And Michael Crist, son of a real estate developer.
The boys may have shunned the rigidity and expectations of their parents, but they certainly enjoyed the umbrella of their protection.
“Is it good to be back?” Mrs. Crist asked as she cut a piece of salad. “I know it must be hard, being separated at college.”
“It is hard,” Will said mournfully. “But I just call one of the guys when my heart needs a hug.”
I pursed my lips, trying to hide my smile as Damon snorted across the table.
“Actually,” Kai started, leaning back in his chair. “I’m considering transferring to Westgate. I’m bored at Braeburn, and Westgate has a much better swim team, so…”
“Great,” Trevor cut in. “You and Michael can continue your bro-mance now.”
“Aw,” Will cooed, looking over the table at Trevor. “You feeling left out? Come here, Pretty Boy. I’ll show you some attention.” And then he leaned back in his chair, patting his thigh for Trevor to sit in his lap.
I snorted, bowing my head and feeling eyes on me. Probably Trevor’s glare.
I picked up my fork to start eating, ignoring him. Trevor didn’t tolerate Michael’s friends any more than he tolerated his brother.
I looked up, seeing Mrs. Haynes through the doorway to the kitchen holding the house phone and mouthing something to Mrs. Crist.
“Excuse me for a moment.” Mrs. Crist stood, pushed out her chair, and walked past the table, disappearing through the doorway.
As soon as she was gone, Trevor shot out of his chair, and I jerked my eyes up, seeing him scowling at his brother.
“Stay away from her,” he ordered.
I let my eyes fall closed as I tipped my chin down. Embarrassment heated my cheeks, and I could feel everyone’s eyes on me.
Jesus, Trevor.
No one said anything for a few moments, but judging from the silence and lack of movement as I stared at my plate, everyone was waiting for Michael.
“Who?” I finally heard him ask.
And I swallowed, hearing a couple of quiet laughs go off around the table.
“Rika,” Trevor growled. “She’s mine.”
I heard Michael breathe out a laugh, and out of the corner of my eye I saw him push back his chair and stand up. He tossed down his napkin on his plate and grabbed the milk.
“Who?” he asked again.
Will bowed his head, laughing louder this time as his body shook. I looked up, seeing Damon, smiling wide and looking smug.
I wanted to fold into myself and disappear. That stung.
I must’ve been amusing today. A momentary distraction for Michael, and now it was back to being nothing but something to sidestep as we passed each other in the house.
Trevor’s anger radiated, and I stared ahead while they all got up from their chairs, laughing and gloating as they followed Michael out of the dining room.
I wasn’t sure who I was most angry with: Trevor or them. At least I knew what Trevor wanted. He didn’t mind-fuck me.
Trevor sat back down, hard breaths making his chest rise and fall fast.
I pushed my plate away, no longer hungry. “Trevor…” I started, feeling guilty, but I didn’t know what else to do with him. “I’m not yours. I’m not anyone’s.”
“You’d fuck him in a heartbeat if he looked at you twice.”