They shook, and the stupid prick stood there smiling.

“Get the fuck out,” I barked again, my eyes burning with murder.

“Jared, why are you yelling?” My mother poked her head in, and Tate shrunk up into a ball underneath me again.

Oh, what the fuck?

“Jared!” My mother’s shocked gasp, when she noticed the extra arms and legs, caused me to clench my teeth.

Jax descended into a fit of laughter, and his face was turning red.

“Everyone, get out!” I shouted, and Jax cleared out, still smiling and obviously trying to hold back more laughter.

My mother, her face pinched up in anger and looking like she wanted to say something, grabbed the knob of the door and slammed it shut.

“Oh, my God!” Tate cried into my chest. “That did not just happen.”

“Yeah, I’m afraid it did. But who cares?” I shook it off. I was pissed, because Tate was embarrassed, but my mom and Jax were no threat.

She looked up at me, her sexy hair falling over her eyes. “Your mom will talk to my dad.”

“My mom is scared of your dad. We all kind of are. She won’t say anything.” I kissed her forehead. “I’m so misbehaved.” She sat up, covering herself, looking a little sick. “I just couldn’t help it. Or…I

didn’t want to, maybe. I woke up, and I wanted you so badly. I didn’t think.”

“Look at me,” I interrupted, holding her face in my hands. “You’re not misbehaved. You’re a good girl. No one takes this from us, Tate.” My voice hardened and my eyes got sharp. I nudged her chin, so she’d meet my eyes. “We’re eighteen. We’re in my home. You’re in a safe place. Quit acting like we should be apologizing for being in love. I understand showing your dad respect under his roof, but what’s done is done. We’re not going backwards.” I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her warm neck.

“I know,” she sighed, wrapping her arms around my neck and hugging me close. “I love you, and…and I trust this.”

But I felt the doubt sitting in my gut anyway.

Was she sure? Too much drama lately, or too much trouble, but she was still afraid of being hurt. I cleared my throat and shook it off, changing the subject.

“Go get ready for school.” I pulled back and looked at her. “I’ll be over in thirty to pick you up. And

you may as well leave through the front door. They know you’re here now,” I added as I stood up.

The corner of her mouth turned up, and she laughed when I threw one of my clean T-shirts in her face. “Wear that.” It was another Nine Inch Nails T-shirt. They were one of my favorite bands, so I had a

few of them. “To replace the one you burned last year,” I added when she pinched her eyebrows at me. “Cool.” She smiled and slipped on her underwear and the shirt. “I always liked wearing your

clothes,” she whispered sexily and spun around once, modeling the outfit.

Annnnnd…I was fucking hard again.

“Dude, I take it all back,” Jax rushed to say when I entered the kitchen. “You should definitely get her name tattooed on your body. Hell, I’ll get her name tattooed on my body.” He started laughing again, the fucking prick.

“Jaxon, that behavior is not tolerated.” My mother walked in, briefcase in hand. “Don’t think you’re going to get away with it when you live here.”

“Yes, Mom.” He mocked, but honestly, he had a better relationship with my mother than I did. “Jared. Be home after school. We’re talking.” She pointed her finger at me.

“Yes, Mom,” I mumbled, echoing Jax.

“Jax, honey.” My mother looked to my brother. “Are you done with my laptop?”

“Yeah, I put it back in the case. Thank you.” And he spooned in another mouthful of cereal as he leaned against the sink.

My mother walked over to me as soon as she’d swung her laptop case over her shoulder. I let her put her hand to my cheek, but I still couldn’t manage to maintain eye contact.

“I love you,” she whispered gently. “And be home after school.”

I nodded, and she walked out, the sound of her heels fading away down the hall.

Looking over to Jax, who stood there trying to keep his smile at bay, I was suddenly confused.

“You have a phone. What did you need the laptop for?” I asked, grabbing an apple off the counter and taking a bite.

He just shrugged and stuffed his mouth with more Captain Crunch.

“Are you sure you feel comfortable in that outfit?” I asked as we walked into school, hand in hand.

She didn’t look at me, but her smile reeked of sarcasm. “Is it my comfort you’re worried about or your own?”

She didn’t look even remotely trampy. On the contrary, she was a fucking magazine cover. But the flimsy black dress was short. Tate usually dressed like a tomboy, but it was like she was on a mission to fuck with my sex drive 24/7.

Date: 2015-02-16; view: 913