I opened my mouth to say something, anything, but Daniel beat me to it.
“Who the fuck are you?” he roared, stepping toward us.
I was shocked when Julian snarled, “I’m the reason she’s dressed in that uniform, grinding her ass against your cock. I’m the reason she’s drinking and acting out right now. I’m the fucking reason she’s even with you. You should be thanking me, you little shit. She’s only with you to get my attention.”
My mouth dropped open, realizing he knew all along how I felt about him.
Julian didn’t stop there, possessively adding, “I’m the man she’s trying to make jealous, that’s who the fuck I am. You’re lucky it was me who found her out here with you drinking, dancing like a slut, and not her brother, or you wouldn’t be standing. Now tuck your dick in between your legs and walk the fuck away, or else you’re going to have a problem with me.”
I couldn’t form words. The only thing I could do was feel intense anger. From head to toe, I was ready to explode.
“Daniel, leave.”
“You sure?”
“You heard her, run along before I change my mind and show you what happens to little shits like you who try to take advantage of drunk, naive girls who have no fucking business being alone in the woods with you.”
“Julian—”
“Don’t fucking try me, Autumn. Not. Right. Now. Not with how I’m feeling.”
I felt each word beating into my back. He still hadn’t let go of me.
“Listen, I don’t want any trouble.”
“Then go!” I shouted to Daniel.
Finally, he nodded and left.
Julian didn’t waste any time, spinning me around to face him. “What the hell do you think you’re doing alone out here with that boy? What did you think was going to happen if I didn’t show up when I did?”
“We were just hanging out.”
“Kid, he was seconds away from lifting your skirt, pulling down your panties, and finger fucking you against the tree. Is that what you want for yourself? A meaningless fuck in the woods? You’re better than that.”
“You don’t even know me anymore.”
“Bullshit. I know you’re not the girl you mess around with in the woods.”
“You would know since you fuck anything that walks.”
He jerked back, stunned.
“Well, actually, you fuck anything that walks other than me. Me, you push away. Me, you forget. Me, you don’t even acknowledge. Newsflash, I’m not a little girl anymore.”
“Really? Then stop acting like one.”
“That’s your reply?! Are you for real?!”
“What do you want me to say, Autumn? I’m your brother’s best friend, and I’m saving your ass. If Christian had seen what I just did, if he knew you had been drinking, trust me, your ass would never be allowed to leave your house again.” He eyed me up and down with only craze in his gaze. “And trust me, sweetheart, I’m tempted to tell him, if this is how you’re going to be acting. Because of me, nonetheless.”
Each word that erupted from his mouth was another knife in my chest.
“And what about you?”
“What about me?”
“You heard me. What did you feel when you saw me? You still want my boyfriend standing?”
“Kid…”
“What? I want an answer! What did you feel? Do you ever feel anything when you’re with me? Do you ever think about me? Dream about me?” I knew I sounded like a child, but I couldn’t help it. Those questions constantly plagued me. I needed to know his feelings.
Right now.
“I’m not having this conversation with you.”
“Why? Because maybe, just maybe, you feel the same things I feel for you?”
“Quit fucking baiting me.”
“No!” The liquor coursing through my veins made it easier to ask him all the questions I wanted to know. “Tell me!”
“Autumn, stop! Don’t do this to yourself.”
“But you said I would always be your number one girl.”
“You are. But I can’t tell you what you want to hear. I’ll never be able to tell you what you need to hear.”
“Why? I don’t understand! Why do you look at every girl other than me? Why can’t you see me? Why can’t you look at me? Please, I just want you to look at me! Really fucking look at me! I’m standing right here! Telling you I’m in lov—”
“Don’t you fucking dare.” He put his finger out in front of him, silencing me. “What do you want me to say, Autumn? You want me to tell you that I wanted to rip him apart the second I saw him pull you into his arms as you made your way over to your brother? You want me to tell you that every time you wear that little uniform, I think about all the ways I could take you in it? Is that what you want to hear? What else do you want me to tell you?”
His expression turned heady, matching my own. Our stares tethered, and for a moment, I saw a certain vulnerability and uncertainty pass through him I could feel deep within my bones. However, just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone. His primal gaze disappeared, shutting off our connection and truths we briefly shared for just a few moments in time.