Page 16 of Devour

“He’s not stalking me,” I object, not really wanting Justin to get in the middle of it. The last thing I need is Justin going after Axl.

“He literally tracks your phone.”

Justin’s grin fades, and he crosses his arms over his muscular chest. I know there’s no friendship between him and Axl, given how my brother speaks about him. A small part of me is worried that Axl is so obsessed with me as a way to piss off my brother.

“Let me guess . . . Axl?” he asks.

“Who else?” Kynlee says, turning on her stomach and crossing her ankles in the air above her ass as she watches Justin.

“He’s an asshole, and you should stay the fuck away from him.” He pushes off the frame and uncrosses his arms. I expected him to give me some kind of lecture, but he drops it. I know that won’t be the last I hear about what he thinks. He’s already told me countless times what an asshole he thinks Axl is. “Mom texted me that she wants us downstairs for lunch.”

He disappears down the hall. I tuck my phone into the waistband of my shorts.

“Your brother really does hate your boyfriend,” Kynlee says, sliding off of my bed.

“He’s not my boyfriend.” I don’t know what he is or what he’ll be. But I don’t think being someone’s obligatory fuck equals boyfriend exactly. “And I don’t know what the deal is with them. But it’s not like Justin can do anything about Axl claiming me. He’s going to be hunting his own Dove.”

“Well that’s an interesting idea.” Kynlee wiggles her eyebrows at me. “I mean he’s always been hot, even if the guys don’t like him.”

I scrunch up my nose. “Gross.”

“Well of course you’d think so. But if I have to fuck someone for a year, there could be worse choices.”

I cringe at that thought. I don’t give a shit if she fucks Justin, but I don’t want to see it or hear about it.

Kynlee continues, “And I’m not going to fuck Crew, no matter how hot all the other girls think he is. He’s practically my brother, and Kase would lose his shit.”

“Well if you do fuck Justin, just tell me as little about it as possible. Ideally, nothing at all.”

“You didn’t offer me the same courtesy when you told me about how you let my brother finger you. Now that’s fucking gross.” She shoves me into the doorframe on the way out. I shove her back, laughing.

“I was drunk and high when I let him do that, and I was still drunk and high when I told you about it.” I chuckle at the memory. “And then he had to jack himself off because I wasn’t going to let him do anything else. It was kinda hot watching him, though. Until his drunk ass fell into the bushes he came on.”

Kynlee fake gags. “Well that’s a mental image that I didn’t need to live through again.”

We head downstairs, elbowing each other like we’re still teenage girls who used to do stupid shit and talk about boys all night. Considering how we act, the current reality isn’t that far off.

CHAPTER 7

SAYLOR

My mother is already at the dining table with a cup of coffee and her phone. She’s dressed like she has somewhere more important to be—her hair done, diamond jewelry on, and nails perfectly manicured. Jessica Carter is always dressed like she has someone to impress. She looks like she’s ready for a camera to appear at any moment, even on a Saturday at home.

She glances up when we walk in. Her eyes go to the clock on the wall. Then back to us. She doesn’t say anything. She doesn’t have to. The look says everything. It’s just another example of how I’m a disappointment to her with my messy bun and the shirt I slept in.

“It’s good to see you, Mrs. Carter.” Kynlee hits her with a bright smile. My mother has never been moved by it.

“I see you girls finally slept off whatever had you giggling half the night.”

Our housekeeper, Margot, has set out a spread on the buffet in the dining room—sandwiches, fruit, a salad, a pitcher of iced tea. More food than we need. My mother always ensures we have everything in excess even though she’d scoff at me if I dared to eat more than she thought acceptable. She does this shit on fucking purpose.

Justin is sitting across from our mother, scrolling his phone. He’s put a shirt on at least. I’d love to see the look on my mom’s face if he tried to sit down at the dining table without one.

Kynlee loads up a plate and sits to the right of my mother. I pour myself coffee because food sounds terrible right now and caffeine is the only thing I want.

“So.” Kynlee takes a bite of her sandwich and looks at Justin. “The hunt is coming up.”

She’s never been one for subtlety.