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David.
Before anyone else sees, she angles the phone toward herself and gets up, excusing herself. I watch her go, noting the tension in her steps.
Brooke is the sweetest person I’ve ever known. It kills me to see her so miserable.
And that’s why I get up, telling Xander I have to pee. I don’t know who David is, but based on her reaction, I’d bet a lot of money he’s one of her exes.
I enter the hallway quietly, noticing that one of the French doors that leads outside is slightly ajar. Slowly, I open it more and slip through it.
Brooke is standing a few feet away, facing into the dark night. The voice on the other end is so loud, I can hear it.
“I know you stole that hard drive,” a male voice shouts.
“You shouldn’t’ve left it at my house. Did you think I wouldn’t find it? I’m not stupid, David.” Her voice is surprisingly strong.
“I need it back, you bitch. Tonight.”
Brooke snorts. “I don’t owe you anything.”
“You don’t want to know what I’m capable of. Bring it by the bar. You have a half hour.”
“Oh, I know exactly what you’re capable of. Go fuck yourself.” Brooke spits the words out and then hangs up.
I disappear back inside and hide in the bathroom before she sees me. Once I hear her shut the door, I wait another minute before returning to the living room.
When I settle back down next to Xander, I give Brooke a small glance. She’s sitting rigidly, with her knees tucked under her chin. She looks so small all folded up like that. It reminds me of the girl who used to hide in her closet whenever her parents fought.
Xander’s lips on my neck bring my attention back to him. “You good?” he murmurs in my ear. “You’re tense.”
“I’m fine.” I bite my lip. Should I tell him about Brooke’s phone call? I don’t want to overstep, but that guy sounded pissed.
No. Brooke’s life is hers. I already spied on her. I’m not going to betray her trust even more by telling Xander something she seems to want to keep private.
So I snuggle into his side and watch the movie. One of Xander’s hands slips under my shirt. His fingers graze my stomach and send shivers through me.
“Not here,” I hiss, elbowing him.
“I’m ready to kidnap you upstairs,” he whispers. “All I’ve been able to think of since earlier is you. The way you sounded when you came had me rock hard, little bird. And then the way you ran to me, and kissed me? You can’t expect me to not need to be inside of you.”
Want stirs in my stomach, but I shake my head. “Absolutely not. I’d be so embarrassed.”
He groans quietly, biting the shell of my ear. “I can think of nothing better than dragging you away so they all know that you’re mine. For good.”
I squirm at the heat gathering between my legs. Then I whisper, “No,” before turning back to the TV. This isn’t the time.
We watch the rest of the movie without incident. Xander’s hands don’t leave my body, but he doesn’t push me into anything I’m uncomfortable with. I’ve always loved that about him.
As soon as the credits start rolling, Brooke shoots up out of her seat. “I’m gonna get going. I have an early morning tomorrow.”
We hug, and then Brooke kisses Xander on the cheek.
“What?! Where’s my kiss?” Felix blocks her way, grinning like a little kid.
With a giggle, Brooke stands on her tiptoes and pecks his cheek. He holds her in place for a moment, murmuring something in her ear, but she shakes her head. Blaze glares daggers at Felix behind her back, who smirks.
“I’ll walk you out.” Blaze stands from his chair and straightens his shirt.
“I’ll be fine.” Brooke gives him a thin smile before turning to go. “Have a good night, everyone.”
