She shrugs. “Yeah. Whatever. Just because this isn’t real doesn’t mean I don’t care about you.” Rubbing her arm, she mutters, “All I’m saying is, relationships have boundaries, and Eva is yourlittle sister, Easton. It’s inappropriate.”
A soft growl rumbles up my throat as I stare her down. “She isn’t my damn sister, Whitney. Don’t act like you don’t know that. And what you’re insinuating is beside the point, because there isn’t anything going on between us.” I grit my jaw and slide my gaze to the clock on the dashboard. “I wouldn’t fuck with her like that.”
She watches me for a long second. “If you say so. Just be careful. I’ve seen what girls like her can do to guys. Even a player like Carter is all messed up after her.”
My jaw ticks.What about Eva?Why the hell doesn’t anyone care about what happens to her?
Forcing my voice to remain calm, I nod toward the car door. “Good night, Whitney.”
She arches an eyebrow. Presses her lips together. “Fine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” After grabbing her purse, she gets out of the car and slams the door, still watching me.
I start the engine and roll down the window. “Pick you up on Friday at nine. No drinking this time.”
Her jaw drops, but I don’t wait around for a response. I peel away from the curb.
I knew it was a mistake, allowing myself to talk to Eva. Getting involved the last time I followed her into The Pitts. At least when I kept my distance, no one had to know how closely I really watch her.Shenever had to know. The thing about mistakes is they’re hard to recognize in the moment. The worst ones are like a drug—once you feel what it’s like to go with your gut, you don’t know how to stop. No matter the consequences.
It can’t all be a mistake though. Not when it means Mr. Doau won’t ever touch her again. Not when it kept that asshole in The Pitts from hurting her. Not when I get to make sure she comes home safe each night.
Pulling into my driveway, I shut off the car and push out a breath. Exhaustion weighs on my shoulders as I unlock the front door and quietly pace up the dark stairway. Once I reach the top, I notice Eva’s door is open a crack. I pause, grip the handrail, and glance from her door to mine, then back again.
Her door was shut when she left for school this morning, so she has to be home. There’s no need to go any closer. I release the handrail and head to my own room.
I start to open my door but freeze when a soft sound slips through the opening to her room. A moan. And then another one.
Releasing the knob, I swing my gaze down the hall. There’s no way that’s what I think it is. If she has a guy in her room with her, inourhouse, I fucking swear ...
I pace down the hall, not caring this is a massive invasion of privacy. I have to know. Before I can talk myself out of it, I’m standing in front of her cracked door.
The first thing I see is her blanket tangled at the foot of the bed. Smooth, bare legs spread wide open. She’s wearing nothing but a loose crop top and a thong. My throat goes dry, and I work down a swallow as my gaze follows her arm to the hand beneath her underwear. She lets out a thick, breathy moan, and her hips rise to grind against her hand.
My pulse beats in my ears and dick. Heat coils around me, sinking into every cell in my body.
Holy fuck ...
I’m going to Hell for watching this, but my blood is pounding, my vision is dimming, and my feet refuse to move.
Look away. Look away.
I force my gaze down, but when another soft noise hits my ears, I can’t stop from looking back up. Her other hand slides beneath her shirt to pinch her nipple, and a tight tug pulls at my groin.
I’m fucking sweating.
Look the fuck away.
My hands ball into fists—curl and release, curl and release—until my knuckles feel raw. Her breathing grows quick, like she’s close to coming, and the sounds plunge straight through me, making my cock strain painfully against my jeans. Finally, I tear my eyes away. Turning around, I rest my back against the wall for support and tilt my head toward the ceiling.
My chest thunders against my rib cage. Those noises ... her writhing hips ... naked skin ...
I shut my eyes and run a hand across the back of my neck, squeezing tight.
She’s definitely alone.
And I’m completely fucked.
Eva
I’m one block from school when I feel it.
