Guilt creeps up inside because I don’t want to lead him on, but I know it’s the only way I can move on from the mixed feelings I have for Travis.
Viola
Perfect. I’m staying at Drew’s. I’ll see you then.
Even though I have hours to get ready, the time passes so quickly. I take a shower and slip into a tight little dress that makes my ass look great. Although it’s fitted, it’s still classy. I add a pair of pearls and light makeup to complete the ensemble. I’m a total class act and happy because I still look like myself, unlike the way I looked the other night.
I grab my phone and plop down on the couch to watch some TV as I wait for Jason to arrive. Travis enters and just stops. He has his keys in hand and wears a shocked expression. I know that look.
“What the hell, Travis? Take a picture and quit staring.”
“There’s the V I’ve been missing.” He smirks, rattling his keys in his hand. “I was worried that girl had vanished.”
“You couldn’t be so lucky. And call me V all you want, I’m not fucking you to prove you wrong,” I say.
A smirk crosses his face, but I’m not joking. I’m supposed to be putting on a façade, pretending as if everything is perfectly fine, but my heart races when I’m around him, and at this moment, I’m feeling as if I’m losing control. He sits, smiles, and leans forward, still staring across the room at me.
“But you want to fuck me, don’t you?” His voice is deep and raspy, knowing it’ll drive me insane.
“I wouldn’t fuck you with my worst enemy’s pussy.”
“Shit, V. I love it when you talk like that.” His lips curl up, flashing his perfect pearly whites.
I glare at him, and when the doorbell rings, I get up, leaving him before he can say anything back. I feel his eyes burning a hole into the back of my head as I walk across the room and open the door.
A genuine smile crosses my face as Jason compliments the way I look. He wraps a hand around my waist, pulling me forward, and places a sweet kiss on my cheek. I wish I had eyes in the back of my head so I could watch Travis steam. I may have been drinking Friday night, but I remember the way Travis looked at Jason as we talked and danced. However, I bet it’s nothing compared to the expression on his face right now.
“Do you want to come in?” I ask, gesturing him inside. “I just need to grab my clutch really quick.”
“Sure.” He steps in, looking around.
I turn and see Travis standing hard like a statue. His jaw is clenched tight, and agitation is written all over his face.
Good.
“Hey, Travis.” Jason nods at him and then looks back at me. Jason stiffens at Travis’s stance. I pinch my lips tight, hiding the delight I feel at Travis’s reaction.
“We should get going,” Jason says. “Our reservation is at seven.” He checks his watch.
“Oh, right. Sure, yeah. Let’s go,” I say, politely, but I’m obviously stalling. Jason isn’t stupid and takes the hint with a smile and a head nod before he walks out. “I’ll meet you in the car,” he says with a wink.
When the car door closes, I shoot daggers at Travis.
“What are you doing, Viola?” he growls. Travis stands his ground and shoves his hands in his pockets. His lips are drawn tight into a line, and his mood darkens, his cold eyes watching me as he waits for an answer. A million unspoken words are exchanged during our little standoff, but I’m not backing down. And I have a feeling he’s not going to either.
“I said,what the fuckyou are doing, Viola?” His volume goes higher, and the tone is even harsher.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” I say. I’m playing the game, but it isn’t an answer he’ll receive because I leave without another word and walk to the car.
I can’t fully make out the emotions in his tone, but it almost sounds bitter and angry and possibly jealous?
He’s not my brother.
We’re not even friends.
Travis said it was my move. Well, move made. I won’t be a pawn in this fucked-up game anymore.
CHAPTERELEVEN