s true. He’s so much nicer to live with since you’ve been around Milly. Whatever you’re doing to make him so happy, please keep doing it.”

“Who’s doing what?” Damon asks as he comes up behind the girls. He frowns slightly when he sees my hands on his sister. I think he’s still adjusting to our relationship.

“Oh, whatever your sister is doing to make my brother so amenable, it makes for a peaceful life at home for me.”

Damon puts his hands over his ears and grimaces. “This is something I do not need to hear! In fact, I’m going to class. You coming?” he asks Eliza, who nods and grabs her bag off the floor chasing to catch up with him and waving at us over her shoulder.

* * *

Throughout my morning classes, my mind replays last night over and over in my head. The way she felt against me. Twice I get caught out daydreaming by my teachers. I use my charm to deter them from the fact that I wasn’t paying any attention. Mills and I need to talk about last night. I need to know what she’s thinking. At lunchtime, I’ll take her to the library where we can talk in private, away from prying eyes and ears.

At lunchtime I miss my chance to get her alone when our football coach calls an impromptu urgent meeting. It looks like I’ll have to wait until the end of school to speak with her. I can wait. It’s not like either of us is going anywhere.

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