Page 94 of Too Sweet
Jessie and Michael. Jake Grey’s best friends. They used to make my life a living hell in high school, and just seeing them laughing brings back memories I tried hard to bury.
The guy who slapped me lunges forward, pushing me against the wall hard enough that my head bounces off the concrete, and he’s right there, towering above me, madness and embarrassment flickering in his eyes.
“You stupid bitch, you think—” The breath is knocked out of his chest by my knee connecting with his groin.
I shove him away, my heart ramming against my ribs. Adrenaline jolts me into action, and Irun. A few students turn to watch as I bolt down the corridor, but no one stops me to check if I’m okay, even though they saw what happened.
Other than ostentatious, inappropriate comments, no one touched me against my will until today. A few guys asked me out, and some left suggestive notes for me to find, but overall, Brandon’s plan was failing.
He must’ve thought everyone is as childish as him...
Looks like some are. Childish and deranged. This guy wasn’t even trying to hide. He cornered me while other people watched like he didn’t give a damn about the consequences.
“Where to?” Dad asks when I slide into the passenger seat two minutes later, my hands still shaking. He’s been picking me up from college and taking me out for food every afternoon since he landed four days ago. “Can we go back toThe Olive Tree?”
“Sure, I don’t mind.”
“Good, call Nico, maybe he’ll—” He cuts himself off when my ringtone pours out of the speakers, the phone connected to the hands-free system.
“Talk of the devil.” I smile, showing Dad the screen. “Hey, I was about to call you.”
“And I’m about ready to put you over my knee,” he clips, making my cheeks heat. “Baby, I’m glad you’re spending time with your dad, but you need to find two hours for me tonight.”
“Nico—”
“Two hours.” His tone brooks no argument. “Make it happen. I’ve not felt you in four days, and I miss you like it’s been an entire goddamn century. Unless you want me to cuff you to the bed while your dad sits in the next room, I suggest you do as you’re told.”
I sink into my seat, melting into the leather when Dad clears his throat. “Hey, Nico. That shouldn’t be a problem. I’m meeting a friend for a few drinks later, so you two will have the evening to yourself.”
“Oh God.” I’m sure I’m the color of a ripe tomato. “Why? Why are you socasualabout this?!”
My dad chuckles, shaking his head like he’s dealing with a clueless child. “It’s just sex, Mia. Why are you blushing? Don’t act like it’s such a novelty.”
“It is!” I cry, horrified that he thought I slept with one of the dates I told him about. “It’s very much a novelty.”
“You mean to tell me Nico’s your first?”
“Right, I’ll leave you to it,” Nico cuts in, sounding amused. “I’ll see you tonight, Mia.”
“Don’t you dare hang up!”
“What did I tell you? Sex is natural. It’s normal.”
“Agreed,” Dad says, nodding vigorously. “I’m still very much shocked you onlynowhad your first time, but I can’t say I’m not glad. Some of those dates you told me about—”
“Jimmy,” Nico warns, jealousy clear in his voice. “Leave the past where it belongs.”
My father cocks an eyebrow, shooting me an amused look. “My bad. I hope you’ve got nothing planned for tomorrow morning because I’ve got a bottle of the best bourbon money can buy, and once I’m home, we’re drinking.”
“Sure. I’m off tomorrow.”
“Good. I’ll see you around eight?”
“I’ll see you then,” Nico confirms. “Mia? Be good, baby.”
“Always.”
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