Page 45 of Chosen Boy

“Yes. Yes, I sure am. Now, do yourself a favor and don’t even fucking look at her,” Hunter says coolly. “After all, we’re on a boat. And the sharks are probably hungry tonight.”

First, Elliot looks confused. And then…shocked. And as he struts away, I look at Hunter, narrowing my eyes.

“You son of a bitch,” I hiss, low enough for only him to hear. “What the fuck was that about?”

“He’s a creep,” he growls against my ear. “Everyone knows that.”

“And you’re a psychopath, apparently.” I hold his eyes, matching his dark energy, and my nostrils flare. “Careful, Thompson. It almost seems like you care.”

Backing away slowly, I start to walk away. Needing a second to breathe. But as soon as I get around the corner and out of sight from the crowd, his hand grabs me, spinning me around and pushing me against the wall.

“Maybe I do care, Little Bird,” he mutters, his lips hovering over mine. “What if I do?”

I open my mouth to speak, and that’s when his dad calls to him before rounding the corner.

Backing away from me, he looks at his dad. “Dad.”

“There you are. Got a minute to talk?” His stare hardens at his son. “Now.”

They walk around the corner, leaving me alone.

I can still feel the buzz of his lips almost touching mine. And the weight of his words that he cares.

A whole lot.

Hunter

“I don’t know what that little thing with you and Elliot was, but he’s donating a pretty big chunk of change into this thing,” my dad says once everyone else has left. “I don’t need you convincing him otherwise.”

I look around the sky lounge, taking note of all the details on this yacht. “Yes, well, he should try to be a little less creepy. Don’t ya think?”

“He’s harmless,” he scoffs. “And if this is over Sutton, that means she’s already causing issues. I like her. She’s a beautiful girl, but please, keep your head on straight.” He looks at my mother as she walks into the room. “Ready, darling?”

My mom nods, placing her hand on his chest. “You did great, sweetheart.” Turning to me, she hugs me. “Thanks for coming. Enjoy the boat, but be careful. And please, for the love of all things, don’t break anything.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I say as she releases me. “Safe travels.”

Looking around, she frowns. “Where is Sutton? I didn’t get a chance to say good-bye. And to thank her for coming.” She cringes. “Can’t be easy, you know. Being here when her family hates us.”

“At least the feeling’s mutual, right?” I shrug. “Y’all have a good night.”

“No truer words have ever been spoken.” She snorts. “Bye, honey.”

Waving, they head toward the exit.

And as soon as they are out of sight, I waste no time going to find my girl.

Myfakegirl.

Sutton

I lie on the outdoor sofa, looking up at the sky. There must be a zillion stars out tonight, all shining bright, demanding to be seen.

It’s weird, being on this boat with all these rich people. I used to fit in—sort of. Now, I’m a damn stripper, trying to earn money for food and medication.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Hunter strut closer before leaning against the bar. But quickly, I turn my attention back up at the stars, ignoring him.

“You’re mad,” he says. His deep voice sounds much louder in the quiet night air.

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