The way he says ‘mine’ makes my pussy pulse with need, and I swear to God, I’m soaked. Like I need to change. He hasn’t even touched me yet and I’m about to combust.
No one has ever claimed me as theirs. Not even my own parents claim me as theirs, and here’s this boy, this man. This man I’ve known practically my entire life telling me I’m his and only his.
I’d say this is something Holland’s probably said to hundreds of women, but I know him. He’s only had one serious relationship, and the rest were just hookups. He didn’t usually repeat either.
Yeah, I know he has somewhat of a reputation, even if he claims he doesn’t. But it’s nowhere near as bad as mine. Or Ryker’s for that matter.
“And what if I don’t want to be yours?” I challenge, knowing full well that will get him going.
Holland scoffs knowingly.
“Well, Lainey Bug, the way you were sucking my cock the other night tells me otherwise.”
Oh my god.
He laughs at my horrified expression. I cannot believe he just said that in public. My cheeks heat as I look around the busy café to see if anyone is watching our interaction. No one seems to be paying attention in the slightest, thank God.
“Do I need to prove to you just how mine you are, Barkley?” With a gulp, I nod. Yes, please Lord, yes.
Holland grabs my hand and pulls me toward the door of the café. Once we’re outside in the cold air, he lets go and halts his steps. My eyes follow his line of sight and land on what made him freeze.
Ellie and Haley walk side by side, bundled in their winter attire and heading straight toward us. Oh shit, did they see us? Did they see Holland’s hand in mine?
Looking up at Holland, I try to read his expression to see if he’s freaking out as much as I am internally. It’s no surprise that he’s as cool as a cucumber.
As Ellie and Haley approach, I feel myself stiffen a bit, and I hate that I feel like I’m hiding this huge secret from my best friends. Except, you are hiding a secret from them, Lainey.
God, sometimes I wish my conscious would just shut the fuck up.
“Lane, you left without me this morning,” Ellie pouts, a bit of her blonde hair sticking out of her knit blue hat.
“Shit, I know,” I say, cringing inwardly. I may be avoiding her just a little bit. I know, I’m a terrible best friend. But it’s easier to avoid her than come out and say,‘hey, so I’m fucking your brother and I’m pretty sure I’m falling in love with him even though I told myself that I’d never fall in love because no one ever actually stays, and I’m probably going to end up self-sabotaging the whole thing and watching it blow up in my face. But anyway, can I have your blessing?’
“I’m sorry. I got up early and was craving a hot tea, so I came to the café,” I lie. I mean, technically, it isn’t really a lie. I did get up early, and I was craving tea. But I didn’t need to leave without her. I could’ve waited until she was ready to go, but I’m a coward.
Ellie smiles softly, almost as if she can tell I’m full of shit. Instead of calling me out on it though, she just nods.
“So what’s he doing here?” Haley asks, looking at Holland. My head whips to the side to see if Holland will answer and save me from whatever terrible lie is about to come out of my mouth. I can’t lie for shit.
“I needed a coffee before I went to practice, and ran into Barkley here,” he shrugs.
Nodding, I chuckle. “Jump scare,” I say, automatically regretting it because even though it was intended to be funny, it came out more awkward than anything. Wow, I hate myself.
I receive three very questioning looks, causing my cheeks to heat. I look down at the ground before I can say anything else.
“Anyway, I have to get to practice. Lainey, did you need a ride?” he asks, and I thank him silently for helping get me out of this situation.
“Yeah, thanks.”
Ellie hugs me before pulling back and walking toward the café.
“You’re still coming to the game tonight, right?” she inquires. Well, yeah. I don’t think captain possessive would let me miss it even if I wanted to.
“Of course. I’ll see you guys later,” I tell her before she turns around and heads into the café. As I begin to follow Holland, Haley grabs my arm.
“You have to tell her,” she states, and I know my face is as pale as a ghost. How the hell?
“What?” I play dumb, hoping Haley can’t tell, but Haley is smart, and she picks up on everything.
