Goddamn these brainless athletes.
No. That’s not fair. I’ve learned enough by now to know that Tristan is not an idiot.
He’s mean and manipulative, but not an idiot.
“Wow,” I pant, pausing to take in the view of the ocean through the trees.
A blanket of wildflowers dances in the breeze in the distance. The salty air caresses my face, making my skin tingle. I don’t think I’ve felt this alive in weeks. My fanfic normally gives me this feeling, but not lately.
Damn Tristan for fucking with everything in my life. I’ve texted Cody twice over the last few days, and he gave me one-word responses. I ought to leave him alone entirely—especially if he really is battling feelings for me—but damn it, I miss him.
And then there’s my very own Mr. Wickham—Tristan Wolfe—charming me with his smiles and telling me sweet lies. I forgive Elizabeth for being so quick to believe Wickham. After all, she had no idea he was lying.
IknowTristan is lying, and I’m still charmed by him.
“Pretty, huh?” Tristan’s blue eyes are fixed on the view through the trees. “I hike this every day. Sometimes in the morning. Sometimes after practice. It’s even more beautiful having you with me.” He turns to me, his eyes probing. “What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Um…” I tuck a stray strand of hair from my ponytail behind my ear. He’s not looking at me, so it should be easy to tell him about Nick’s plans. Still, I can’t help but wonder what he’s going to think. That I’m making it up? That I’m hoping to make him jealous? “I have a date,” I say in a rush. “I’m pretty nervous about it.”
Tristan whips around to face me. He doesn’t speak for a full ten seconds, and the look on his face sends a chill down my spine. I always thought he had cruel eyes, but I’ve never seen him look as terrifying as this. “With who?” His voice is quiet and oddly empty.
“Someone I met at your frat party.” I try to keep my voice even, though my heart races in response to his sudden intensity.
He takes a step in my direction, and his tall form looms over me. “The guy you were talking to when I pulled you away and made my announcement. The guy Nick introduced to you.”
I swallow. “Yes.”
Tristan shakes his head. “Goddamn Nick. This was the surprise.”
I frown. “Surprise?”
Tristan scowls. “Why is Nick trying to set you up with other guys?”
I swallow. Nick never said I needed to protect his identity. If anything, he seems to want Tristan to know he’s trying to sabotage his plans. “I asked him to.”
Tristan is in front of me in a flash. He gently grabs my chin and lifts it as he searches my face. “Why?”
I shrug. “I think the game has given me more confidence. I haven’t gotten out enough in college. Being around…people like you has helped me see that.”
Both of his hands fall to my shoulders, and he gives me a little shake. “I’d think being around people likemewould make you avoid dates with other guys. I can give you whatever you need, and—” he smirks “—you belong to me, Amy. You agreed to it.”
I push away from him and walk to a large boulder at the edge of the trail, my skin heating. I’m sick of his lies. He’s not really going to give me that scholarship. According to Nick, he’s not even trying to make Harper jealous.
I don’t know what to believe.
“You aren’t going.” Tristan’s voice is hard. “No dates. No dating anyone but me. That’s my rule for you.”
Rage flares through my veins suddenly. Rule? How fucking arrogant and high-handed can he be? I whip around to face him, raising my chin. “I’m going out with Seth tomorrow whether you like it or not. I don’t work for you. I agreed to help you make Harper jealous. If you wanted exclusivity, you should have told me weeks ago.”
“Seth, huh?” Tristan walks over to me, lowering his head and stopping a few inches from my face. “What happened to Cody Morris?”
My throat grows tight. Fuck, I don’t want to cry in front of Tristan. “He’s my dearest friend.”
He tilts his head to the side. “You told me you wanted him, remember? On one of our dates.”
Fuck, I did. I almost forgot about Cody’s plan from weeks ago. Why didn’t it occur to me then that he might have feelings for me? What a strange way to taunt Tristan.
“I didn’t believe you then,” Tristan says. “If you wanted him, you’d be with him. Anyone can see that he wants you.”
